Former chamberlain at the court of Frederick II of Prussia.

Went to France in hopes of securing passage from there to America (1780). Arrived with his family in North Carolina (1782). Settled in New York City (1784).

Conducted several agricultural experiments on the Minto estate where he lived. Wrote a series of articles in the Gazette of the United States under the name of “Rusticus” on the subject of the abolition of slavery (1790).

Born in Gotha, Germany. Married to — D’Aumont. Married to Charlotte de Bondeli in 1769, whom he divorced in 1779. Married in 1780 to Lady Anne Stuart, daughter of John Stuart, third earl of Bute.