THEODORE TRONCHIN 1 85 



dinners to small companies of congenial and witty persons of education. 

 His correspondence covered a wide range of subjects — from family 

 letters telling of the presentation of Mme. du Barry, and commenting 

 on the political and social ambitions and intrigues involved in its accom- 

 plishment, to serious discourses on the problems of life and government, 

 which were looming ahead for all thinking men. 



Blessed with his happy combination of integrity and graciousness 

 he was at the same time respected and popular among the extravagant 

 and frivolous society in which his lot was cast. He died in 1781. His 

 funeral was honored by the grief and presence of noble friends, while 

 the poor stood in crowds weeping before the door. 



