Another trip to Paris in 1802 lessened his fascination for the French and French politics considerably: he became an opponent of Napoleon. Four years later, when his manor was plundered by French troops, he fled to Danzig where he was active as a patriot and freedom fighter. Napoleon's brother Jérôme, located in Kassel, allowed Reichardt to return and named him to Theater Director in 1807.
A subsequent visit to Paris in 1802 significantly diminished his interest in France and its politics, causing him to become an adversary of Napoleon. Four years later, when his estate was pillaged by French troops, he escaped to Danzig, where he actively participated as a patriot and freedom fighter. Napoleon's brother Jérôme, residing in Kassel, permitted Reichardt to return and appointed him Theater Director in 1807.