 To this effect, the good doctor placed him with a Solicitor to the Councils where he quickly learned the ropes.In 1731 he then introduced the lad to his friend Pierre de Forcade, at that time First Commissioner of the Colonial Office, who took an immediate liking to him and hired him as a clerk in his office.French colonial affairs fell within the purview of the Ministry of the Marine at that time, since the navy was the only conduit of supplies, defense and communication, this seemed natural enough.