Kruse, Karl (also Carl) Julius Hermann Friedrich Freiherr von

Privy Councillor, President of the Court Chamber, President of the Government

Born: 22.11.1737 in Eichelsachsen (district of Schotten)

died: 09.03.1806 in Wiesbaden

Kruse studied law and political science and then entered the service of Hesse-Darmstadt. He was already a privy councillor at the age of 31. In December 1768, Karl Prince of Nassau-Usingen was able to recruit him for his government and in January 1769 Kruse became director of the government in Wiesbaden. He had his residence in Biebrich Palace, as he was obliged to stay at the prince's court all the time.

During his time in the service of Nassau (1769-1803), he gained general recognition and rendered great services to the state and the princely house: in 1769 he made proposals for improving the financial and cameral system, in 1770 he presented plans for improving the chancellery regulations and in 1775 he drew up an economic plan for the principality. From 1770, he was President of the Princely Nassau-Usingian Court Chamber and Government President in Wiesbaden and held the title "President".

Kruse enjoyed the unconditional trust of the Prince and his successor Karl Wilhelm Prince of Nassau-Usingen. He also acted as an advisor to both in private matters. Kruse played a decisive role in the negotiations between the Walram and Ottonian lines of the Nassau dynasty, which led to the conclusion of the Nassau Inheritance Treaty of 1783. Kruse represented the interests of Nassau-Usingen at the Rastatt Congress (1797-99) and at the imperial peace negotiations in October 1801. He succeeded in ensuring that the House of Nassau-Usingen received rich compensation for the loss of its possessions on the left bank of the Rhine as a result of the Imperial Deputation of 1803, which increased Nassau's ancestral lands by more than half.

After the death of Prince Karl Wilhelm, Kruse retired in 1803 and devoted himself to agricultural studies on his estate on the Geisberg near Wiesbaden. Kruse, father of General August Heinrich Ernst von Kruse, was also active as a writer.