Son of a prominent peninsular politician, he studied in Spain and had a military education, serving in several Spanish campaigns, such as in Italy and France.

As his social work, he tried to group artisans in trade unions, mimicking the European system.

He open the "Casa Cuna" or "Hospital de expósitos", with the purpose of giving shelter to homeless children.

[2] He played an important role in the repression of the uprising of Túpac Amaru II in Peru.

In 1784 he asked to return to Spain, leaving the viceroyalty and giving it to his successor Nicolás del Campo.