he was ordered to the cape in august 1796 after the first british occupation to become major-general and commander of the forces in may 1797. he first acted as governor from 21 november 1798 to 9 december 1799 and again from 20 april 1801 to 20 february 1803, when the colony was returned to the batavian republic in accordance with the treaty of amiens signed on 27 march 1802. during his governorship the graaff reinet revolt of 1798 and the third frontier war took place. his administration was seen to be autocratic but fair.