1. From whence is it said the Gypsies first came?
2. How many is it supposed there are in England?
3. What is your circuit in summer?
4. How many Gypsey families are supposed to be in it?
5. What are the names of them?
6. Have they any meetings with those of other circuits?
7. And for what purpose?
8. What number of Gypsies are there computed to be in the county?
9. What proportion of their number follow business, and what kind?
10. What do they bring their children up to?
11. What do the women employ themselves in?
12. From how many generations can they trace their descent?
13. Have they kept to one part of the country, or removed to distant parts?
14. How long have they lived in this part?
15. Have they any speech of their own, different to that used by other people?
16. What do they call it? Can any one write it?
17. Is there any writing of it to be seen any where?
18. Have they any rules of conduct which are general to their community?
19. What religion do they mostly profess?
20. Do they marry, and in what manner?
21. How do they teach their children religion?
22. Do any of them learn to read?
23. Who teaches them?
24. Have they any houses to go to in winter?
25. What proportion of them, is it supposed, live out of doors in winter, as in summer?
5thMonth, 16th, 1815.
Received from the Counties of England,are comprised in the following general Answers to the Queries of the Circular.
1. All Gypsies suppose the first of them came from Egypt.
2. They cannot form any idea of the number in England.
3. The Gypsies of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, parts of Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, and Huntingdonshire, are continually making revolutions within the range of those counties.
4. They are either ignorant of the number of Gypsies in the counties through which they travel, or unwilling to disclose their knowledge.
5. The most common names are Smith, Cooper, Draper, Taylor, Bosswel, Lee, Lovell, Loversedge, Allen, Mansfield, Glover, Williams, Carew, Martin, Stanley, Buckley, Plunkett, Corrie.
6 & 7. The gangs in different towns have not any regular connection, or organization;but those who take up their winter quarters in the same city or town, appear to have some knowledge of the different routes each horde will pursue; probably with a design to prevent interference.
8. In the county of Herts, it is computed there may be sixty families, having many children. Whether they are quite so numerous in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire, the answers are not sufficiently definite to determine. In Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Dorsetshire, greater numbers are calculated upon. In various counties, the attention has not been competent to procuring data for any estimate of families, or individuals.
9. More than half their number follow no business; others are dealers in horses and asses; farriers, smiths, tinkers, braziers, grinders of cutlery, basket-makers, chair-bottomers, and musicians.
10. Children are brought up in the habits of their parents, particularly to music and dancing, and are of dissolute conduct.
11. The women mostly carry baskets with trinkets and small wares; and tell fortunes.
12. Too indolent to have acquired accounts of genealogy, and perhaps indisposed to it by the irregularity of their habits.
13. In most counties there are particular situations to which they are partial. In Berkshire is a marsh, near Newbury, much frequented by them; and Dr. Clarke states, that in Cambridgeshire, their principal rendezvous is near the western villages.
14. It cannot be ascertained, whether from their first coming into the nation, attachment to particular places has prevailed.
15, 16, & 17. When among strangers, they elude inquiries respecting their peculiar language, calling it gibberish. Don’t know of any person that can write it, or of any written specimen of it.
18. Their habits and customs in all places are peculiar.
19. Those who profess any religion, represent it to be that of the country in which they reside: but their description of it, seldom goesbeyond repeating the Lord’s prayer; and only a few of them are capable of that. Instances of their attending any place for warship are very rare.
20. They marry for the most part by pledging to each other, without any ceremony. A few exceptions have occurred when money was plentiful.
21. They do not teach their children religion.
22 & 23. Notonein athousandcan read.
24 & 25. Some go into lodgings in London, Cambridge, &c. during winter; but it is calculated three-fourths of them live out of doors in winter, as in summer.
Most of the answers are confirmed by Riley Smith, who, during many years, was accounted the chief of the Gypsies in Northamptonshire. He being much in request by some of the principal inhabitants of that county, as a musician, had the address to marry the cook out of one of their families, and afterward obtained a farm near Bedford; but being unsuccessful in agriculture, he returned to his former occupation.John Forster and William Carrington, respectable merchants of Biggleswade, and neighbours to Riley Smith, procured answers from him to all the queries in the Circular; but they cannot be made the basis of any calculation of the number of Gypsies in the nation.
It has not come to the knowledge of the writer, what foundation there has been for the report commonly circulated, that a Member of Parliament had stated to the House of Commons, when speaking to some question relating to Ireland; that there were not less than 36,000 Gypsies in Great Britain.
To make up such an aggregate, the numerous hordes must have been included, who traverse most of the nation with carts and asses, for the sale of earthenware, and live out of doors great part of the year, after the manner of the Gypsies.—These potters, as they are commonly called, acknowledge that Gypsies have intermingled with them, and their habits are very similar. They take their children along with them on travel, and, like the Gypsies, regret that they are without education.
It has already appeared in Baillie Smith’s report, that the Gypsies in Scotland, of late years, have had recourse to a similar occupation in the sale of earthenware, which, as they mostly attend fairs, is a mode of life remarkably adapted to their inclination.
Some pains have been taken among the potteries in Staffordshire, to procure information of the number of families of this description, which annually apply to purchase the refuse of their wares; but no return has been made.
The application to the Sheriffs of Scotland, procured from the counties prompt and decisive reports; and it is not probable that any measure, short of an order to the constables of every township, to take an account on the same day, throughout England, would be sufficient for ascertaining Gypsey population.
For this purpose a patrole might be necessary, on one and the same day, in each township, particularly in lanes and situations shaded in summer. If notice of the requisition were to be communicated to constables, a few days before, with directions not to disclose the object,further than the necessary provision for it required; it is probable, that a sufficiently correct estimate might be formed, of the aggregate number in the nation.
Such an account might extend also to the itinerant potters, and the number of their children: or if the potters take out a Hawker’s and Pedlar’s licence, a return of their numbers might be obtained from the proper office. There is reason to think that many of these dealers have acquired property, who, nevertheless take lodgings for the winter, instead of renting houses; whereby they, equally with Gypsies, evade all contributions to the service of the State, and parochial assessments.
On this subject, the writer is reminded of what has often occurred to him, when inspecting a low description of lodging-houses in the populous town of Sheffield, of which he is an inhabitant. Finding it difficult to obtain from the keepers of such houses, sufficient information respecting their guests; he has thought, that obliging all who lodge itinerants to take out a licence, would, by rendering them amenableto just authority, obviate this difficulty; and put it in the power of those respectable inhabitants, who wish the regulation of these receptacles, to exercise just discrimination, without infringing upon the liberty of the subject. He has reason to believe, if this were effected, it would operate as a considerable check on vagrancy, and save much trouble to magistrates.
Present state of the Gypsies in and about London.
In the autumn of 1815, the author made a journey to London, in order to obtain information respecting the Gypsies in its vicinity.
The first account he received of the education of any of them, was from Thomas Howard, proprietor of a glass and china shop, No. 50, Fetter-lane, Fleet-street. This person, who preached among the Calvinists, said, that in the winter of 1811, he had assisted in the establishment of a Sunday School in Windmill-street, Acre-lane, near Clapham. It was under the patronage of a single gentlewoman, of the name of Wilkinson, and principally intended for the neglected and forlorn children of brick-makers, and the most abject of the poor. It was begun on a small scale, but increased till the number of scholars amounted to forty.
During the winter, a family of Gypsies, of the name of Cooper, obtained lodgings at a house opposite the school. Trinity Cooper, a daughter of this Gypsey family, who was about thirteen years of age, applied to be instructed at the school; but, in consequence of the obloquy affixed to that description of persons, she was repeatedly refused. She nevertheless persevered in her importunity, till she obtained admission for herself, and two of her brothers.
Thomas Howard says, that, surrounded as he was by ragged children, without shoes and stockings, the first lesson he taught them was silence and submission.—They acquired habits of subordination, became tractable and docile; and, of all his scholars, there were not any more attentive and affectionate than these; and when the Gypsies broke up house in the spring, to make their usual excursions, the children expressed much regret at leaving the school.
This account was confirmed by Thomas Jackson, of Brixton-row, minister of Stockwell Chapel, who said, since the above experiment, several Gypsies had been admitted to a sabbathschool, under the direction of his congregation. At their introduction, he compared them to birds when first put into a cage, which flew against the sides of it, having no idea of restraint; but by a steady even care over them, and the influence of the example of other children, they soon became settled, and fell into their ranks.
With a view to reconnoitre an encampment of Gypsies, the author accepted a seat in the carriage of a friend, who drove him to Hainault forest. This, according to historians, was of vast extent in the times of the ancient Britons, reaching to the Thames; and so late as the reign of Henry the 2d, it covered the northern vicinity of the city.
On this forest, about two miles from the village of Chigwell, Essex, and ten from London, stands the far-famed oak, at which is held Fairlop Fair, that great annual resort of the Gypsies.
According to an account of it printed for Hogg, Paternoster-row, the trunk or main stem of this tree has been sixty-six feet, andsome of the branches twelve feet, in circumference. The age of this prodigy of the forest cannot be ascertained with any degree of precision. The oak viewed by the present King, in Oxfordshire, and some years ago felled in the domains of one of the Colleges, though only twenty-five feet in girth, is said to have been six hundred years old. Fairlop oak having been nearly thrice as large, is supposed to be at least twice that age.
Phillips employed by the King, applied a patent mixture to stop the progress of its decay, but, last autumn, when seen by the describer, its naked gigantic trunk and arms, retaining not the least symptom of animation, presented a ghastly spectacle of the ravages of time, as contrasted with the rich verdure of the surrounding scenery.
The circumstances which gave rise to the establishment of a fair, on this spot of ground, are somewhat singular.
Daniel Day, an engine, pump, and block-maker, of Wapping, having a small estate in the vicinity of this oak, was in the habit ofannually resorting to it about a fortnight after midsummer, to receive his rents, when he provided a dinner under the tree, and invited several of his friends to it. The novelty of the scene exciting the attention of the neighbouring inhabitants, attendance on that occasion increased until about the year 1725, when booths being erected round the stupendous oak, the scene assumed the appearance of a regular fair. It has continued to be held there, and it is said now attracts a great number of attendants.
As this fair does not appear to be a mart for horses or cattle, there is reason to fear, it is kept up more for revelry and excess, than for any useful purpose. The ground has been cleared to some extent about the oak, which stands at the head of a circular lawn, surrounded by pailing, to protect it from the ravages of the unthinking part of the multitude, who assemble there. It is said to have been the practice of the Gypsies, to kindle fires against the trunk, by which the bulk has been diminished, and perhaps the vegetation injured.
On the side of the forest, near to Dagenham, Essex, was the encampment of Gypsies, of which the author’s friend was in quest. The construction of their tents, is well known to be wooden hoops fastened into the ground, and covered with an awning of blankets or canvas, which resembles the tilt of a waggon; the end is closed from the wind by a curtain. This gang was called by the name of Corrie. It consisted of an old man, his wife, a niece, and their son and daughter with ten children; said to be all from Staffordshire. The men were scissars’ grinders and tinkers.
Questions being asked them respecting their condition, a young woman made some observations upon them to an older woman, in their own peculiar speech. This was the first time the writer had an opportunity of ascertaining, what the language of Gypsies in England really was. With the knowledge only of Grellmann’s vocabulary, he pointed out what the young woman had expressed; upon which they immediately exclaimed, the gentleman understands what we say; and they gave way toimmoderate transports of joy, saying, they would tell him any thing he wished to know of them.
On being asked what gold was in their language, they replied without hesitation,sonnaka, and immediately added, silver wasroop.
The opinion which has been entertained, that Gypsey language was composed only of cant terms, or of what has been denominated the slang of beggars, has probably been much promoted and strengthened by the dictionary contained in a pamphlet entitled, “The Life and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew.” It consists for the most part of English words, vamped up apparently not so much for the purpose of concealment, as burlesque. Even if used by this people at all, the introduction of this cant, as the genuine language of the community of Gypsies, is a gross imposition on the public.
One of the women said, the education of their children was to be desired, but their travelling from place to place was against it.—A young man among them said, there were ahundred of their people in Staffordshire. This gang was intelligent as well as communicative, and gave proof of more civility than is commonly attributed to Gypsies.
The author also visited Norwood, which was formerly a principal rendezvous of the Gypsies. This village, near Croydon, in Surry, is situated on a fine hill, and is a wildly rural spot; but having been considerably inclosed of late years, it is not now much frequented by the Gypsies.
John Westover, deputy of James Furnell, constable of Norwood, stated, that about two months before, the Gypsies in that neighbourhood had been apprehended as vagrants, and sent in three coaches to prison. This account was confirmed by Edward Morris, the landlord at the Gypsey house. It did not appear that these Gypsies were committed for depredations on property, but merely on the vagrant act.
Gypsies beingrouted, as it is termed, in this manner, from various parts of the south, may probably have occasioned their appearing in greater numbers in the northern parts of thenation. The writer of this section being at Scarborough, in the bathing season of 1815, had intelligence of there being, at the same time, an encampment of Gypsies at Boroughbridge, another at Knaresborough, and a third at Pocklington, in the east-riding of Yorkshire.
On returning from Scarborough, he was told by an acquaintance at Tadcaster, that a gang of about twenty Gypsies, were just gone from the neighbourhood, after telling fortunes to most of the people in the town. The same summer, a numerous horde had been driven from the township of Rotherham; and there had been two encampments in the neighbourhood of Sheffield.
The winter before the last, severe as it was, a gang of about fifty or sixty, lay upon Bramley Moor, three miles from Chesterfield. This information was received from Joseph Storrs of Chesterfield, who has been an assiduous coadjutor. From the same authority, the writer learns, that a number of Gypsies usually came to Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, at the feast, who appear to be in pretty good reputation intheir transactions. Also that there is a party of Gypsies who frequent Socombe-lane, near Shirbrook, which is two miles east of Pleasley. They are called Bosswell’s gang, consisting of twelve, and sometimes more, who mostly come once a year, and sometimes continue there for most of it. A woman among them is about 90 years old. They support a good character; and one of them who bought a pony, had credit for it, and paid honestly on his return.
After obtaining information at Norwood, of the winter-quarters in London, to which Gypsies resorted; the author had an interview with branches of several families of them, collected at the house of his friend William Corder, Grocer, in Broad-street, Giles’s. And in justice to them, he must observe, that however considerably the fear of apprehension as vagrants, may dispose them, when on travel and among strangers, to elude their inquiries, no disposition to do so, appears in the company of persons to whom they are known, and in whom they can repose confidence.
Being accustomed to lay out their money at the shop of this grocer, he said they would be very ready to attend upon his invitation; and accordingly, a number of them soon made their appearance. They said there were about twenty of the name of Lovell, who lodged in Bowles’s yard, in the neighbourhood. These acknowledged themselves Gypsies, and many of them had the features, as well as the complexion of Asiatics.
Their account is, that they come into lodgings at Michaelmas, and continue till April, then they set out on travel, and go into Norfolk, &c.
That some time ago, some of them had embraced an offer to educate their children at St. Patrick’s charity school, which had been established by the chaplain to the Portuguese ambassador; but some dissatisfaction arising in consequence of the religion of the conductors of that Institution, they had removed their children to the school for the Irish, taught by Partak Ivery, No. 5, George-street.
Uriah Lovell, the head of one of the families, made a very decent appearance; three of his children have been four winters at school, and learned to read and write; their father having paid sixpence per week, for each of them.—Partak was sent for, and came to the house of William Corder, where he confirmed the above account, saying there had been six Gypsey children at his school, and that when placed among others, they were reducible to order.
These Gypsies, like those upon Hainault forest, appeared to be greatly delighted at meeting with a person, acquainted, as they thought, with their language, and were remarkably free in speaking it.
James Corder, son of William Corder, obtained the following account of some of the lodgers in Westminster, and in the Borough, &c.
Names.
Family.
Occupation and Residence.
John Lovell,
wife and 6 children,
Chair-bottomer, Tunbridge-street.
James Lovell,
do. 6 do.
Tinker, Church-lane.
Joseph Lovell,
do. 3 do.
Chair-bottomer, New-street.
Thomas Lovell,
do. 2 do.
Chair bottomer, Banbridge-street.
William Lovell,
do. 1 do.
Knife-grinder, Church-street.
Lussha Cooper,
wife and 10 children,
Rat-catcher, Tottenham-court-road.
Corrie Lovell,
do. 5 do.
Knife-grinder, Bolton-street.
Uriah Lovell,
do. 6 do.
Chair-bottomer, Bolton-street.
Thomas Lovell,
do. 7 do.
Knife-grinder, Paddington.
Solomon Lovell,
do. 4 do.
Chair-bottomer, New-street.
Solomon Jones,
do. 2 do.
Basket-maker and Wire-worker, Battle-bridge.
Men and Women,
22—52 Children.
John Lee,
wife and 9 children,
Chair-bottomer, Tothil-fields.
Richard Taylor,
do. 3 do.
Wire-worker, New-street.
Betsey Lovell,
widow,
Supported by her son Joseph Lovell.
Joseph Lovell,
wife 1 do.
Bellows-mender, Shore-ditch.
Diana Lee,
widow 1 do.
Sells Earthenware, Shore-ditch.
Mansfield Lee,
wife 0 do.
Tinker and Grinder, Shore-ditch.
Zachariah Lee,
do. 0 do.
Fiddler—Travels the Country.
Thomas Smith,
do. 5 do.
Chair-bottomer, Lisson-green, Paddington.
Thomas Porter,
do. 3 do.
Works at the Canal, Paddington.
Charlotte Allen,
widow 7 do.
Sells Earthenware, Kent-street, Borough.
James Cole,
wife 4 do.
Lamplighter and Grinder, Kent-street, Borough.
Edward Martin,
do. 2 do.
Sells Fruit in the Street, Kent-street, Borough.
Samuel Martin,
do. 6 do.
Journeyman Saddler, White-street.
John Sinfield,
do. 0 do.
Sells Fish in the Streets, White-street.
John Taylor,
do. 3 do.
Ditto. Ditto.
Men and Women,
25—44 Children.
There has not been any information obtained concerning who winter in Bull’s Court, Kingsland Road, or in Cooper’s Gardens.
The older Gypsey children assist their parents in their trades; a few of the younger go to school during winter. Most of those who have children, are desirous of their receiving an education; though but few have the means of procuring it.
They complain of the scarcity of work; and in some instances appear to be distressed for want of it; the more so, as their ideas of independence prevent their applying to parishes for assistance.—It is much to their credit, that so few instances occur of their begging in London. In the minutes of evidence before the Committee of the House of Commons, on mendicity, there is only one example of a Gypsey girl begging in the streets.
Some of the women go in a morning to principal houses in the squares, before the heads of the families have risen, and tell fortunes to the servants, from whom they obtain sixpence or a shilling each.
A few of the Gypsies continue all the year in London, excepting their attendance of fairs in the vicinity. Others, when work is scarce, go out twenty or thirty miles round the metropolis, carrying their implements with them on asses; and support themselves by the employment they obtain in the towns and villages through which they pass; and assist sometimes in hay-making, and plucking hops, in the counties of Kent, Surry, and Sussex.
Among those who have winter-quarters in London, there are a few that take circuits of great extent. Some of them mentioned going through Herts into Suffolk, then crossing Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Bristol, &c. Others spoke of being at Yarmouth, Portsmouth, South Wales, Wiltshire, &c.
There is reason to think, the greatest part of the Island is traversed in different directions, by hordes of Gypsies.
For the purpose of comparing the language of English Gypsies with that of the Continental, exhibited in Section VIII, the following list ofwords was sent to James Corder, Broadstreet, Bloomsbury. He obtained from the Gypsies in his neighbourhood, the translation affixed to them.
English.
Gypsey.
One
Yake
Two
Duèe
Three
Trin
Four
Stor
Five
Pan
Ten
Dyche
Head
Charro
Eyes
Yock
Nose
Nack
Bread
Mor
Bread & butter
Kil-môr
Beer
Limbar
Hair
Bâlo.
Cold day
Shil-dewes
Hot day
Tal-dewes
Ear
Kau
Day
Dewes
Night
Raut
White
Parnau
Sheep
Bolko
Hog
Borlo
Fish
Marcho
House
Kare
Gold
Sonnekar
Silver
Rupe
Dog
Jukou
Horse
Grarre
When it is known that Gypsies are unacquainted with letters, and that James Corder, who took from the mouths of those in the parish called St. Giles, the preceding Gypseywords, did not know of Grellmann’s vocabulary, the coincidence appears very remarkable; but it is still more so with the Turkish Gypsey specimen by Jacob Bryant, exhibited also in the 8th Section. Robert Forster of Tottenham, who has been a coadjutor in this work, transmitted the following collection of words obtained from Gypsies in his neighbourhood.
Gypsey.
English.
Parnee
Water
Jewcal
Dog
Maurau
Bread
Kil-maurau
Bread & butter
Lavenar
Beer
Shill-deues
Cold day
Taldu
Hot day
Moila
Ass
Gur
Horse
In the conversation a clergyman had with the Bosswell gang, as published in the Christian Guardian for 1812 and 1813, they told himChum, was the sun;Chuu, the moon;Kalmàro, bread and butter; andLivina, drink. The first two of those words almost exactly accord with Grellmann’s vocabulary, and the latter as nearly with Robert Forster’s and JamesCorder’s collection from Gypsies in and about London.
From the comparative views which have been taken of Gypsey expressions in various countries, there is reason to conclude that wherever they have been scattered on the face of the earth, they have spoken and transmitted the same language to their descendants. That it should have been preserved by them, when among people of other tongues, throughout centuries, for no purpose that we are acquainted with, but that of concealment, is indeed astonishing.
Sentiments of various persons on the moral condition of the Gypsies
After the extensive survey which has now been taken of the customs and habits of this people, in the various countries they inhabit, the reader will be prepared for the conclusions of Grellmann, that Gypsies are indeed a singular phenomenon in Europe. And remarkable it is, that the combined influence of time, climate, and example, have not effected any material alteration in their state. For the space of three or four hundred years, they have gone wandering about as pilgrims and strangers; they are found in eastern, as well as in western countries; as well among the rude, as the civilized; among indolent and active people; yet they remain in all places, as to customs and habits, what their fathers were.
It is asserted, there are two causes to which this coincidence is to be attributed; one is the country where they originate, with their consequent train of thinking; the other arises out of the circumstances which have hitherto attended their situation. Their peculiar notions and customs, leave no doubt of their being of eastern origin. In oriental countries, attachment to habit is so strong, that what has been once current among them, be it ever so pernicious or ridiculous, is persevered in; any affection which has once predominated, retains its dominion for ages.
Mahomet knowing that the weak side of the Arabians was their veneration for every thing handed down from their forefathers, gave his new profession the colouring of antiquity, and affirmed it to be the religion of Abraham. The Jesuits in China, availed themselves of similar means, by referring to Confucius, in aid of their doctrines, and thus they obtained admission for their religion among the Chinese. In the eastern nations, no change is adopted merely because it is an improvement. TheChinese are acquainted with the use of glass, yet their mirrors are always made of metal; and their windows of shells.—Mechanical watches have been for ages used in the court of Pekin, but the bulk of the nation depend upon the action of fire and water; the former, by the gradual burning of a match composed of sweet smelling powder, the latter by water, somewhat resembling our large hour-glasses.
If we consider the circumstances under which the Gypsies have existed, we shall want nothing more to make us comprehend, why they have remained to the present time, what they were at their first arrival in Europe. Separating themselves as much as possible from all association, but with those of their own tribe, they avoid every means which might give a new turn to their ideas, or in the least degree contribute to eradicate deep-rooted prejudice.—Unused to reflect, and fettered by habit, they arrived in our quarter of the globe; and it does not appear that any measures have been enjoined for instructing or reforming them, exceptthose of the Empress Theresa, which were never put in execution.
The most extreme punishments failing to effect a change in the habits of Gypsies, they were subjected in almost all countries to banishment. They had been accustomed in their own country, to live remote from cities and towns; now they became more invariably inhabitants of forests, and penetrated deeper into deserts; as, in consequence of the search which was made after them, or, at least, threatened to be made, they judged themselves more secure in seclusion and concealment, than they would have been, in frequenting places of established abode, and having free intercourse with the neighbouring, inhabitants. Thus they became, in a greater degree, outcasts from civilized society; and divested of the most, and perhaps the only, probable means, of inducing a change in their manner.
Being always either persecuted, or left to themselves, no other could be expected, than that they must ever remain in all places the same. The character of people being formed by theinstruction they receive in their early years, can it be thought surprising, that Gypsies who are idlers, should be also abandoned and thievish? Is it to be expected that men should become diligent, who have been educated in laziness? Who can have a general idea of fair dealing, that has never been taught the distinction between good and evil, virtue and vice? Perhaps it is reserved forour age, in which so much has been attempted for the benefit of mankind, to humanize a people, who, for centuries, have wandered in error and neglect; and it may be hoped, that while we are endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of our African brethren, the civilization of Gypsies, who form so large a portion of humanity, will not be overlooked.
It cannot be denied, that considering the multitude of them, their reform must be a subject of very serious consideration to many states. The period in which banishments were generally pronounced on this people, were too unphilosophical for any preferable mode of punishment to be suggested; but it may beexpected from a better informed age, that better maxims will be adopted. We send apostles to the east and west, to the most distant parts of the whole earth; and even into the very country whence the Gypsies emigrated, to instruct the people who know not God. Is it not inconsistent for men to be solicitous for the welfare of their fellow-creatures in distant regions, and to throw off, and leave to chance, those who, equally wretched, have brought their errors home to us? If it be a good work to teach religion and virtue to such as are ignorant of their Creator, why not begin with those nearest to us?—Especially as neglect in this particular, is attended with detriment to the society of which we are members.
The Gypsies have been long enough among civilized people to prove, that they will not be allured by the mere example of others, to free themselves from the fetters of old customs and vices. To accomplish that end, more effectual means are requisite.
It would be vain to hope for any considerable progress in the improvement of those who aregrown up. Their reformation would be a difficult task, as the attempts made by the Empress Theresa evinced:—you must begin with children, and not meddle with the old stock, on whom no efforts will have effect.
Expelling the Gypsies entirely, was not merely a premature step, it was a wasteful one. This is indisputable, so long as the state maxim holds good, that a numerous population is advantageous.
Care being taken to enlighten their understandings, and amend their hearts, they might become useful citizens; for observe them at whatever employment you may, there always appear sparks of genius. It is well known, and no writer omits to remark, what artful devices they have recourse to, in perpetrating any cheat or robbery: but this is not the only particular in which they show capacity. The following extract is from a Hungarian author, who was an attentive observer of these people.
“The Gypsies have a fertile imagination in their way, and are quick and ready at expedients; so that in many serious, doubtful cases,they soon recollect how to act, in order to extricate themselves. We cannot indeed help wondering, when we attend to, and consider the skill they display in preparing and bringing their works to perfection; which is the more necessary from the scarcity of proper tools and apparatus. They are very acute and cunning in cheating, or thieving; and when called to account for any fraud or robbery, fruitful in invention, and persuasive in their arguments to defend themselves.”Grellmann.
“The Gypsies have a fertile imagination in their way, and are quick and ready at expedients; so that in many serious, doubtful cases,they soon recollect how to act, in order to extricate themselves. We cannot indeed help wondering, when we attend to, and consider the skill they display in preparing and bringing their works to perfection; which is the more necessary from the scarcity of proper tools and apparatus. They are very acute and cunning in cheating, or thieving; and when called to account for any fraud or robbery, fruitful in invention, and persuasive in their arguments to defend themselves.”
Grellmann.
The recommendation of Grellmann, p. 197, to begin the work of reform with children, appears judicious; but the events of the present day justify the expectation, that benevolent exertions would not prove fruitless, should they afterwards be extended even to the “old stock.”
Before the Circular introduced is the 10th Section was distributed, the author did not know of the correspondence on the subject of Gypsies, which had appeared in the interesting pages of the Christian Observer. But he should now consider it an injustice to those benevolent individuals, who had taken the lead in this work of Christian charity, not to give full consideration to the ideas they have suggested.
In Vol. VII. p. 91 of that periodical publication, is the following letter.
To the Editor of the Christian Observer.As the divine spirit of Christianity deems no object, however unworthy or insignificant, beneathher notice, I venture to apply to you on behalf of a race, the outcasts of society, of whose pitiable condition, among the many forms of human misery which have engaged your efforts, I do not recollect to have seen any notice in the pages of your excellent miscellany. I allude to the deplorable state of the Gypsies, on whose behalf I beg leave to solicit your good offices with the public.—Lying at our very doors, they seem to have a peculiar claim on our compassion.In the midst of a highly refined state of society, they are but little removed from savage life. In this happy country, where the light of Christianity shines with its purest lustre, they are still strangers to its cheering influence. I have not heard even of any efforts which have been made, either by individuals or societies, for their improvement; and so thoroughly do they appear to despise the advantages of civilized life, that perhaps nothing less than that change of heart, which is the effect of the blessing of God on the means employed for their conversion, would prevent their continuingto be the pest of society. The great Shepherd of Israel despises not these unhappy wanderers from his fold; and I am persuaded, that neither you, nor those who read and prize your work, will be insensible to the force of His benign example.May the Divine Spirit suggest means, by which this wretched race may be reclaimed from their vagrancy, and be made acquainted with that Saviour, whom to know is life eternal!Yours, &c.Nil.
To the Editor of the Christian Observer.
As the divine spirit of Christianity deems no object, however unworthy or insignificant, beneathher notice, I venture to apply to you on behalf of a race, the outcasts of society, of whose pitiable condition, among the many forms of human misery which have engaged your efforts, I do not recollect to have seen any notice in the pages of your excellent miscellany. I allude to the deplorable state of the Gypsies, on whose behalf I beg leave to solicit your good offices with the public.—Lying at our very doors, they seem to have a peculiar claim on our compassion.
In the midst of a highly refined state of society, they are but little removed from savage life. In this happy country, where the light of Christianity shines with its purest lustre, they are still strangers to its cheering influence. I have not heard even of any efforts which have been made, either by individuals or societies, for their improvement; and so thoroughly do they appear to despise the advantages of civilized life, that perhaps nothing less than that change of heart, which is the effect of the blessing of God on the means employed for their conversion, would prevent their continuingto be the pest of society. The great Shepherd of Israel despises not these unhappy wanderers from his fold; and I am persuaded, that neither you, nor those who read and prize your work, will be insensible to the force of His benign example.
May the Divine Spirit suggest means, by which this wretched race may be reclaimed from their vagrancy, and be made acquainted with that Saviour, whom to know is life eternal!
Yours, &c.Nil.
To the Editor of the Christian Observer.[201]It gave me pleasure to observe in one of the numbers of your miscellany, a letter on a subject that has frequently engaged my serious attention: I mean the state of the Gypsies. It is painful to reflect how many thousands of these unhappy creatures, have, since the light of Christianity has shone on this Island, gone into eternity ignorant of the way of salvation,and without one cheering thought of a Saviour. Surely, Sir, there is an awful responsibility attached to this neglect! If we look back into the history of the Christian church, from the earliest ages, we shall find that the introduction of the gospel amongst any people, has generally been effected by means of Missionaries; and so numerous are the Gypsies, and so desultory in their habits of life, that it might well occupy the time of more than one zealous individual, to go amongst them, and by plain, simple, affectionate conversation and exhortation, when practicable, instruct them in the knowledge of their Redeemer.Nor in this favoured land, where there are so many who zealously embrace the doctrines of Christianity, would there, I trust, be wanting both one, or more persons, who would devote themselves to this truly apostolic work; and benevolent individuals who would open their hearts and their purses, for the support and encouragement of such an undertaking. This labour of love would doubtless prove less arduous, than the attempts which have beenmade to establish missions among the American Indians; the natives of the South-Seas; or the inhabitants of Southern Africa.The dread of the magistracy in this country, would prove a protection from personal injury, while the painful relinquishment of friends and country would not be required. I will also beg leave to mention another suggestion: I have understood that, in different parts of the kingdom, the neighbouring clergy meet at stated times, for the purpose of conversing on the important duties of their pastoral office. At such times, would it not be well to take into consideration, the perishing condition of so large a part of the community, as that, which forms the subject of this letter? Some plan might probably be thus devised, which, through the blessing of the Lord, would prove effectual for the salvation of this out-cast, and hitherto neglected people.I would also take the liberty of recommending the cause of these unhappy partners of our kind, to the humanity of our dissenting brethren; and most earnestly solicit Christiansof all denominations, to unite in prayer to the God of all grace, that he would prosper every attempt which may be made, to communicate to them the knowledge of His will. I trust, Sir, I shall obtain your excuse for detaining you on this important subject; and as I know your pages are read and valued, by real Christians of various denominations, perhaps they may, through the Divine Providence, be the means of exciting effectual attention, to the spiritual wants of this deplorable set of beings; and the same benevolence which induced you to exert your talents and influence in behalf of the oppressed negroes, may be again successfully employed, in ameliorating the condition of a numerous class of our fellow-creatures, who are second only to them in wretchedness, and spiritual misery.I am, &c.Fraternicus.
To the Editor of the Christian Observer.[201]
It gave me pleasure to observe in one of the numbers of your miscellany, a letter on a subject that has frequently engaged my serious attention: I mean the state of the Gypsies. It is painful to reflect how many thousands of these unhappy creatures, have, since the light of Christianity has shone on this Island, gone into eternity ignorant of the way of salvation,and without one cheering thought of a Saviour. Surely, Sir, there is an awful responsibility attached to this neglect! If we look back into the history of the Christian church, from the earliest ages, we shall find that the introduction of the gospel amongst any people, has generally been effected by means of Missionaries; and so numerous are the Gypsies, and so desultory in their habits of life, that it might well occupy the time of more than one zealous individual, to go amongst them, and by plain, simple, affectionate conversation and exhortation, when practicable, instruct them in the knowledge of their Redeemer.
Nor in this favoured land, where there are so many who zealously embrace the doctrines of Christianity, would there, I trust, be wanting both one, or more persons, who would devote themselves to this truly apostolic work; and benevolent individuals who would open their hearts and their purses, for the support and encouragement of such an undertaking. This labour of love would doubtless prove less arduous, than the attempts which have beenmade to establish missions among the American Indians; the natives of the South-Seas; or the inhabitants of Southern Africa.
The dread of the magistracy in this country, would prove a protection from personal injury, while the painful relinquishment of friends and country would not be required. I will also beg leave to mention another suggestion: I have understood that, in different parts of the kingdom, the neighbouring clergy meet at stated times, for the purpose of conversing on the important duties of their pastoral office. At such times, would it not be well to take into consideration, the perishing condition of so large a part of the community, as that, which forms the subject of this letter? Some plan might probably be thus devised, which, through the blessing of the Lord, would prove effectual for the salvation of this out-cast, and hitherto neglected people.
I would also take the liberty of recommending the cause of these unhappy partners of our kind, to the humanity of our dissenting brethren; and most earnestly solicit Christiansof all denominations, to unite in prayer to the God of all grace, that he would prosper every attempt which may be made, to communicate to them the knowledge of His will. I trust, Sir, I shall obtain your excuse for detaining you on this important subject; and as I know your pages are read and valued, by real Christians of various denominations, perhaps they may, through the Divine Providence, be the means of exciting effectual attention, to the spiritual wants of this deplorable set of beings; and the same benevolence which induced you to exert your talents and influence in behalf of the oppressed negroes, may be again successfully employed, in ameliorating the condition of a numerous class of our fellow-creatures, who are second only to them in wretchedness, and spiritual misery.
I am, &c.Fraternicus.