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Fuzy the new mayor as Benowitz resigns from township committee By JOe eMAnsKi Eugene Fuzy, who served as deputy mayor in Bordentown Township last year, was sworn in as mayor on Jan. 7, making Fuzy the first person other than Steve Benowitz to serve in that role since 2017. Committee member Aneka Miller was sworn in as deputy mayor at the committee’s annual reorganization meeting. Miller and committee member Bill Grayson also began three-year terms on the committee last month. Sen. Troy Singleton and Assemblyman Herb Conaway were on hand to administer the oaths of office. Fuzy and Miller stepped up as Benowitz stepped away from the township committee, citing health concerns. Kelly Lozito, a former member of the township’s planning board and environmental commission, was sworn in to take Benowitz’ place at the Jan. 22 committee meeting. Lozito was one of three candidates provided by the Bordentown Township Democratic Committee to succeed Benowitz. The others were Sonya Lopez and Roger Schneider. Lozito is expected to fill the
seat through the end of 2024. The seat will be up for a full three-year term in November’s elections. Fuzy has spent seven years on the committee, five years of which he served as deputy mayor to Benowitz, who was mayor the entire time. Fuzy told the Current that he had been serving on the environmental commission when Benowitz recruited him to run for a seat on the committee. “Steve is going to be missed, that is for sure,” Fuzy said. “Steve always had the township and its residents in the front of his mind all the time.” Fuzy also paid tribute to Benowitz in his Jan. 7 remarks. “Steve Benowitz left some big shoes to fill and will be missed. I wish him a speedy recovery. He was very big on two sentiments about us as local officials and the public. He would say we are the bridges to government, and we need to give transparency. I believe in both.” Benowitz, 78, is a retired school administrator who has lived in Bordentown since 1969. Benowitz served as a member of the township committee from 1979 to 1981 and from 2013 to see MAYOR, Page 4
Customers try out the pour-it-yourself beer taps at Bordentown Square Tap and Grill, which opened in December at the corner of Crosswicks Street and Farnsworth Avenue. (Facebook photo.)
Bordentown Square looks to tap into a cool new vibe By JOe eMAnsKi The owners of Bordentown City’s newest restaurant have clearly been taking notes on the latest and coolest trends in food and hospitality. Bordentown Square Tap and Grill, at the corner of Crosswicks Street and Farnsworth Avenue, has got it all: open spaces, brick walls, cement floors, exposed
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beams and ductwork, tin ceilings, Shaker-style furniture and a pendant-light-lit bar. The eclectic menu seamlessly blends highand low-concept, American and international styles. And that’s before we even get to the wall of self-service craft beer taps. But at a restaurant that has oozed with cool since opening in late December, none of those things is the coolest thing
about B Square, as it has quickly become known. The coolest move owners Chat Whyte, Sam Jobanputra and Dan Byard have made so far was hiring two popular former B-town restaurateurs to be their co-general managers. They would be Gian Belardo, formerly of The Vault Pizzeria, which closed in 2018, and Matt see sQuARe, Page 6
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MAYOR continued from Page 1 my public career, and he was certainly one Dec. 31, 2023. He served as mayor of Bor- of the best if not the best that I’ve had the dentown Township in 2014 and from 2017 opportunity to work for,” Theokas said. to the day he resigned. Theokas said Benowitz was “always “The main thing losing Steve on the available, always helpful and always committee is the historical knowledge,” extremely supportive. He was a really Fuzy told the Current. “Steve’s been in excellent mayor to work with — it was the town since the 60’s. He knows a lot of really collaborative, and that was the way different factors through that time period, he wanted it.” the different people you need to talk to, Theokas hailed Benowitz as a dedithe historical impacts of all that has hap- cated public servant, not just as an elected pened in the township during that time.” official, but also from his time as a school Fuzy said that as mayor, administrator. he will look to help the other “All the things he would members of the committee consistently say in public be recognized for their hard meetings, he truly meant,” work and dedication. Theokas said. “He really “I really want to build out wanted to build a bridge the rest of the committee between government and members, make them feel the public. He really enjoyed empowered and encourbeing out among the conaged,” he said. “My main stituents and helping them hurdle is making sure solve problems. There is no everyone feels appreciated question that the health and and supported.” vitality in the township was Fuzy Fuzy expressed gratitude his number one priority at for the township’s recent all times.” efforts to deploy a new app Theokas said Benowitz and a redesigned website. He said that struck a good balance as mayor between the township’s communication strategy seeing the big picture of today and underwas poor when he took office, and that it standing what the township’s needs were has been a focus of his since first joining going to be in the future. the committee to improve communica“Obviously, he was the mayor that tion with the public. was presiding over the committee that “The township just acquired an app hired me, and has been mayor every year and redid our website completely. Hope- since, so I’m particularly thankful for all fully soon it will be perfectly flawless,” that he’s done for me personally and proFuzy said. “I’m really happy about that. fessionally,” Theokas said. “I count him That wasn’t driven by me, either, which as a friend, certainly as a mentor, and as even made me even happier. It means somebody that, when it comes to servthat people have bought ing the public, someone that into the importance of I aspire to be. A great man, [communication.]” a great public servant, and Along similar lines, Fuzy I’m sure that when he gets revealed that he intends to healthy, he’s still going to hold monthly information be around, and we look forsessions with the public ward to that.” throughout the year. These The Current also meetings are scheduled attempted to contact Steve to take place in February, Benowitz for this story. March, April, May, June, Through Theokas, BenowSeptember, October and itz declined to comment, November at the senior saying he would prefer for Benowitz center, 3 Municipal Drive, the spotlight be on the curBordentown Township. The rent committee members. first session is scheduled for Theokas added that he Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. believes the township is in good hands *** under the direction of Eugene Fuzy and In a phone call with the Current, town- the rest of the committee. ship administrator Michael Theokas also “The committee that’s in place is really paid tribute to Steve Benowitz and his leg- good. They work really cohesively, they acy. Benowitz was mayor when Theokas all have the same commitment to the was hired as administrator, and until this township and the understanding that year, had been the mayor for Theokas’ there’s some complicated things that are entire tenure in Bordentown. going to face us, but there are basic com“Mayor Benowitz was the only mayor I munity needs that we have to focus on,” worked for in the township, but I had the he said. “I look forward to working with privilege of working for several mayors in the new committee and the new mayor.”
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sQuARe continued from Page 1 McElmoyl, formerly of Oliver, a Bistro, which closed in 2019. Foodies throughout the region were disappointed to see both of those popular spots shutter. Belardo told the Current that the partners behind the restaurant approached him about getting involved. Once he learned that McElmoyl was also on board, he said he’d be a fool not to go along. “We’re all a bunch of big foodies. Matt is a chef, he loves to cook, he loves to eat. I love to eat, the [partners] love to go out and eat. We are always at places going, ‘If this was our place, how would be change it, how could we make it better?’” The site of the former Jester’s Café had a lot going for it, Belardo said. “It’s on a very good, popular main street. There’s other restaurants here that bring in other clients. We’ve got that gastropub feel here, we’ve got the vibe of a spot that you want to be a part of, you want to go there. We want that happening-place vibe.” He said in developing the menu, they wanted to put things on the menu that one would not see at other restaurants. “We were looking to step outside of the box, so to speak. One thing would be the Go-Gho cauliflower, which is buttermilk battered cauliflower with spicy Thai chili sauce. We have fried cheese curds, bulgogi chicken lettuce wraps, sweet potato fries with marshmallow dipping sauce.”
Even the burgers are a nod in that direction, Belardo said. “We’ve got our bacon jam burger with brie cheese, fried egg on top and bacon jam instead of bacon. Or our Triple S burger with kimchi, bacon, sambal sauce — it’s the only one of its kind around. People will come for that. They will come for our coconut curry shrimp tacos, our short rib tacos. You can get a bacon cheeseburger at any other restaurant. We don’t want to have that regular stuff.” McElmoyl brought with him a number of fan favorite recipes from Oliver, including steak frites, sea scallops and shrimp and grits, all of which are on the B Square menu. B Square chef Dante Foggy has also added his own flair to the menu with items like pan-seared jerk salmon with pineapple salsa, collard greens and roast potatoes. Also on the menu are soups and salads, quinoa jars, three kinds of tacos, a variety of sandwiches and daily specials. Other entrées include filet mignon, crab cakes, Cajun Alfredo shrimp and pasta, 14-ounce pork chop and Mediterranean vegetable kabobs. Alas, there is no pizza on the menu. Belardo said they looked for a way to incorporate wood-fired pizza like he served at The Vault, but there was no room in the kitchen for the oven. However, he said that is involved in a project with B Square
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ownership to open another bar restaurant in the town of Columbus, one that will feature wood-fired pizzas as well as sandwiches and burgers — “upscale, artisan pizza, kind of like the stuff I was doing at The Vault,” Belardo said. That restaurant, to be located in a restored firehouse, will also have a beer wall, and is set to open in the not too distant future. *** Right, the beer wall. There’s plenty of novelty in Bordentown Square’s menu, but the most novel thing at the restaurant is surely the wall of selfservice craft beer taps at the center of everything. “Our biggest attraction would be the beer wall,” Belardo admitted. “It’s like a frozen yogurt bar for adults, where you can get a card and pour your own beer.” The beer, largely sourced from New Jersey craft breweries, is sold by the ounce. The idea is something along the lines of try-before-you-buy. “You don’t need to pour a full 16-ounce beer. You can pour a few ounces and give it a shot. If you like it, you can pour yourself a full beer,” Belardo said. “Myself, I’m a dark beer fan, but I don’t always know if I’ll like something before I try it. Sometimes if you order a beer and you don’t like it, you’re stuck with it. Here, if you don’t like it, you can move on from it and try some-
Left and center: short rib mac and cheese and go-gho cauliflower from Bordentown Square Tap and Grill. Right: the bar at Bordentown Square. (Facebook photos.) thing else.” On the day the Current visited, there were beers on tap from Icarus Brewing, Brix City, Last Wave, Conclave, Bolero Snort, Kane, Twin Elephant, Czig Meister, New Jersey Brewing Company, Magnity and Tonewood. There are a number of wines on tap as well. And of course, there are mass market beers as well as a cocktail program with bespoke mixed drinks with locally inspired names like The Farnsworth, The Kirkbride, The Patriot and Bourbon
Bonaparte. Customers are welcome to finish off their meals with dessert choices that include beignets and a cobbler du jour. “Everyone is excited about the whole project here,” Belardo said. “The feedback has been positive. Me and Matt have the background here in Bordentown, people know the products that we can put on the table. The town is just happy that me and Matt are back and this corner spot is back open once again. We had regular clientele, we were both in the kitchen. I made my
bones on the pizza oven, Matt over a stove, people saw that and they appreciated it — we like to put forth a good product.” Bordentown Square Tap and Grill, 233 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown. Web: bordentownsquare.com. Phone: (609) 669-6036. Hours: open Monday through Thursday, 11 to 11; Friday and Saturday from 11 to midnight; and Sunday from 11 to 10.
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SPORTS
DaCosta focused on helping Scotties’ basketball thrive By Justin Feil Andrew DaCosta’s evolution on the basketball court into a confident leader has a lot to do with what he has done off the court. After starting for the Bordentown Regional High boys basketball team as a sophomore, DaCosta began practicing meditation in his training regimen. The Scotties senior guard/forward felt good about his physical workouts that had helped him improve, and wanted to work on the mental side as well. “I added meditating around my AAU games because I wanted to add more confidence to my game, and I wanted to be able to focus more on my game,” DaCosta said. “I wasn’t as confident or focused going into my games. I would sometimes get a little distracted, or I wouldn’t be able to focus on being the best player I could be. “By meditating I was able to add a little more focus to my game, I was able to establish what I want. I was able to truly relax my nerves and go into games prepared.” DaCosta is in the midst of another good season for the Scotties, who were 5-8 at the midpoint of the season, sitting
only one game behind Burlington Township for the top of the Burlington County Scholastic League Patriot Division. One of three returning starters, DaCosta has raised his teamleading scoring average to 16.2 points per game after averaging 15.8 points per game in a breakout junior year. “I feel like we haven’t reached our full potential yet,” DaCosta said. “I feel like we’re still putting the pieces together, still learning, still growing each game as we move forward throughout the season.” DaCosta has taken on a bigger leadership role in his final season at Bordentown, and assumed the responsibilities of a three-year starter and experienced player while trying to more broadly impact the team. Meditation helps him deal with the pressures of the season. He typically finds more time to meditate before home games, but also frequently makes time to meditate before going to bed. “That’s something I find peaceful before games, after games, anytime that I’m truly bored I usually use that time to rest my mind and apply more focus to my game and apply more focus to everything in life
Andrew DaCosta averaged 16.2 points through Bordentown’s first 13 games this season. as well,” said DaCosta. DaCosta is also an avid reader in his spare time, which brings him a peacefulness and takes
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his mind off basketball. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he also took up cooking, and has found enjoyment in experimenting
with different styles and preparing meals for his parents. “Baked ziti is my best dish,” DaCosta said. “I’m able to use multiple cheeses and multiple pastas to make up a good pasta.” Just as he has advanced in other parts of his life, DaCosta has seen steady growth on the basketball court thanks to his efforts. Adding meditation just augmented his development. “I was able to gain more confidence for sure because I was able to relax my nerves and gain a little more focus as well,” DaCosta said. “I was able to get on the court and apply everything that I’ve learned to the game. I’ll say focus and confidence were the two main things I was able to add to my game from meditation.” His game reflects his improvements. His scoring has risen each season. He also brings rebounding and defense to the Scotties along with his vocal leadership. DaCosta wasn’t shy about speaking up as a junior, but has taken another step forward this season. That’s something that second-year head coach Steve Perry appreciates out of DaCosta. He’s been reliable in every area of the game. “First of all, he’s a great
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leader,” Perry said. “He’s always encouraging guys, even if he’s on the bench taking a break. He holds guys accountable. He’s vocal. That’s important first and foremost. He’s our leading scorer, he’s also our leading rebounder, he blocks shots, he’s a good defender, and he’s got a high basketball IQ. So all those things make for a really good basketball player.” Perry has been coaching in the program for 13 years, and he has seen DaCosta’s development in the midst of recent coaching transitions in the program. DaCosta’s growth has been noticeable to the longtime coach. “I think it was a little bit tough for him, even coming into last year,” Perry said. “I was actually the third head coach that he would have played for. There were a lot of changes. He’s always been vocal and held guys accountable, including himself. “His confidence though has really rocketed over the last couple of years. How vocal he is, not just in terms of being a leader, but we talk about defense is about communication and things like that. He’s vocal on the court and his basketball IQ has gotten much better as well.” DaCosta looks at the coaching changes in a positive light. Each coach was demanding and shared different insights that helped him develop. And older teammates pushed him to improve, and he embraced the chance to grow off the court. He’s a far more advanced player now as a senior than when he came into Bordentown. “I feel like it mainly has been with my confidence,” said DaCosta. “As a freshman I wasn’t really prepared, I was coming in not knowing much. I was getting very little minutes on varsity. Going throughout the years, I began to gain confidence and began to be able to work with my teammates and be able to work on my game. I felt like that helped me grow my scoring, my defensive ability, my rebounding, all these essential factors that helped improve my game.” DaCosta isn’t done growing yet. He is hoping to continue his career in college, where he would slide to his more natural guard position after playing one of the bigger spots for Bordentown. That would enable him to put more attention into his guard playmaking. DaCosta has shown his versatility in scoring and defending regardless of who he’s up against in high school games. “He’s a three-level scorer,” Perry said. “He can get to the rim, he has a nice midrange shot and he can certainly shoot
behind the arc. He’s also sneaky long. Once he gets up to the rim, he has a way of finishing around the rim that I think surprises people. He’s only 6-2, or 6-2½ so I think he surprises people, but he gets off the ground really well. That certainly helps with his scoring abilities.” DaCosta came into Bordentown more of a driving threat, but he worked at his outside shot to be a more complete player. Scoring is an important part of what he brings, but he sees the value of being a leader this year as equally big. He’s hoping that he can guide the Scotties to be more consistent over the second half of the season. “I feel like my overall presence in leadership ways — being able to be vocal, it can help bring more energy to the team,” DaCosta said. “If I always remain vocal and try to teach my teammates more and try to boost our overall confidence, I feel like that can help us a lot. If I can remain vocal and remain supportive of my teammates, we can all do better. Me just trying to work alongside my teammates, not try to be selfish, not try to do my own thing, but mainly work as one helps. If we all move well on the court and be one team, that can be important to our success.” After starting 2-2, including a narrow three-point loss to Burlington Township, the Scotties lost three straight thought they were competitive in a pair of losses by a total of five points. Wins over Northern Burlington, Burlington City and Doane Academy around strong efforts in losses to Trenton Catholic and Holy Cross gave Bordentown confidence that they can play with anyone and push for a division crown. “A couple essential factors that I think could play a role in more success for us is our rebounding and our defense,” said DaCosta. “I feel like if we can improve our rebounding and boxing out that can definitely add a couple more wins and definitely help us beat Township. There’s defensive factors as well. If we can stop the ball and allow fewer paint touches, allow fewer easier buckets, that can definitely influence the game as well. If we’re a little more aggressive going into these games, we’ll definitely get a lot more wins. Sometimes we go into the games up at half, and if we’re able to close out a couple more of these games with a lot more focus in these games we can definitely have more success, especially against Burlington Township, a team we know we can beat, that we were so close to beating as well.”
‘Focus and confidence were the two main things meditation added to my game.’
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And please, for them, stay home and safe.
or dancing, find activities you enjoy. are associated with weight gain and an Regular movement not only helps with increased risk of heart issues. Establish a weight management but also enhances relaxing bedtime routine to improve your cardiovascular fitness. sleep quality. People find it hard to incorporate 30 Watch portion sizes: Be mindful of Seeminutes our ads in of exercise into their routine portion sizes to prevent overeating. Use SIX09 section regularly; one way of accomplishing smaller plates, listen to your body’s hunger pgsthis 5 and is by7going for a quick cues, and avoid going back Obesity isn’t just about appearance— 10-minute walk after your for seconds. This small shift it significantly impacts heart health. meals (breakfast, lunch can make a big difference in Below RWJ-104 are some helpful simple steps to and dinner). Incorporating controlling calorie intake. Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM help keep your heart in top shape from that 30-minute time into Know Your Numbers: Jasmeet Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine, breaks helps those with busy Stay informed about your RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, schedules. health metrics. Regularly affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson Hydration matters: check your blood pressure, University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an Drink plenty of water cholesterol levels, and blood RWJBarnabas Health facility. throughout the day. sugar. Understanding these Mindful eating: Kickstart your heartStaying hydrated supports numbers empowers you to healthy journey by adopting mindful eating overall health and aids in take proactive steps toward habits. Chose nutrient-dense foods, limit maintaining a healthy weight. heart health. Dr. Jasmeet Mehta processed items, and savor your meals. Chose water over sugary Schedule a routine A colorful plate filled with fruits, veggies, beverages to cut down on physical with your Primary lean proteins, and whole grains can be both unnecessary calories. Ideal care provider to stay on top delicious and beneficial for your heart. water intake—half of your body weight in of your health. Hypertension, Diabetes, Move more, sit less: Incorporate oz. If you weigh 150 pounds, you should be Hyperlipidemia and Obesity are all physical activity into your daily routine. drinking 75 oz of water daily. significant risk factors contributing to Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderateSleep well: Quality sleep is a friend increased cardiovascular mortality. intensity exercise per week. to your heart. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful Social support: Share your health Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, sleep per night. Poor sleep patterns journey with friends or family. Having a support system can make lifestyle changes more enjoyable and sustainable. Consider joining fitness classes or walking groups to stay motivated. Manage stress: Multiple studies have shown the impact of mental health on your physical health. Positive psychological wellbeing can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Chronic stress can impact your heart. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine. Finding healthy outlets for stress can contribute to both mental and cardiovascular well-being. Journaling and writing your thoughts are another great way of managing stress. Seek help of your primary care physician in treatment of your chronic anxiety or depression. Limit screen time: Reduce sedentary behavior by limiting screen time, especially for activities like binge-watching TV shows or extended periods of computer use.
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Take breaks to stretch and move around, promoting better heart health. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, or better eating habits, acknowledging your successes can keep you motivated on your heart-healthy journey. “It’s the small, consistent changes that lead to lasting results”, says Dr. Mehta, “by adopting these consumer-friendly steps, you’re not just preventing obesity but actively nurturing your heart for a healthier and happier life.” For more information about Dr. Mehta or to make an appointment at her office at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ, please call (609) 245-7389. Visit rwjbh.org/ heart for more information.
Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton
For more information, call (609) 5845900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/events.
Wednesday, february 7
Heart Matters-Prioritize Your Cardiovascular Health. 1–2 p.m. Introducing our “Monthly Health Focus” open to all and dedicated to helping you prevent, identify illness early, know your treatment options, and live your best life with the knowledge to do so. At RWJ Barnabas Health we believe we are Better Together and this month Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, A-GNP-C, Director of Disease Management and Stroke Coordinator for this informational session about heart disease.
monday, february 12
Dinner With A Doctor: Disparities in Women’s Heart Health. 6-7:30 p.m. Over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Women and their symptoms are often undertreated when compared to men. Marie Bernardo, MD, FACC, from Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will teach you the facts, so you can help take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need needed. Dinner provided.
Thursday, february 22
Heart & Soul: Slide Into Better Health. 6–8 p.m. Line Dancing & Live DJ, Zumba, Refreshments, Health Screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, Heart Health Resources. $5 per person (collected at the door).
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10 Bordentown Current | Februar y 2024
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A visit from a one-eyed Hessian third weeks of December, a large portion of the Hessian brigade occupied BURLINGTON HISTORY Bordentown, including the Minnigerode grenadier battalion and Col. Donop himself. Many know of Bordentown’s role As a Jäger captain, Ewald was during the American Revolution. often sent on horseback to patrol the The town was the home of several countryside and would then return to Revolutionaries of the age ranging from report. It appears on Dec. 16 during men of state and letters to soldiers and some down time, he ventured into the spies. house of Hopkinson. The town itself came under fire at Exactly what followed is unknown. least three times, the first of which came But picking through the delegate’s during those dark, uncertain weeks at library, the Hessian apparently grabbed the end of 1776. This was the time that a copy of William Smith’s Discourses tried men’s souls, when the Cause looked on Public Occasions in America. For like a ruinous venture, and the days were his amusement, according to the being counted until the inevitable defeat account given by Oliver Hopkinson, the of General George Washington’s tattered grandson, Ewald wrote on the book’s army came to pass. fly leaf: “I Ewald, plundered on the 16th Most patriotic residents had fled Dec., 1776, at Bordentown.” town by Dec. 9. Washington’s army had The book had been a gift from its crossed the Delaware River from Trenton author in November 1764 and endorsed and was busy assessing their next move, by Smith himself. At some point, finding solace in very little. Detachments the book was returned, and Francis foraged and established posts at the ferry Hopkinson completed the passage landings while others secured every boat with, “This Book was taken from my and object that floated to prevent them Library by a Hessian Captain, when falling into the wrong hands. the Hessian Troops were in possession From the Pennsylvania riverside, of Bordentown, in the year 1776, and Americans spied the foreign visitors now was afterwards given to a person in filing into Bordentown. These were those Philadelphia, who returned it to me, F.H.” German mercenaries whose reputations *** proceeded them so resoundingly that The next part of this story needs Americans convinced themselves scrutiny. According to Woodward’s the Hessians were not humans, but history, Ewald had written the following monsters. among the Hopkinson coat of arms Despite having lost an eye in a (printed within the book’s contents): drunken duel with a fellow officer, “The author of this book I had the Captain Johann Ewald took offense to happiness to become acquainted with on such labels. the 24th September, near Philadelphia, In command of the second company where he possessed a fine country seat. of the Jägers (imagine the Green Berets He is rector of the university of the city.” of the German army), Ewald arrived in Then, below the coat of arms, Ewald America in October, saw action at White finished, “This man [Hopkinson] was one Plains and Fort Washington, and was of the greatest rebels, but considering his now part of Colonel Carl von Donop’s carefully selected library, mechanical and brigade that sought to occupy northern mathematical instruments, I concluded Burlington County. Reading Ewald’s he must also have been a very learned wartime diary (which I recommend) is a man.”1 Ewald had not yet landed in America pleasure. on Sept. 24, 1776. However, he did meet *** William Smith. Ewald’s journal entry for As thorough as it is, one incident Oct. 3, 1777 finds the two sharing a late is conspicuously absent: that time afternoon walk through Smith’s property he notarized a book belonging to in Philadelphia. Bordentown’s own Francis Hopkinson. Ewald’s detachment was enjoying While not found in Ewald’s diary, the several days rest posted there. incident is found within Major E.M. Admitting his loyalties lay with America, Woodward’s voluminous 1883 A History according to Ewald, Smith said, “You of Burlington County, New Jersey. have shown me that humanity which Hopkinson, then part of the Continental each soldier should not lose sight of. Congress, was not home. You have protected my property. I will Over the course of the second and
Adam Zielinski
show you that I am grateful. You stand in a corps which is hourly threatened by the danger of the first attack when the enemy approaches. Friend, God bless your person! The success of your arms I cannot wish.—Friend! General Washington has marched up to [Norristown] today! —Adieu! Adieu!”2 Ewald admits it took him a moment to process what was told to him; he promptly returned to headquarters to pass along the information. This turned out to be the first intelligence the British army received about Washington’s position. The following day, the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Germantown. Quite remarkable that this short, seemingly harmless conversation may have alerted the British to Washington’s pending attack the next morning. So it’s plausible Capt. Ewald and Mr. Smith did meet on Sept. 24 in 1777. One might speculate that Ewald, upon meeting him, handed over the book he stole from Hopkinson’s library. It’s not unlikely that the brief
camaraderie the two shared played a role. Perhaps the officer finished reading it in his spare time and no longer desired to lug it around? Or perhaps he returned the book as a thank you for the small piece of critical intelligence? My guess is the book found its way back to Hopkinson from these days Ewald’s Jägers occupied Smith’s house. And despite remaining enemies, the haphazard trust Smith endured with Ewald shows that the Hessian Ewald, who alternated between wearing an eye patch and a glass eye, was no monster after all. Adam Zielinski is president of the Rev War Alliance of Burlington County.
1. Major E.M. Woodward, History of Burlington County, New Jersey, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Philadelphia, 1883, 461-62. 2. Joseph P. Tustin; Captain Johann Ewald, Diary of the American War: A Hessian Journal, Yale University Press, 1979, 92.
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Februar y 2024| Bordentown Current11
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