Benjamin Franklin was aware that he was dying in 1790. He was cared for by his daughter, Sara Franklin Bache. One evening a knock came at the door. A messenger carried a letter from President George Washington.

Sara answered the door and announced the arrival of the message. Benjamin Franklin, who was by now half blind, said: “Sally (as he called his daughter) please read me the missive.”

She opened the note and this is what she read:

“If to be venerated for benevolence, if to be admired for talents, if to be esteemed for patriotism, if to be beloved for philanthropy, can gratify the human mind, you have the pleasing consolation to know that you have not lived in vain.”

What a kind and generous greeting from the President! And true!