Van Twiller was a relative of Mr. Van Rensselaer, one of the principal directors of the company, and whose descendants have been extensive landholders in America. It was this relationship that secured him his appointment, he having been previously but a clerk for the company. In person he is described as close-jointed, short, and exceedingly corpulent. As some one has said, "He looked as if Dame Nature had designed him for a giant, but changed her mind." His administration was marked by the rebuilding of the fort on a greatly enlarged scale; by the purchase from the Indians of "Nut" (now Governor''s) Island; also two in the East river above Hurl Gate, now known as Ward''s and Randall''s Islands. Everardus Bogardus, the first clergyman of Manhattan whose name has come down to us, is believed to have come over in the ship with the Governor. During this reign the first church edifice was erected. It was a wooden structure, and stood on Pearl street, near Broad. Adam Roelandsen, the first schoolmaster, was introduced about the same time. The town was but a hamlet of thatched buildings at that period. Hundreds of painted savages still roamed over the island, pursuing game through the tangled woodlands, and grew their vegetables in its mellow deposits. A steady trade with them was continued, in which they exchanged their furs and vegetables, receiving too often gin, rum, or glass beads in return. Indeed, one has well said, "The kind-hearted Dutchmen had conceived a great friendship for their savage neighbors, on account of their being pleasant men to trade with, and little skilled in the art of making a bargain."