on the conclusion of the treaty of küçük kaynarca (1774) the field marshal recommended him to catherine ii, and she appointed him in 1775 her petition-secretary. he thus had the opportunity of impressing the empress with his brilliant gifts, the most remarkable of which were exquisite manners, a marvellous memory and a clear and pregnant style. at the same time he set to work to acquire the principal european languages, especially french, of which he became a master.