He gave up his army career in 1774[3] and married Henriette Élisabeth von Thurn und Taxis in Saint-Max on 12 November 1778 and had three children.

In September 1792, he was elected lieutenant colonel commanding the Lombards battalion, took part in the Argonne campaign[9] then followed Durnouriez in Belgium.

When the Belgian Primary Assemblies were convened concerning the decision to attach Belgium to France, he went to Ghent on 22 February 1793 to assist the Commissioner Courtois.

[12][note 1] Dismissed for a first time by Duhem and Lesage-Senault because of a dispute with the general Lamarlière, he was imprisoned for indiscipline.

But on 9 December 1793 Bourdon de l'Oise criticized him before the National Convention for marrying a German emigrated princess and for denouncing patriots.