Donck's character and actions were important to the development of the American spirit and he labeled Donck as a "forgotten American patriot." The author J. van den Hout, in his book Adriaen van der Donck: A Dutch Rebel in Seventeenth Century America, stated that, "At best, he (van der Donck) has been labeled a hero, a visionary, and a spokesman for the people. At worst he has been branded arrogant and selfish, thinking only of his own ambitions. Notes References SourcesFurther reading' External links Biography from the New Netherland Institute 1618 births 1650s deaths People from Breda People of New Netherland 17th-century Dutch lawyers 17th-century American lawyers American people of Dutch descent Leiden University alumni