He was constantly troubled by the erosion of his hopes, and those of his friends, in the positive power of the revolution, and devoted much energy and resource to charitable and humanitarian ventures. A devout protestant, he backed a bible society and the protestant minority more generally, committing resources to the education and welfare of the poor. Meanwhile he took a lively interest in events back in his homeland. Prussia was under sustained attack from the French revolutionary armies. After Napoleon's successful power grab in 1799 the French military machine became increasingly effective. In 1806 the Prussian government would be forced to abandon Berlin. The king took refuge in East Prussia. Meanwhile, in Paris von Schlabrendorf spent generously to improve the conditions of compatriots who had been taken prisoners of war by French troops. In 1803 he received an "invitation" from the Prussian government to return "home" to Silesia, since he was Silesian vassal [of the King of Prussia]. When he failed to comply he was threatened with confiscation of his substantial Silesian landholdings. The confiscation was then formally enacted, on 7 September 1803, by means of a confiscation decree enacted by the Silesian authorities, based at this stage in Glogau on account of the disruption caused by the war. Wilhelm von Humboldt's diaries report that throughout this time he paid close attention to current issues and developments, engaging constantly in intense political discussions, providing inspiration, and endlessly displaying to friends and visitors alike a singular flair for finding unexpected counter-arguments.