He returned to Quebec City in 1787, where he was unsuccessful in establishing himself as a merchant, and moved to Saint-Denis on the Richelieu River in 1790 where he became a farmer. He later articled as a notary and qualified to practice in 1805.
After failing as a merchant in Quebec City in 1787, he relocated to Saint-Denis on the Richelieu River in 1790 and began farming. Later, he became a notary and was licensed to practice law in 1805.