Author and statesman.

Shortly after finishing his studies at the University of Leipzig, went to France as the tutor of the children of the comte du Schomberg.

Met and befriended Rousseau (c. 1749). Member of the literary and social circle of Diderot, d’Holbach, and Madame d’Epinay, among others.

Corresponded with several foreign rulers including the Russian Empress Catherine, the Queen of Sweden, and the King of Poland. Named Minister Plenipotentiary of Sachsen- Gotha to Versailles (1776).

Published a version of “The Elysian Fields” in the April 1780 edition of the Correspondance littéraire, of which he was the principal author.

Born in Ratisbonne.