CHAP. V.  Further Account of the English Gipsies.

It has been the lot of Gipsies in all countries to be despised, persecuted, hated, and have the vilest things said about them.  In many cases they have too much merited the odium which they have experienced in continental Europe; but certainly they are not deserving of universal and unqualified contempt and hatred in this nation.  The dislike they have to rule and order has led many of them to maim themselves by cutting off a finger, that they might not serve in either the army or the navy: and I believe there is one instance known, of some Gipsies murdering a witness who was to appear against some of their people for horse-stealing: the persons who were guilty of the deed have been summoned to the bar of Christ, and in their last moments exclaimed with horror and despair, “Murder, murder.”  But these circumstances do not stamp their race without exception as infamous monsters in wickedness.  Not many years since several of their men were hung in different places for stealing fourteen horses near Bristol, who experienced the truth of that scripture,be sure your sins will find you out.  Indeed there is not a family among them that has not to mourn over the loss of some relative forthe commission of this crime.  But even in this respect their guilt has been much over-rated; for in many cases it is to be feared they have suffered innocently.  There was formerly a reward of 40lto those who gave information of offenders, on their being capitally convicted.  Those of the lower orders, therefore, who were destitute of principle, had a great temptation before them to swear falsely in reference to Gipsies; and of which it is known they sometimes availed themselves, knowing that few would befriend them.  For the sake of the above sum, vulgarly, but too justly calledblood-money, they perjured themselves, and were much more wicked than the people they accused.  But the Gipsies were thought to be universally depraved, and no one thought it worth his while to investigate their innocence.  Let us be thankful that many at the present day look upon them with better feelings.

Very lately one of these vile informers swore to having seen a Gipsy man on a horse that had been stolen; and although it came out on the trial, that it was night when he observed him, and that he had never seen him before, which ought to have rendered his evidence invalid, the prisoner was convicted and condemned to die.  His life was afterwards spared by other facts having been discovered and made known to the judge, after he had left the city.

The Gipsies in this country have for centuries been accused of child-stealing; and therefore it is not to be wondered at, that, when children have been missing, the Gipsies should be taxed with having stolen them.About thirty years since, some parents who had lost a child, applied to a man at Portsmouth, well known in those days, by the name of Payne, or Pine, as an astrologer, wishing to know from him what was become of it.  He told themto search the Gipsy tents for twenty miles round.  The distressed parents employed constables, who made diligent search in every direction to that distance, but to no purpose; the child was not to be found in their camps.  It was however soon afterwards discovered, drowned in one of its father’s pits, who was a tanner.  Thus was this pretended astrologer exposed to the ridicule of those who but a short time before foolishly looked on him as an oracle.

On another occasion the same accusation was brought against the Gipsies, and proved to be false.  The child of a widow at Portsmouth was lost, and after every search was made on board the ships in the harbour, and at Spithead, and the ponds dragged in the neighbourhood, to no effect, it was concluded that the Gipsies had stolen him.  The boy was found a few years afterwards, at Kingston-upon-Thames, apprenticed to a chimney sweeper.  He had been enticed away by a person who had given him sweet-meats; but not by a Gipsy.

I may be allowed here to say a word about this boy’s mother.  She was a good and pious woman, and had known great trials.  Her husband was drowned in her presence but a short time before she lost her son in the mysterious way mentioned; and before he was heard of, she was removed to the enjoyment of a betterworld.  Her death was a very happy one, for it took place while she was engaged in public worship.Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivereth them out of them all.

Instances have been known of house-breakers leaving some of their stolen goods near the tents of the Gipsies; and these being picked up by the children, and found upon them, have been the cause of much unjust suffering among them.  The grandfather of three little orphans now under the care of the Southampton Committee, was charged with stealing a horse, and was condemned and executed; although the farmer of whom he bought it, came forward and swore to the horse being the same which he had sold him.  His evidence was rejected on account of some slight mistake in the description he gave of it.  When under the gallows, the frantic Gipsy exclaimed—Oh God,if thou dost not deliver me,I will not believe there is a God!

The following anecdote will prove the frequent oppression of this people.  Not many years since, a collector of taxes in a country town, said he had been robbed of fifty pounds by a Gipsy; and being soon after at Blandford in Dorsetshire, he fixed on a female Gipsy, as the person who robbed him in company with two others, and said she was in man’s clothes at the time.  They were taken up and kept in custody for some days; and had not a farmer voluntarily come forward, and proved that they were many miles distant when the robbery was said to be perpetrated, they would have been tried for their lives, and probablyhanged.  The woman was the wife of Wm. Stanley, (who was in custody with her,) who now reads the Scriptures in the Gipsy tents near Southampton.  Their wicked accuser was afterwards convicted of a crime for which he was condemned to die, when he confessed that he had not been robbed at the time referred to, but had himself spent the whole of the sum in question.

Another Gipsy of the name of Stanley was lately indicted at Winchester, for house-breaking, and had not his friends at great expense proved analibi, it is likely he might have been executed.  And in this way have they been suspected and persecuted ever since the days of Henry the Eighth.  They have been hunted like wild beasts; their property has been taken from them; themselves have been frequently imprisoned, and in many cases their lives taken, or what to many of them would be much worse, they have been transported to another part of the world, for ever divided from their families and friends.

In the days of Judge Hale, thirteen of these unhappy beings were hanged at Bury St Edmonds, for no other cause than that they were Gipsies; and at that time it was death without benefit of clergy, for any one to live among them for a month.  Even in later days two of the most industrious of this people have had a small pony and two donkeys taken away merely on suspicion that they were stolen.  They were apprehended and carried before a magistrate, to whom they proved that the animals were their own,and that they had legally obtained them.  The cattle were then pounded for trespassing on the common, and if their oppressed owners had not had money to defray the expenses, one of the animals must have been sold for that purpose.

Not long ago, one of the Gipsies was suspected of having stolen lead from a gentleman’s house.  His cart was searched, but no lead being found in his possession, he was imprisoned for three months, for living under the hedges as a vagrant; and his horse, which was worth thirteen pounds, was sold to meet the demands of the constables.  And another Gipsy, who had two horses in his possession, was suspected of having stolen them, but he proved that they were legally his property.  He was committed for three months as a vagrant, and one of his horses was sold to defray the expenses of his apprehension, examination, &c.

While writing this part of theGipsies’ Advocate, the author knows that a poor, aged, industrious woman, with whom he has been long acquainted, had her donkey taken from her, and that a man with four witnesses swore that it was his property.  The poor woman told a simple, artless tale to the magistrates, and was not fully committed.  She was allowed two days to bring forward the person of whom she bought it.  Conscious of her innocence, she was willing to risk a prison if she could recover her donkey, and establish her character.  After a great deal of trouble and expense in dispatching messengers to bring forwardher witnesses, she succeeded in obtaining them.  They had no sooner made their appearance than the accuser and his witnesses fled, and left the donkey to the right owner, the poor, accused and injured woman.

It cannot be expected that oppression will ever reform this people, or cure them of their wandering habits.  Far more likely is it to confirm them in their vagrant propensities.  And as their numbers do not decrease, oppression will only render them the dread of one part of their fellow-creatures, while it will make them the objects of scorn and obloquy to others.

It is the earnest wish of the author that milder measures may be pursued in reference to the Gipsies.  To endeavour to improve their morals, and instruct them in the principles of religion, will, under the divine blessing, turn to better account than the hateful and oppressive policy so long adopted.

Many persons are of opinion in reference to the Gipsies, that, if all the parishes were alike severe in forcing them from their retreats, they would soon find their way into towns.  But if this were the case, what advantage would they derive from it?  In large towns, in their present ignorant and depraved state, would they not be still more wicked?  They would change their condition only from bad to worse, unless they were treated better than they now are, and could be properly employed; but from the prejudice that exists among all classes of men against them, this is not likely to be the case: they would not be employed by any, while other persons could be got.  At a hop plantation, so lately as 1830, Gipsies were not allowed to pick hops in some grounds, while persons as unsettled and undeserving, were engaged for that purpose.  Had this been a parochial arrangement to benefit the poor of their own neighbourhood, who were out of employ, it were not blameable.

If they were driven to settle in towns, and could not, generally speaking, obtain employment, it might soon become necessary to remove all their children to their own parishes; a measure not only very unhappyin itself, but one to which the Gipsies would never submit.  Sooner would they die than suffer their children to go to the parish workhouses.

The severe and unchristian-like treatment they meet with from many, only obliges them to travel further, and often drives them to commit greater depredations.  When driven by the constables from their station, they retire to a more solitary place in another parish, and there remain till they are again detected, and again mercilessly driven away.  But this severity does not accomplish the end it has in view; their numbers remain the same, and they retain the same dislike to the crowded haunts of man.  For they only visit towns in small parties, offering trifling wares for sale, or telling fortunes; and this is done to gain a present support.

In this neighbourhood there was lately a sweeping of the commons and lanes of the Gipsy families.  Their horses and donkeys were driven off, and the sum of £3 5slevied on them as a fine to pay the constables for thus afflicting them.  In one tent during this distressing affair, there was found an unburied child, that had been scalded to death, its parents not having money to defray the expenses of its interment.  The constables declared that it would make any heart ache to see the anguish the poor people were in, when thus inhumanly driven from their resting places; but, said they,We were obliged to do our duty.  To the credit of these men, thirteen in number, it should be mentioned, that, with only one exception, they returned thefines to the people; and one of them, who is a carpenter, offered a coffin for the unburied child, should the parish be unwilling to bury it.

In this instance of their affliction and grief, the propensity to accuse these poor creatures was strongly marked by a report charging them with having dug a grave on the common in which to bury it; a circumstance very far from their feelings and general habits.  The fact was, some person had been digging holes in search of gravel, and these poor creatures pitched their tent just by one of them.

It was supposed by many in this neighbourhood, that the poor wretches thus driven away, were gone out of the country; but this was not the case.  They had only retired to more lonely places in smaller parties, and were all seen again a few days after at a neighbouring fair.  This circumstance is sufficient to prove that they are not to be reclaimed by prosecutions and fines.  It is therefore high time the people of England should adopt more merciful measures towards them in endeavouring to bring them into a more civilized state.  The money spent in sustaining prosecutions against them, if properly applied, would accomplish this great and benevolent work.  And without flattering any of its members, the author thinks the Committee at Southampton have discovered plans, wholly different to those usually adopted, which may prove much more effectual in accomplishing their reformation; for by these plans being put in prudentoperation, many have already ceased to make the lanes and commons their home; and their minds are becoming enlightened and their characters religious.

In concluding this chapter it may not be improper to remark, that, bad as may be the character of any of our fellow-creatures, it is very lamentable that they should suffer for crimes of which individually they are not guilty.  Let us hope that, in reference to this people, unjust executions have ceased; that people will be careful in giving evidence which involves the rights, liberties, and lives of their fellow-creatures, though belonging to the unhappy tribes of Gipsies; and above all, let us hope, that such measures will be pursued by the good and benevolent of this highly favoured land, as will place them in situations where they will learn to fear God, and support themselves honestly in the sight of all men.

Although the Gipsies, on account of their unsettled habits, their disposition to evil practices, and that ignorance of true religion, which is inseparably connected with a life remote from all the forms of external worship, and from the influence of religious society, may be said to be in a most lamentably wretched state; yet is their condition not desperate.  They are rational beings, and have many feelings honourable to human nature.  They are not as the heathens of other countries, addicted to any system of idolatry; and what is of infinite encouragement, they inhabit a land of Bibles and of Christian ministers; and, although at present, they derive so little benefit from these advantages, there are many of them willing to receive instruction.  The following details, to which I gladly turn, will shew that, whenpatientandperseveringmeans are used, Gipsies may be brought to know God; and no body of people were ever yet converted to Christianity without means.  The following circumstances gave rise to the idea of forming a society for the improvement of this people.

In March, 1827, during the Lent Assizes, the authorwas in Winchester, and wishing to speak with the sheriff’s chaplain, he went to the court for that purpose.  He happened to enter just as the judge was passing sentence of death on two unhappy men.  To one he held out the hope of mercy; but to the other,a poor Gipsy, who was convicted of horse-stealing, he said,no hope could be given.  The young man, for he was but a youth, immediately fell on his knees, and with uplifted hands and eyes, apparently unconscious of any persons being present but the judge and himself, addressed him as follows: “Oh!my Lord,save my life!”  The judge replied, “No;you can have no mercy in this world:I and my brother judges have come to the determination to execute horse-stealers,especially Gipsies,because of the increase of the crime.”  The suppliant, still on his knees, entreated—“Do,my Lord Judge,save my life!do,for God’s sake,for my wife’s sake,for my baby’s sake!”  “No,” replied the judge, “I cannot:you should have thought of your wife and children before.”  He then ordered him to be taken away, and the poor fellow wasrudely draggedfrom his earthly judge.  It is hoped, as a penitent sinner, he obtained the more needful mercy of God, through the abounding grace of Christ.  After this scene, the author could not remain in court.  As he returned, he found the mournful intelligence had been communicated to some Gipsies who had been waiting without, anxious to learn the fate of their companion.  They seemed distracted.

On the outside of the court, seated on the ground,appeared an old woman, and a very young one, and with them two children, the eldest three years, and the other an infant but fourteen days old.  The former sat by its mother’s side, alike unconscious of her bitter agonies, and of her father’s despair.  The old woman held the infant tenderly in her arms, and endeavoured to comfort its weeping mother, soon to be a widow under circumstances the most melancholy.My dear,don’t cry, said she,remember you have this dear little baby.  Impelled by the sympathies of pity and a sense of duty, the author spoke to them on the evil of sin, and expressed his hope that the melancholy event would prove a warning to them, and to all their people.  The poor man was executed about a fortnight after his condemnation.

This sad scene, together with Hoyland’s Survey of the Gipsies, which the author read about this time, combined to make a deep impression on his mind, and awaken an earnest desire which has never since decreased, to assist and improve this greatly neglected people.  The more he contemplated their condition and necessities, the difficulties in the way of their reformation continued to lessen, and his hope of success, in case any thing could be done for them, became more and more confirmed.  He could not forget the poor young widow whom he had seen in such deep distress at Winchester, and was led to resolve, if he should meet her again, to offer to provide for her children.

Some weeks elapsed before he could hear any thing of her, till one day he saw the old woman sitting onthe ground at the entrance of Southampton, with the widow’s infant on her knee.  “Where is your daughter?” he inquired.  “Sir,” she replied, “She is my niece; she is gone into the town.”  “Will you desire her to call at my house?”  “I will, sir,” said the poor old woman, to whom the author gave his address.

In about an hour after this conversation, the widow and her aunt appeared.  After inviting them to sit down, he addressed the young woman thus:—“My good woman, you are now a poor widow, and I wished to see you, to tell you that I would be your friend.  I will take your children, if you will let me have them, and be a father to them, and educate them; and, when old enough to work, will have them taught some honest trade.”  “Thank you, sir,” said she; “but I don’t like to part with my children.  The chaplain at the prison offered to take my oldest, and to send her to London to be taken care of; but I could not often see her there.”  I replied, “I commend you for not parting with her, unless you could occasionally see her; for I suppose you love your children dearly.”  “Oh! yes, sir,” said the widow.  The old aunt also added, “Our people set great store by their children.”  “Well,” I replied, “I do not wish you to determine on this business hastily; it is a weighty one.  You had better take a fortnight for consideration, and then give me a second call.”

How improbable did it then appear that this interview would ultimately lead to so much good to many of her people!  When the fortnight expired, the widowand her aunt again appeared, when the following conversation took place.  “I am glad you are come again,” said their friend.  “Yes,” replied the widow, “and I will now let you have my Betsy;” and the aunt immediately added, pointing to one of her grand-children, “I will let you have my littledeary, if you will take care of her.  Her father,” continued she, “was condemned to die, but is transported for life, and her mother now lives with another man.”  The proposal was readily accepted; and three days after, these two children were brought washed very clean, and dressed in their best clothes.  It was promised the women, that they should see their children whenever they chose, and all parties were pleased.  The eldest of these children was six years of age; the widow’s little daughter, only three.  The first day they amused themselves with running up and down stairs, and through the rooms of the house.  But when put to bed at night, they cried for two hours, saying that the house would fall upon them.  They had never spent a day in a house before, and were at night like birds that had been decoyed, and then robbed of their liberty.  A few kisses and some promises at length quieted them, and they went to sleep.

After remaining with the author three days, they were removed to one of the Infants’ Schools, where they were often visited by the widow and her aunt.  Soon after this the eldest girl was taken ill.  A medical gentleman attended her at the tent, a little way from the town, whither her grandmother had beggedto remove her for change of air.  But the sickness of this childwas unto death.  She was a lovely and affectionate girl, notwithstanding the disadvantages under which she had necessarily laboured.  When on her bed, in the tent, suffering much pain, she was asked by a gentleman, “Although you love Mr Crabb so much, would you rather live with him, or die, and go to Jesus?”  She answered, “I would rather die and go to Jesus.”  Her death very much affected her grandmother.  She would not leave the corpse, which she often affectionately embraced, till persuaded she would endanger her own life.  This appeared a melancholy event to all who wished well to the Gipsies in the neighbourhood of Southampton.  For the widow, fearing her child would become ill and die too, immediately removed her from the school.  And many of the Gipsy people treated the women with great contempt, for giving up their children; and the prospects of doing them lasting good, became very much beclouded.  It was however represented to them, that God was doing all things for the best, and their spirits were soothed; and in consequence, the little fatherless girl was again brought to the school.

After this event, the women remained a considerable time in the neighbourhood, waiting to see if the little one, again given up to the author, would be kindly treated.  By this detention they were often brought into the company of good people, whose kindness gained their confidence.  They began to listen to invitations to settle in the town, and finally determinedon doing so.  Even theoldwoman, who had lived under hedges for fifty years, and who had declared but a short time before, that she would not leave her tent for a palace, now gladly occupied a house; this greatly encouraged their friends, who well knew that it was not a small sacrifice, for a Gipsy to give up what is thought by them to be their liberty.

A short time before these women removed from under the hedges, the sister of the unhappy man who had been executed, came out of Dorsetshire with her three children, on her way to Surry, where she had been accustomed to go to hop-picking.  Encamping under the same hedge with the widow and her aunt, she was seen by the author in one of his visits to them.  He found them one evening about six o’clock at dinner, and took his seat near them; and while they were regaling themselves with broiled meat, potatoes, and tea, the following interesting conversation took place.

“Sir,” said the widow, “this is my sister and her children.”  No one could have introduced this woman and her little ones with more easy simplicity than she did, while, by the smile on her swarthy countenance, she exhibited real heartfelt pleasure.  “I am glad to see you, my good woman;” said the author, “are these your children?”  “Yes, sir,” replied she, very cheerfully.  “And where are you going?”  “I am going into Surry, sir.”  “Have you not many difficulties to trouble you in your way of life?”  “Yes, sir,” answered she.  The author continued, “I wish you would let me have your children to provide for andeducate.”  “Not I, indeed,” she replied sharply; “others may part with their children, if they like, but I will never part with mine.”  “Well, my good woman, the offer to educate them has done no harm: let me hope it will do good.  I would have you recollect that you have now a proposal made you of bettering their present and future condition.  You and I must soon meet at the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of this meeting; and you know that I can do better for your little ones than you can.”  She was silent.  The author then addressed these people and left the tents.

The next day he visited the camp again, when the widow woman said, “Sir, my sister was socut up(putting her hand to her heart), with what you said last night, that she could not eat any more, and declared she felt as she never had done before; and she has determined to come and live with us at Michaelmas.”  What was still better, in consequence of what was said to this poor stranger, she did not go to the races, although she had stopped near Southampton for that purpose.

From this time endeavours were made to confirm the woman’s intentions to stay at Southampton, and to place her children with the other.  She was asked, why she would not stay at Southampton then?  “Why, to tell you the truth,” said she, “for it’s no use to tell a lie about that, I don’t want to bring my children to you, like vagabonds; and as we shall earn a goodbitof money at hopping, I shall buy them some clothes;and then, if you will take me a room at Michaelmas, I will surely return and live in Southampton, and my children shall go to school; but I will never give them up entirely.”  She continued with her sister till the house which had been taken for the latter was ready; during which time a gentleman from Ireland, then living near the encampment, had her children every day to his house, and taught them to read.  The remembrance of him will be precious to them for ever.  She came on the day appointed, and her children were put to the Infants’ School, where they have continued ever since, clean and respectable, and very diligent in their learning.  They often explain the Scriptures to their mother.  One of them has long been a monitor in the school.  May she continue a credit to the institution in which she has been so far educated.

Although the mother of these children is not yet decidedly pious, she is very much improved.  She is now able to read her Testament with tolerable ease, takes great pleasure in receiving instruction, and we hope is deeply impressed with the importance of personal religion.  She attends public worship diligently, and loves Christians, whom she once hated.  She weeps with abhorrence over past crimes, and says she would rather have her hands cut off, than do as she has done.  For more than twelve months after living at Southampton, she continued occasionally to tell fortunes for the gain it brought her.  But a remarkable dream led her to see the wickedness of this practice; for it so terrifiedher that she rose from her bed, lighted a fire, and burnt the book in which she had pretended to see the fortune of others.  Large sums of money had been offered her for this volume; but, though in extreme poverty, she determined to make any sacrifice, rather than enrich herself by its sale.  She dreamed that she was at the adult school, where she regularly attended, and, that while she was reading her Testament, it changed into a book of divination, and she began to tell the fortune of the lady who was teaching her; and while thus employed, she thought she heard awful thunderings, and the sound of trumpets; after which a tremendous tempest ensued, during which she fancied herself in an extensive plain, exposed to all the fury of the storm.  She then thought the day of judgment was come, and that she was summoned to render up her account.  She awoke in great terror, and as soon as she had a little recovered herself, arose and followed the example of those we read of in the Acts of the Apostles:—And many of them which also used curious arts,brought their books together,and burned them before all men;and they counted the price of them,and found fifty thousand pieces silver.  Acts xix. 19.

When relating this dream to a lady, she was asked whether she had formerly been in the habit of seeking by any means, the aid of the devil, in order to know future events; it having been asserted that many of the Gipsies had done so.  She informed the lady that she never had done so, and that she thought none ofher people had any thing to do with him, otherwise than by giving themselves up to do wickedly.  The devil tempted them to do still worse; as those who neglect to seek to God for help, must of course be under the power of the wicked one.

Sixteen reformed Gipsies are now living at Southampton, one of whom is the aged Gipsy whose history has been published by a lady.[72]There are also her brother and four of his children, her sister, who has been a wanderer for more than fifty years, and her daughter, three orphans, and a boy who has been given up to the Committee by his mother, a woman and her three children, and the young woman before mentioned, who has, since her reformation, lost her two children by the measles.

In addition to those who have retired from a wandering life, and are pursuing habits of honest industry, three other families, whose united number is sixteen, begged the privilege of wintering with us in the beginning of 1831.  These Gipsies regularly attended divine service twice on a Sunday, and on the work-day evenings the adults went to school to learn to read.  The children were placed at one of the Infants’ Schools.  The prospects of doing one of the families lasting good,are rather dark, as they are grown old and hardened in crime; but the condition of the others is more encouraging.  The children, who would gladly have stayed longer with us, were sickly; and it is apprehended, had not this been the case, the parents would have continued longer, that they might have gone to school.  Two women, mother and daughter, in one family, are much interested in the worship of God, and already begin to feel the value of their souls; and both regret that they are under the necessity of submitting to the arbitrary will of the father.  One of them declared that she could never more act as a Gipsy, and with weeping eyes she said, that, she feared she never should be pardoned, or saved.  When directed to go to Jesus, she replied, she knew not how to go to him.  In three days they will leave us, and it will be a painful separation.  It was very gratifying to the author to see so many Gipsies attend the house of God, and he frequently recollected with pleasure, that promise of holy Scripture,For as the rain cometh down,and the snow from heaven,and returneth not thither,but watereth the earth,and maketh it bring forth and bud,that it may give seed to the sower,and bread to the eater:so shall my word be that goeth forth of my mouth:it shall not return unto me void,but it shall accomplish that which I please,and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it.For ye shall go out with joy,and be led forth with peace;the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing,and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.Instead of the thorn shall come up thefur tree,and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:and it stall be to the Lord for a name,for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Six of the children are at an Infants’ School at Southampton, and three others attend a charity school; and another is learning to be a coach wheelwright.  This youth has behaved so well in his situation, that he has been advanced by his master to a higher branch in the business.  His fellow-workmen, who at first disliked him for being a Gipsy, have subscribed money to assist him in the purchase of additional tools, to which the foreman added five shillings, and the masterone pound.  This is a most encouraging circumstance.

The aged man who has been so many years reformed, is a basket maker.  He often visits his brethren in their tents, under the direction of the Committee, to give advice and instruction.  His sister, lately reclaimed, takes care of the six Gipsy children, and is become very serious and industrious; and though in the decline of life, she receives but one shilling per week from the Committee.  Two instances of the gratitude of this woman ought not to be omitted.

The author’s horse having strayed from the field, a sovereign was offered to any one who would bring it back to him.  Several persons sought for it in vain.  This old Gipsy woman was sent in quest of it, and in two days returned with the horse.  Of course she was offered the sovereign that had been named as a reward; but she refused to take it, saying, she owed the author more than that; yea, all that she had, for the comfortshe was then enjoying.  This was the language of an honest and grateful heart.  On being compelled to take it, she bought herself some garments for the winter.

On another occasion, when she was coming from some place which she had visited, and was detained on the road longer than she had expected, she became penniless; yet would she not beg, lest it might be looked on as one step towards turning back to habits she had entirely abandoned.  She assured the author that she would rather have starved than return to her old trade of begging; and besides, added she, “the people know that I am one of your reformed Gipsies, and I will never bring a reproach upon my best friends.”

The young widow was taught to make shoes; but becoming depressed in spirits after the death of her children, she has been placed in service.  And another young Gipsy woman has also obtained a situation as a servant.

But while the Committee has had to rejoice over the success that has attended its efforts, it has also experienced great and manifold disappointments.  But its members are not discouraged, and it is hoped they never will be.

One young woman stayed with the Committee a month, and then ran away.  She was lamentably ignorant, and could never be brought to work.[75]Anothervery promising in temper and habits, stayed in a family three months, and then left them to live again with her parents, who encouraged her to believe that she would be married to one of her clan.  It may be hoped the knowledge she gained while in service may be useful to her at some future time.  She is not, cannot be happy, and is sorry that she left her service and her friends.  The father and mother have promised to stay in Southampton through the next winter, which they will be encouraged to do, with the hope of gaining instruction in the truths of religion.

A woman, her four sons, and their grandmother,[76]joined the family of reformed Gipsies for a short time, and we had considerable hopes of them all, the two eldest boys excepted, who refused to work, and who grew much more vicious than when under the hedges.  Their father had formerly been sentenced to death, but by the interest of a friend, the sentence was changed to fourteen years’ hard labour on board the hulks at Portsmouth, nearly nine of which had expired at the time his family came under the direction of the Committee.  His wife intimating that if they were to apply for his release, it might be granted, and that then he might govern the boys, and make them work, his liberty was obtained.  But within three days afterwards,he declared he would not constrain any of his children to labour; they might do it or not, as they pleased.  And, in the course of the week, he took them all away and went to Brighton.

A lady then staying at that place, and who had known this family at Southampton, sent to the place where the Gipsies usually encamp, hoping to recall some of them to a sense of their duty, but was informed that the whole of the party had set off a few days before.  Early on the following morning, a Gipsy called at the house of this lady, and offered to tell the fortunes of the servants.  She was asked if she knew the woman who was enquired for the preceding day?  She replied, thatshe was the very person.  On hearing by whose servant she was addressed, she became almost speechless with shame, and said,I would rather have met the king.  On recovering, she expressed great delight and gratitude that she was not forgotten by the lady, and declared she had been very unhappy since she had left Southampton, and that the sin of fortune-telling greatly distressed her mind; but that she knew not how to support her family without it.  They had undergone many hardships.  The little boys, she said, had frequently amused themselves with trying to spell the different things about their tent, and were often wishing for their Southampton fire.  The next morning she brought them to see their kind benefactress.  The youngest of them, a fine promising boy, both as to talent and disposition, was overjoyed at the meeting; his little eyes were filled with tears, and he couldscarcely speak.  He and his brother were immediately provided with clothing, and sent to the School of Industry; where, in addition to the religious instruction given them, they were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, digging, &c.  Their master has been much pleased with their progress.  The mother was afterwards induced to stay at Brighton, being allowed a small sum weekly.  She has been taught to read by some kind friends, and many hopes are entertained of her conversion to God.  A letter has lately been received, which gives a very interesting account of her increase in knowledge and improvement in morals.

A very promising Gipsy youth, who was placed with a coach-maker in Southampton, after working some time, cut his hand, and then relinquished his employment, to wander with his father, who is a rat-catcher.  But it is hoped that he, as well as others of his brethren who have returned to their former courses, will be brought back, or find some other desirable and permanent abode; that what has been done by this society may not ultimately be lost.  Indeed, while writing this, I am happy to be able to state, that the morals of this young man appear very correct, and that he has, by constant application, learned to read tolerably well since he left Southampton.  He supports himself by selling brushes, lines, and corks, but talks very seriously of giving up his wandering habits to return to us again.

Among the reclaimed Gipsies are three women who were notorious fortune-tellers, and who doubtless havedone much injury to the morals of society.  They are now very promising; and there is a fair prospect of their children being saved from much sin and misery, as they are placed at Infants’ Schools, where they are gradually acquiring useful scriptural knowledge, and correctness of habits; in which, if they persevere, by the grace of the Redeemer, their present and everlasting welfare will be secured.  Such examples of success amply repay the Committee for the trouble and expense already bestowed on the Gipsies; and it is hoped its members will be stimulated to every exertion in their power by the good done to those in a state of reformation and improvement, that the whole wandering race may be led into the right way.

A gipsy woman, of whose reformation we have already taken some notice, having gone to solicit the assistance of the parish to which one of her children belonged, met with many difficulties and troubles.  She was not at this time destitute of the knowledge of religion.  She had learned to read, and had become acquainted with the Scriptures, at an adult school, and by attending at a place of worship; and these instructions were not thrown away on her; for although she was frequently invited to eat and drink in the tents of the Gipsies on her journey, she conscientiously refused, fearing that what they were partaking of might not be honestly obtained.  She informed them that her Testament had taught her better habits than those she had formerly known.  Her children helped to keep alive her religious impressions.  They often talked to her about the school from which she had taken them, of their lessons, and the observations of the master and mistress, on different parts of the Scriptures, and at other times they catechised each other on the objects that presented themselves on the road, in the same way they had been used to in the Infants’ Schools; towhich they often begged their mother to let them return.  These circumstances, she has since said, made her so miserable that she felt shecould not live as she had done.

Some time after this, she made a visit to a parish in which another of her children was born, near Basingstoke.  She entered the cottage of an old couple who sold fruit, &c.  Tea being proposed, the old woman expressed her surprise that she had not seen her visitor for so long a time, saying she was glad she was come, as she wanted her to tell her many things, meaning future events.  She mentioned a great deal that another Gipsy woman had told her, on which the reformed one exclaimed—Don’t believe her,dame.It is all lies.She knows no more about it than you do.If you trust to what she says,you will be deceived.  The old woman was still more surprised, and askedhow she, who had so often told their fortunes, and had promised them such good luck, could be so much altered?  The woman taking her Testament from her bosom, replied, “I have learned from this blessed book, and from my kind friends,that all liars shall have their portion in the lake that burneth with brimstone and fire; and rather than tell fortunes again, I would starve.”  She then opened her book and began reading a chapter, endeavouring to explain as she read, at which her host and hostess began to weep.  She told them that though she knew she had been a great sinner, and was one still, yet she never had felt so happy as then.  The old woman observed, thatshecould notsayshe was happy, and wished to know what she must do to feel happy.  The Gipsy replied, you must leave off selling on Sundays, and go to a place of worship, and learn to read the Testament, and to pray, andthenyou will become happy.

This poor Gipsy woman, who was so anxious to instruct those she had many times deceived, was soon after taken sick, at which time her distress of soul was very great; and she then said, were she to die, hersoul could not go to heaven.

Many were her temptations, while in great poverty, to renew the practice of fortune-telling.  Several genteel parties have visited her, and sometimes offered her gold, tempting her to begin again the sins she had for ever given up; but, much to her credit, she at all times resolutely refused all such unholy gain.

At one time some very gay young women called on her, desiring to have their fortunes told.  Her Testament lay on the table, which she had but a short time before been reading, and pointing to it, she said—That book,and that only,will tell your fortunes;for it is God’s book;it is his own word.  She reproved them for their sin, and said, the Bible had told her,all unrighteousness is sin.  They then requested she would not tell any one that they had called upon her.  She replied—Oh!you fear man more than God!

A few days since, this reformed woman was sweeping the pavement in front of her house, when two female servants came up, enquiring for the house of the fortune-teller; mourning over them for their folly,she said—My dears,she cannot tell your fortunes.I have been a professed fortune-teller,and have deceived hundreds.  She succeeded in persuading them to go home.

At a meeting of Gipsies held at a gentleman’s house, Jan. 1830, the youngest child of this woman said to her mother,Mammy,who be all these folks?  The mother replied,They are Gipsies.WasIever like ’em? asked the child.Yes, said the mother,you was once a poor little Gipsy without stockings and shoes,and glad to beg a halfpenny of any body.  It is a circumstance not to be lamented, that the condition even of a little child, has been so much bettered by the exertions of the Committee.

In addition to the encouragement afforded us by this woman, giving up with so much decision the practice of fortune-telling, the author must not forget to mention an instance of her forbearance of temper under provocation and outrage.  She had, when a vagrant, a quarrel with some of her ignorant people of another tribe.  Meeting with them after her reformation, she was severely beaten by them, and had her ear-drops torn from her ears, while they contemptuously called herMethodist.  When asked, why she did not bring her persecutors to justice, she replied,How can I be forgiven,if I do not forgive?That is what my Testament tells me.

The young widow we have before mentioned, continued to tell fortunes for some time after we had taken her children; but it pleased the Holy Spirit to awakenher conscience, and to shew her the wickedness of such crimes, by which she was led to true repentance and reformation of character.

After the death of both the children of this interesting individual, she went into the service of a kind and pious lady in London.  For this situation she was prepared by one of equal benevolence in Southampton, who had her for some time in her own house for that purpose.  She continued in this situation till the lady’s death, and has since been in other service, where she has conducted herself so well as to prove she is become a sincere servant of Christ.

The author will be pardoned, he is willing to hope, by the kind reader, if he digress in one or two paragraphs in this part of his work, purposely to expose the great wickedness of prognostication and fortune-telling; as the whole is not only unsound, foolish, absurd and false, but is most peremptorily forbidden in the Scriptures.

In the law of Moses it is commanded, that there should not be found among the people, any that used divination, or that was an observer of the times, or that was an enchanter: Deut. xiii. 10.  In the prophecies of Malachi, the Lord has declared—Thou shalt have no more soothsayers: Mal. v. 12.  Balaam and Balak were cursed of the Lord of Hosts; the former for using enchantments, and the latter for employing Balaam in this wicked work.Woe to them that devise iniquity: Micah, ii. 1.  Those who employ unhappy Gipsy women, should think on the portion of the liar; Rev. xxi. 8: for the person who tempts another to utter falsehood by offering rewards, is equally guilty before God.A companion of fools shall be destroyed: Prov.xiii. 20.Though hand join in hand, in sin,the wicked shall not go unpunished: Prov. xvi. 5.The destruction of the transgressors and the sinners shall be together: Isai. i. 28.  It may be safely affirmed that the sin of those persons, who trifle with Gipsy women in having their fortunes told by them, nearly resembles that of the first king of Israel; who, by consulting, in his trouble, a wicked woman, who pretended to supernatural power, filled up the measure of those sins, by which he lost the protection of heaven, his crown, and his life, and by which he involved his family in the most ruinous calamity.

Reader, have you encouraged any of these people in such crimes?  If you have so far forgotten yourselves, the commands of God, and the curse that awaits you and those who deceive themselves the same way; reflect, before it be too late, on the evil into which you have willingly, wilfully, and without the least reasonable excuse, fallen, and on the guilt that must of necessity attach to your consciences thereby.  Should you never meet those you encouraged to sin in this world, and therefore never have an opportunity of warning them of their danger, yet must you meet at the bar of Christ; and if then loaded with the weight of the sin in question, how awful will be your condition!  Yourself and a fellow creature turned out for ever from God, and heaven, and hope!  You may find mercynow, if you, by faith in the Redeemer,seek for it; and who can tell but if you sincerely pray for thoseyou led into sin, but that the mercy of which you part take, may find out them!  May it even be so, to your everlasting comfort!

Some have supposed that this contemptible practice was first introduced into Europe by the Gipsies: but such persons are greatly mistaken.  In the dark ages of superstition, in which this wandering people came to our part of the world, prognostication and fortune-telling were carried on to an infinite extent; and so enraged were the deceivers of those days against the Gipsies, that they proclaimed they knew nothing of theart; that they were deceivers and impostors.

It were well if the Gipsies werenowthe only persons addicted to such wickedness; but this is not the case; for it is well known that almost every town is cursed with an astrological, magical, or slight-of-hand fortune-teller.  There are two now in Southampton; and their wretched abodes are visited not only by vain and ignorant servants, but often by those who belong to the higher circles, and not unfrequently by those who drive their carriages.

To conclude this chapter, it may be safely said, that the sort of wickedness in question, is not only forbidden in the Scriptures, and will add much to the guilt of an impenitent death; but that it is calculated to give us the most airy anticipations, or oppress us with the most unreasonable despair.Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof; why should we then afflict ourselves about ill-fortune in future years?  If weseek, as thefirst great object of life,the kingdom of heaven,all[necessary]things shall be added.  And why should we deceive ourselves with gay and splendid expectations?Riches make themselves wings and soon fly away.

As no event happens without a cause, so no good is accomplished without means.  It is in the power of man as an instrument, frequently to make his fellow-creatures either happy or miserable.  And it may safely be asserted, that much of the ignorance, depravity, and consequent misery found in the world, are occasioned by the want of a united and persevering application of the energies of Christians, to the reformation of the most debased classes of Society.  This backwardness to perform that which is good, with respect to our fellow men, must be accounted for, by the want of faith in God’s word, and the little influence we allow the religion of the Saviour to have on our own hearts.  It may also be occasioned by the strong evidences we have of the corruption of human nature, and the little good we see attend the labours of others: and we are often likewise discouraged because our own efforts fail.  On these accounts, how often do we sigh for opportunities of doing good, whilst we neglect the openings of Providence in little things, which would frequently lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness.  Dr Johnson used to say,“He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do any.”  Good is done by degrees.  However small in proportion the benefit which followsindividual attemptsto do good, a great deal may thus be accomplished by perseverance, even in the midst of discouragements and disappointments.  The first missionaries who visited England, had to contend with all the frightful cruelties of savage life, and the more horrid rites of Druidical worship.  But now, though much wickedness abounds in England, it is, in a religious point of view, the paradise of the earth.  May all those who wish to diffuse the genuine influences of Christianity among the poor Gipsies, imitate the example of the adorable Saviour, whomade himself of no reputation, that he might enlighten the most ignorant, and impart happiness to the most miserable.

It will not be denied that the Gipsies are capable of feeling the influence, and appreciating the worth of the Gospel: and no one will doubt that the earlier the plans are adopted for their improvement, the sooner will this desirable work be accomplished.

The reader is requested to pay particular attention to the following suggestions.

The establishment of an Institution to supply instruction to the Gipsies by regular Ministers, or Missionaries, would be of but little use.  Indeed such a measure could scarcely be carried into effect.  For the Gipsies, beside associating in very small companies, are perpetually driven from place to place.  To supply them, therefore, with regular instruction, a preacherwould be necessary to every family; who would condescend to their mode of life, travel when they travelled, rest when they rested, and be content with the ground and straw for his bed, and a blanket tent for his covering!  All this would subject them to great personal inconvenience, and at the same time be very expensive and highly improper.  Neither would it be possible for ministers to be appointed occasionally and alternately to visit the Gipsies in different counties.  For it might often happen that, before intelligence could be forwarded to those appointed to give them instruction, they might be removed by a peace officer, or have set out on a journey of several miles distance.  Benevolent, zealous, and prudent persons may do much by visiting the camps near towns; and the most suitable parts of the day for promoting this object, are morning and evening.  But the most simple and easy plans of instruction should invariably be adopted.

To those persons who are afraid of visiting the Gipsies, lest they should be insulted, abused, and robbed, the author may be allowed to say that they have not the least grounds for such fears.  In Scotland this fear is quite as general among the religious people as it is in England; and in that country the inhabitants are even afraid to prosecute them for their depredations and crimes.  In England ladies are frequently known to visit their camps singly, when more than a mile from towns, and to sit and read and converse with them for a considerable time, with the greatest confidence and safety.

There is not the least prospect of doing them good, by forcing instruction upon them.  About the year 1748, the Empress Theresa attempted the improvement of the Gipsies in Germany, by taking away, by force, all their children of a certain age, in order to educate and protect them; but such an unnatural and arbitrary mode of benevolence, defeated its own object; and this is not to be wondered at: the souls of the free resist every effort of compulsion, whether the object be good or bad.  Compulsatory instruction, therefore, would do no good among the Gipsies.  But they are easily won by kindness, and whoever wishes really to benefit them, must convince them that this is his intention, by patiently bearing with the unpleasing parts of their characters, and by a willingness to lessen their distresses so far as it is in his power.  Such kindness will never be lost upon them.  Nor would the author recommend their being encouraged to live in Towns, except they are truly desirous of leading a new life, as it is almost certain that their morals would be greatly corrupted thereby: and they would be capable of more extensive injury to society, should they take to their wandering habits again.

A correspondent of a friend of the author, has just communicated the following particulars, which prove the truth of the above remarks.

There is in the neighbourhood of Harz, at Nordausen, a colony of Gipsies, to whom a Missionary has been sent from Berlin.  His last letter speaks very favourably of their disposition to receive the word oflife.  The manner of his introduction to them was by no means likely to ensure him a favourable reception.  “Here,” said the person who brought him among them, “you have a Missionary, who is come to convert you; now mind and be converted, or you shall go to prison.”  The effect this foolish speech produced on the Gipsies may be easily imagined, and likewise how useless it rendered the situation of the Missionary who desired to labour among them.  They took to flight whenever they saw him approach, and thus, humanly speaking, there appeared not the least prospect of success, as the seed of the word could not so much as be sown.  ButHe, who alone is able to turn the heart, mercifully looked upon the work, and directed him to the right means effectually to bring it about.

The Gipsies were obliged to cultivate the land on which they were permitted to reside; but being quite ignorant of agriculture, they were at a loss how to proceed.  The missionary undertook himself to give them advice and assistance in the work.  Seeing the success that attended his labours, they began to be much more diligent in the cultivation of their grounds, while their confidence daily increased in their missionary, and they became more accessible and willing to be taught.  At last they asked him for what reason the people at Berlin had sent him among them? and when he told them, they were overpowered with gratitude, and melted into tears.  Their attachment to him and the friends who had sent him, became stronger and stronger.  In some cases, it may be true, the conquest of theirprejudices against the missionary, might proceed from the advantages they reaped by attending to his advice; and this is much to their credit, and is a most desirable improvement.  It is hoped they will soon be led to attend sincerely to his religious instructions.

A gentleman resident in one of the towns of Hampshire, was agreeably surprised one sabbath morning, by seeing a number of Gipsies at public worship; and on being induced to converse with them, was pleased to find that they regularly attended divine service at Southampton, and other places.  He directed them to move their tents into a more commodious situation in one of his own fields.  This unusual act of kindness, which however required no great sacrifice on his part, made so deep an impression on the hearts of this people, as is not likely to be forgotten: they will speak of his kindness as long as they live.  This, as well as the instances we have mentioned already in this work, and many more which we may not notice, shew that we are not without opportunities of observing their gratitude for those favours that have been bestowed upon them.

They receive with willingness one of their own people, who is now a reformed and pious character, living at Southampton, and whom we have named in a former page.  They now rejoice, too, in the assurance that a great number of good Christians pity and love them, and are seeking to promote their present and everlasting happiness.

It is therefore much to be wished, that committees ofladies or gentlemen were formed in every town in the kingdom, and their attention directed to this neglected class of British subjects.  An active person might be found in every place, to act under the sanction of such committees, who should visit their tents, instruct them in the Scriptures, and pray with and for them (the latter he should never neglect) by which means he would gain their confidence, and would always be looked on as a friend.  Such a person should not be ashamed to speak kindly to them when he meets them in the street, or on the road.  Indeed at all times he should converse with them plainly and affectionately about the great love of the Redeemer, in coming into this our world, to suffer and die for guilty sinners, of whom they make a number.  But all the labour should not be confined to one person.  Every member of these committees should be alive to this good work; as also all Christians, and especially ministers.

But should there not be sufficient energy and benevolence in all towns to form a committee, two or three who are well disposed to the object, may unite together and accomplish a great deal.  And should there not be found more than one person thus benevolently disposed, let not that one be discouraged.  The single talent must not be neglected, should it be only the power to give a cup of cold water, or to speak one word about the water of life to a necessitous and perishing Gipsy; for it may not, cannot be in vain.  Reader, are you doing what you can in this humble way?  It may be, you would rather ascend the pulpit and preachto well-informed Christians, or visit the ignorant in your own town!  This is well; but the other should not be left undone.  The wanderers in the wilderness are not to be forgotten; the outcasts of society are to be sought after.  Let us imitate our adorable Redeemer,who went about doing good, and who sought those who were not the least desirous of finding him.  As an encouragement to British Christians, who are alive to the happiness of the Gipsies, they should know that there are many among them desirous of a new mode of life, as will appear by an application lately made to the author.

“Bristol,Oct.11th, 1830.“My dear Sir,“I am unwilling to let a parcel go to Southampton, without sending you a line to give you a little information respecting H---, of whom I made enquiry if she had called on the friends to whom I directed her?  This was done by her; but she could obtain no employment.  Both H--- and her husband conduct themselves in a very satisfactory manner.  A young lady, I hope, will employ her soon; and, perhaps, in time she may get into regular work; but at present, she gets very little, and it is very necessary that the man should have employment.  The cork trade is now over; (he used to sell corks.)  They can have the loan of a donkey for two months for nothing, and that being the case, I told H--- to look out for a small cart, which I desired her to hire for a week, and sell coalsand potatoes in small quantities.[97]I have felt fearful lest you should think me too busy; but necessity has compelled me to do something, or they must have almoststarved; and I cannot bear the thought of their wanting bread; knowing it must be a great temptation for them to return to their old habits.  The man appears much altered for the better.  He said one day, when they wanted food, that he would rather beg than oblige his wife to return to fortune-telling.  H--- tells me that her husband and she live happily, and that they have had words but once since they left their vagrant life.  I am also happy to discover in her pleasing evidences of honesty, as she pays her weekly rent often before it is due, when she has money, fearing that she may spend it in food.  Job, their son, has no work, but I hope that he will be able to help his father.  Do, my dear Mr Crabb, pray for this little branch of your family.  I have received two pounds for your Infants’ Schools, from Mr ---, and would send it now, but I have been obliged to expend a considerable part of it on these poor Gipsies.  Do write to me when you can, and give me advice respecting this poor family.”The author must remark that, since the above letter was received, others also have been sent from twoladies in that neighbourhood, which give the Southampton committee great pleasure.  The following are extracts.“I have seen Mr ---, and have had a pleasing interview with Miss ---, relating to the poor wanderers you wrote to me about.  I have had the man and woman at my house.  After having heard H--- read, I told her ‘that the leprosy she had been reading of, represented the evil of our sinful heart; that we were born with it; that it prevailed in every part of the soul; and that we had lived always under its influence.’  She exclaimed,dear me!I never heard the like of that before!now it seems good for me to know this.  She wept much.  When I told her of the love of Christ, she appeared struck with her own extreme ingratitude.  Her expressions were so simple and full of pathos, that my heart was quite overcome.  She ran out of the room for her husband, and on her return, said, “ah!do talkto my poor husband, just what you said to me.”  I found him not so interesting, but desirous of leaving his wandering life for ever, and get employment if possible.  They have made some flower baskets for me; and hoping they may obtain orders for more, I have recommended them to my friends.  I have heard of another family, consisting of fourteen souls, who encamp on Bedminster Down, and there by God’s help, I intend to send a minister of Jesus, to try what can be done for them.  There is also another family expected, who have a house oftheir ownatBedminster, and who winter there.  Should the Lord bless our humble endeavours, we must have a regular Committee, and set about our work in a workman-like manner; nothing short of a Colony will satisfy me.  I intend to introduce this interesting subject at a party this evening, and hope the Lord will open the hearts of his people, to do good to those poor benighted wanderers.”

“Bristol,Oct.11th, 1830.

“My dear Sir,

“I am unwilling to let a parcel go to Southampton, without sending you a line to give you a little information respecting H---, of whom I made enquiry if she had called on the friends to whom I directed her?  This was done by her; but she could obtain no employment.  Both H--- and her husband conduct themselves in a very satisfactory manner.  A young lady, I hope, will employ her soon; and, perhaps, in time she may get into regular work; but at present, she gets very little, and it is very necessary that the man should have employment.  The cork trade is now over; (he used to sell corks.)  They can have the loan of a donkey for two months for nothing, and that being the case, I told H--- to look out for a small cart, which I desired her to hire for a week, and sell coalsand potatoes in small quantities.[97]I have felt fearful lest you should think me too busy; but necessity has compelled me to do something, or they must have almoststarved; and I cannot bear the thought of their wanting bread; knowing it must be a great temptation for them to return to their old habits.  The man appears much altered for the better.  He said one day, when they wanted food, that he would rather beg than oblige his wife to return to fortune-telling.  H--- tells me that her husband and she live happily, and that they have had words but once since they left their vagrant life.  I am also happy to discover in her pleasing evidences of honesty, as she pays her weekly rent often before it is due, when she has money, fearing that she may spend it in food.  Job, their son, has no work, but I hope that he will be able to help his father.  Do, my dear Mr Crabb, pray for this little branch of your family.  I have received two pounds for your Infants’ Schools, from Mr ---, and would send it now, but I have been obliged to expend a considerable part of it on these poor Gipsies.  Do write to me when you can, and give me advice respecting this poor family.”

The author must remark that, since the above letter was received, others also have been sent from twoladies in that neighbourhood, which give the Southampton committee great pleasure.  The following are extracts.

“I have seen Mr ---, and have had a pleasing interview with Miss ---, relating to the poor wanderers you wrote to me about.  I have had the man and woman at my house.  After having heard H--- read, I told her ‘that the leprosy she had been reading of, represented the evil of our sinful heart; that we were born with it; that it prevailed in every part of the soul; and that we had lived always under its influence.’  She exclaimed,dear me!I never heard the like of that before!now it seems good for me to know this.  She wept much.  When I told her of the love of Christ, she appeared struck with her own extreme ingratitude.  Her expressions were so simple and full of pathos, that my heart was quite overcome.  She ran out of the room for her husband, and on her return, said, “ah!do talkto my poor husband, just what you said to me.”  I found him not so interesting, but desirous of leaving his wandering life for ever, and get employment if possible.  They have made some flower baskets for me; and hoping they may obtain orders for more, I have recommended them to my friends.  I have heard of another family, consisting of fourteen souls, who encamp on Bedminster Down, and there by God’s help, I intend to send a minister of Jesus, to try what can be done for them.  There is also another family expected, who have a house oftheir ownatBedminster, and who winter there.  Should the Lord bless our humble endeavours, we must have a regular Committee, and set about our work in a workman-like manner; nothing short of a Colony will satisfy me.  I intend to introduce this interesting subject at a party this evening, and hope the Lord will open the hearts of his people, to do good to those poor benighted wanderers.”

The author has also just received from a clergyman in Scotland, a most interesting account of a colony of Gipsies in that country, where, I am happy to observe, they do not seem so much hunted as in England.  And as the severity of their winters drive them into houses for three months, during that season, there is offered a fair opportunity to both ministers and kindly disposed Christians to do them good.  The letter alluded to is most gladly inserted with the view to encourage the Christian denominations of England to imitate the benevolence, zeal, and industry of their much respected brethren the Scotch.

“Yetholm Hall,Dec.11th, 1830.“My dear Sir,“Through the report of the Society for ameliorating the condition of that unfortunate race, the Gipsies, I am acquainted with your name, and with your benevolent exertions in their behalf.  As the minister of a parish in which perhaps the largest colony of this people in Scotland reside, and naturally, therefore, verymuch interested in any plan that promises to improve their condition, I take the liberty of writing you; not so much for the purpose of answering the numerous queries subjoined to the report, as of requesting your advice and opinion, with regard to what plan might be adopted for the improvement of the colony, placed, in some degree, under my care and superintendence.  I have but lately been called to the ministerial office, and appointed to the pastoral care of this parish; and previous to the period of my appointment, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with the character and habits of the Gipsies.  Your longer acquaintance with this people, and experience, may suggest to me some useful hints on the subject, should you take the trouble to notice this letter.  The number of Gipsies in the parish of Yetholm is about 100.  You are no doubt already in some degree acquainted with the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, from the interesting notices furnished by Mr Smith, of Kelso, and published inHoyland’s Survey, and in one of the earliest numbers of Blackwood’s Magazine.  And his account of them is substantially correct to this day.  It would appear that the Gipsy population of this place is fluctuating.  In 1798, there were only 59.  In 1818, when Mr Smith wrote, there were 109.  In 1830, there are 100.  And in a few years more, this number may be considerably diminished or increased.  The greater part of them are “muggers,” or “potters,” who carry earthen-ware about the country for sale.  There are two horn spoon makers; all the others are abroad from their headquarters, of Kirk Yetholm, from eight to nine months in the year.  The history of some of the individuals and families of the clan, would furnish something very interesting.  One of the family of the Taa’s is still denominated the “King.”  The number of children belonging to each family is generally large.  There may be thirty children under twelve years of age.  The parents express themselves very anxious that their children should be educated, and are willing, for this purpose, to leave them at home all the summer; and farther, that they should be trained to some occupation different from their own.  Many of the parents declare, that they would willingly remain at home, could they be supplied with constant employment.  Of late, the greater number of them have occasionally attended church, and some of them continue to attend most regularly when at home.  A considerable number of the younger children also, when at home, attend our Sabbath School.  I have likewise assisted the parents to send most of their children to the Day School: still, however, these children are at home scarcely three months in the depth of winter.  Several families have not returned yet.  Their education, therefore, even were they sent regularly to school, during this time, would be very limited.  And besides, by attending the parents to the country, they contract an attachment to their loose, wandering life, which must tend to perpetuate the peculiarities of the tribe.  A few weeks ago I was requested by Dr Baird, the Principal of the University, and one of the ministers of Edinburgh, to writeout a pretty full account of these my parishioners.  This I have done.  The account, however, was written so hastily, that I had not time even to correspond with you on the subject, before doing so, as my object in writing to you was chiefly to propose some plan which might be adopted for their improvement, on which you might give me some useful information.  In this account, I have proposed that a fund or subscription should be raised for the purpose of keeping the children at home during those months their parents are traversing the country, for paying their school wages, and, if possible, for giving a salary to a teacher to superintend their education, and that a small additional sum be occasionally in readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys.  This account may probably be published.  I am in hopes, also, that the Principal will interest himself in the cause.  Should the account be published, the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case I should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan proposed, from your kind communication.  The sum which I conceived would be required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per annum.  Mr B---, of Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the pleasure of being acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a correspondence with you on this subject.  He also is interested in the cause, and promises to use his influence with others.  I think he told me that some more detailed account of your plan waspublished, or preparing for the press, in which various alterations and improvements had been made.  This was an additional reason for my wishing to hear from you, before submitting to the people of Scotland any plan on the subject.  I should wish to know how the cause prospers with you, and what number you have at present under your care.  I am extremely interested for this unfortunate people, and any information therefore with regard to what is doing elsewhere, would be acceptable.  May He prosper the cause, whose blessing alone can render our labours effectual!I remain, my dear Sir,With much respect and esteem,Yours truly,John Baird.

“Yetholm Hall,Dec.11th, 1830.

“My dear Sir,

“Through the report of the Society for ameliorating the condition of that unfortunate race, the Gipsies, I am acquainted with your name, and with your benevolent exertions in their behalf.  As the minister of a parish in which perhaps the largest colony of this people in Scotland reside, and naturally, therefore, verymuch interested in any plan that promises to improve their condition, I take the liberty of writing you; not so much for the purpose of answering the numerous queries subjoined to the report, as of requesting your advice and opinion, with regard to what plan might be adopted for the improvement of the colony, placed, in some degree, under my care and superintendence.  I have but lately been called to the ministerial office, and appointed to the pastoral care of this parish; and previous to the period of my appointment, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with the character and habits of the Gipsies.  Your longer acquaintance with this people, and experience, may suggest to me some useful hints on the subject, should you take the trouble to notice this letter.  The number of Gipsies in the parish of Yetholm is about 100.  You are no doubt already in some degree acquainted with the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, from the interesting notices furnished by Mr Smith, of Kelso, and published inHoyland’s Survey, and in one of the earliest numbers of Blackwood’s Magazine.  And his account of them is substantially correct to this day.  It would appear that the Gipsy population of this place is fluctuating.  In 1798, there were only 59.  In 1818, when Mr Smith wrote, there were 109.  In 1830, there are 100.  And in a few years more, this number may be considerably diminished or increased.  The greater part of them are “muggers,” or “potters,” who carry earthen-ware about the country for sale.  There are two horn spoon makers; all the others are abroad from their headquarters, of Kirk Yetholm, from eight to nine months in the year.  The history of some of the individuals and families of the clan, would furnish something very interesting.  One of the family of the Taa’s is still denominated the “King.”  The number of children belonging to each family is generally large.  There may be thirty children under twelve years of age.  The parents express themselves very anxious that their children should be educated, and are willing, for this purpose, to leave them at home all the summer; and farther, that they should be trained to some occupation different from their own.  Many of the parents declare, that they would willingly remain at home, could they be supplied with constant employment.  Of late, the greater number of them have occasionally attended church, and some of them continue to attend most regularly when at home.  A considerable number of the younger children also, when at home, attend our Sabbath School.  I have likewise assisted the parents to send most of their children to the Day School: still, however, these children are at home scarcely three months in the depth of winter.  Several families have not returned yet.  Their education, therefore, even were they sent regularly to school, during this time, would be very limited.  And besides, by attending the parents to the country, they contract an attachment to their loose, wandering life, which must tend to perpetuate the peculiarities of the tribe.  A few weeks ago I was requested by Dr Baird, the Principal of the University, and one of the ministers of Edinburgh, to writeout a pretty full account of these my parishioners.  This I have done.  The account, however, was written so hastily, that I had not time even to correspond with you on the subject, before doing so, as my object in writing to you was chiefly to propose some plan which might be adopted for their improvement, on which you might give me some useful information.  In this account, I have proposed that a fund or subscription should be raised for the purpose of keeping the children at home during those months their parents are traversing the country, for paying their school wages, and, if possible, for giving a salary to a teacher to superintend their education, and that a small additional sum be occasionally in readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys.  This account may probably be published.  I am in hopes, also, that the Principal will interest himself in the cause.  Should the account be published, the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case I should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan proposed, from your kind communication.  The sum which I conceived would be required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per annum.  Mr B---, of Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the pleasure of being acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a correspondence with you on this subject.  He also is interested in the cause, and promises to use his influence with others.  I think he told me that some more detailed account of your plan waspublished, or preparing for the press, in which various alterations and improvements had been made.  This was an additional reason for my wishing to hear from you, before submitting to the people of Scotland any plan on the subject.  I should wish to know how the cause prospers with you, and what number you have at present under your care.  I am extremely interested for this unfortunate people, and any information therefore with regard to what is doing elsewhere, would be acceptable.  May He prosper the cause, whose blessing alone can render our labours effectual!

I remain, my dear Sir,

With much respect and esteem,Yours truly,John Baird.

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