112 STATEN ISLAND INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 
commanders in a council of war he was confirmed in these respon- 
sible positions. 
From the third entry we learn that he was held in high esteem 
by the authorities at Fort Willem Hendrick, who looked to him 
to inform them of the coming of the Dutch and the English fleets. 
I think it may be affirmed therefore that Pierre Billiou was not 
only the pioneer in the permanent settlement of Staten Island, but 
that he was also the prop of its inhabitants and of the governments 
under which he served. That accordingly his name should be 
held in reverence by all who have followed him and who have 
entered into the field of his labors. 
