Hamburg merchant.

Moved to Hamburg with his parents (1756) and trained in his father’s firm. Partner (1760). Specialized in wholesale grain trade with Baltic states; also traded with the United States. United States vice-consul (1790-93) and consul (1793-96) at Hamburg.

Friend of the marquis de Lafayette and Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand.

Son of George and Isabella (Smith) Parish of Scotland. Married Henriette Tod in 1786; nine children.