Prior to his time with the PFC, Pillet gained fluency in the Cree language, implying previous experience in the fur trade.
In August 1810, Pillet joined the group of trappers organized by McKay that was bound from Montreal to New York City.
After sailing around Cape Horn and visiting the Kingdom of Hawaii, the ship reached the Columbia River in March 1811.
After the ship's commander Jonathan Thorn insulted an elder Tla-o-qui-aht man by slapping him in the face with a beaver pelt, the Tonquin was destroyed.
The only known survivor of the crew was the Quinault interpreter Joseachal, who arrived back at Fort Astoria through assistance of prominent Lower Chinookan noble Comcomly.