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 coals and 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 almost
_starved_; 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 two ladies 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 talk_ to 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 of
_their own_ at Bedminster, 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._ 11_th_, 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, very much 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 in HOYLAND'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 head quarters, 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 write out 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 was published,
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.
"P. S.--I have just received a letter from Principal Baird, informing me
that my account of the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, will be published, and a
proof for correction be sent to me shortly. It will be published in a
new statistical account of Scotland, which will ensure for it a very
extensive circulation, especially among the ministers of the established
church of Scotland."
Another letter relating to the Gipsies of Yetholm, has been received from
the same clergyman, extracts of which may be seen in the Appendix.
CHAP. XII. Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent, for promoting a
Reformation among the Gipsies, continued.
It is usual, in Southampton, for a few pence to be given to a child who
informs any of the members of the Committee when a family of Gipsies
begin to erect their tents on the common, that they may immediately be
visited by our Reader. This may be done elsewhere. It may be well, too,
to buy a basket, or any other article they may honestly have to dispose
of, when opportunity offers; but it is not well to bestow money on them,
unless in sickness or want. When their wives are confined, a favourable
opportunity offers to bring into action the sympathies of compassion in
other females; and what gratitude would such an instance of tenderness
beget! These poor women have frequently been heard to exclaim, while
tears filled their eyes, _How kind_, _how good to us_! for favours very
much less!
The author has seldom met with instances of ingratitude, though he is
obliged to record one. He was interested in the reformation of a Gipsy
family that encamped, a short time since, about five miles from
Southampton, whom he visited early on a Monday morning. Reaching the
camp, accompanied by the old Gipsy he has often mentioned in the course
of this work, he said to them, "Since you would not come to see me, I am
come to see you." The camp, consisting of eight persons, gave him a
cordial reception, the husband excepted, who said, he did not want his
company. "You certainly do not mean what you say," said his friend; to
which he ungratefully replied, "I never speak words without meaning." In
a good-natured way he was questioned as to the truth of his being a
Gipsy, accompanied with the remark, that Gipsies were seldom ungrateful
for the favours which were shown them. In half an hour after, he left
the camp very angrily. This man had been released from many years'
imprisonment, through the author's intercession; but having associated
with thieves so long, the worst principles of his heart were drawn forth.
Before he left the camp, he said he had no care about his children, but
to feed and clothe them. "Then you only treat your children as a man
does his dogs and pigs." He replied, that "such treatment was good
enough." This is a common sentiment; for the generality of parents have
no further care about their children than to feed and clothe them. Such
persons are not perhaps aware how nearly they come to that dreadful state
of mind and heart, of which this ungrateful Gipsy so wickedly boasted.
After he had left the party, those who remained attended to conversation
and prayer, when one of the women wept bitterly on account of her sin of
fortune-telling. The author has since been informed that this poor man
expresses his sorrow for his uncalled-for behaviour.
The plans adopted in Southampton, for the conversion of the Gipsies in
Hampshire, are now generally known among their people. Not long ago, an
old woman brought four orphans of a deceased relative from a great
distance, in order to place them under the care of the Committee. On
this occasion the old woman thus addressed the author. "Are you Mr
Crabb?" Being told, yes, she continued--"Mr Chas. Stanley, a Gipsey,
desired me to bring you these poor orphans." The author being assured
that they were orphans, promised, after some conversation, to visit their
tent the following day. He did so, and never can he forget the
distressing scene he then witnessed. It was winter, and the weather was
unusually cold, there being much snow on the ground. The tent, which was
only covered with a _ragged_ blanket, was pitched on the lee side of a
_small_ hawthorn bush. The children had stolen a few _green_ sticks from
the hedges, but they would not burn. _There was no straw_ in the tent,
and only one blanket to lay betwixt six children and the frozen ground,
with nothing to cover them. The youngest of these children was three,
and the eldest, seventeen years old. In addition to this wretchedness,
the smaller children were nearly naked. The youngest was squatted on the
ground, her little feet and legs bare, and gnawing a frozen turnip, which
had been stolen from an adjoining field. None of them had tasted bread
for more than a day. The moment they saw their visitor, the little ones
repeatedly shouted, "Here is the _gemman come for us_!" Some money was
given to the oldest sister to buy bread with, at which their joy was
greatly increased. Straw was also provided for them to sleep on, four
were measured for clothes, and, after a few days, they were placed under
the care of one of our reformed Gipsies. The youngest child died,
however, a short time after, in consequence of having been so neglected
in infancy.
The children were cleanly washed and newly clothed, before they were
removed from the common. Perhaps they had never been thoroughly washed
before. The oldest sister would not give up her wandering habits; and
the oldest boy chose to go back to the camp again; so that the Committee
had soon only three of them in charge. And these were so filthy in their
habits for a long time, that it was very disagreeable to be near them.
It is hoped that, though they have lost their earthly parents, they may
be led, through this event, to God their heavenly Father. These children
were soon baptized, and two of them are improving at one of the Infants'
Schools.
A short account of their parents may not be out of place here. The
mother was a great fortune-teller and swindler. She once robbed a poor
shepherd in Dorsetshire of twenty pounds, by promising to fill his box
with money. Their father was a most depraved character. Their life and
practices are well described in the language of the Apostle, _Let us eat
and drink_, _for to morrow we die_. 1 Cor. xv. 32. The man was the
buffoon of their company, and became more depraved every year. They
often had a great deal of money, which was, no doubt, obtained through
dishonest means. On one occasion, he and many other Gipsies, entered the
parlour of a small public house on the borders of Hants, when emptying
the contents of a dirty purse into an half-pint cup, he nearly filled it
with sovereigns; and declared, they would not leave the house, till they
had spent it all. His wife, at this time, who was intoxicated, was
robbed of all the money she had got from the poor credulous shepherd,
excepting one pound.
The same man once put 150 sovereigns into his kettle, to treat himself
with what he called, _gold water_, for his tea; a piece of folly and
wickedness only equalled by a fact with which the author is well
acquainted, when an old man had his gold put under his pillow, and often
shown to him, when he was dying. We need not wonder, therefore, that the
children of this Gipsy couple should be so ignorant, depraved, and
destitute. For money that is ill-gotten, and squandered in extravagance,
entails a double curse on the parties concerned. But to return to the
subject of this chapter.
To visit the Gipsies in their tents is of great importance. Clergymen of
the Establishment, dissenting ministers, and home missionaries, have at
various times done this, and conversed freely with them on the Christian
religion; and it has _not been in vain_. Indeed, nothing that is done,
through Jesus Christ, purposely to please God, and benefit the wretched,
can fail to produce a good effect. The Rev. Messrs Hyatt and Cobbin, who
were deputed by the Home Missionary Society, to visit many parts of
England, to enquire into the condition of this people, had no doubt, but
that much good may be done among them, if proper means are pursued. It
has many times been proved, that to attempt to raise them in society,
without the influence of religious instruction, would be improper. They
have not sufficient principles of honesty, nor purity of conduct, till
they are taught those principles, and changed, by religion. One, among
several instances, may be named.
A young female Gipsy, remarkable for the beauty of her person, was much
noticed by a lady of rank. She was made to sit many times for her
portrait, was introduced into the drawing-room, and became of consequence
as one of the family. She might have done well, had she not given up all
her prospects by running away with a Gipsy youth, for whom she had an
attachment, and with whom she has ever since lived in great misery. If
less attention had been paid to her beauty, and more to the cultivation
of right principles, she might now have been reformed, religious, and
happy.
To those who wish to forward the instruction of the children of these
wanderers, which is of vast importance, the use of tins with letters and
monosyllables stamped upon them, is recommended. A little ink or paint
will be necessary to make the letters visible. This plan would save much
expense, and render elementary books unnecessary. They could not be
torn, as books generally are. The pieces thrown away by the tinman, if
the corners were taken off, would answer every purpose. To induce those
children, who cannot be got from the tent, to learn from these tins, the
visitor might promise them an old garment, or some other trifle. Should
the Gipsies conduct themselves properly, when thus visited, a little
willow-wood may be given them to encourage them in industry, and forward
the manufactory of baskets. And it might be well were a small piece of
ground devoted to the growth of willows, in neighbourhoods frequented by
them, on purpose to encourage them thereby. It might be adviseable, too,
to give them testimonials on a card, of good conduct, when about to
remove to another district, which might serve as an introduction to
benevolent persons, and those interested in their welfare in other
places; and this means would effectually prevent all imposition, keep up
the attention of the good among them, and would constantly bring them
before the notice of christian society. Such kindness would be felt by
the Gipsies, and, in time, might produce a good effect. This method has
been attended to by the Southampton Committee.
The great object that Christians should have in view, should be to
instruct them in the blessed truths of the Christian religion, imbue them
with a happy sense of honesty and morality, and then reclaim them wholly
from their unsettled and wandering habits; for until they have some
knowledge of religion, and some anxiety to reform, they would only be
worse by being brought constantly before the bad examples that would be
set them in towns. Of course, such a change _cannot be fully
accomplished in the present generation_; it cannot be expected. But
their conversion to God will wholly be accomplished in time, if all
Christians do their duty, depending on the influence of the Holy Spirit.
From what has been said in this chapter, it will appear, that, visiting
their tents to pray for, and instruct them, teaching such children to
read as cannot get to public schools, and prevailing on all who are able
to do so, to attend public worship; are the principal things to be
attempted, in this great and good undertaking. Those Christians who wish
for opportunities of doing good to the Gipsies in and about London, will
find many of them in the suburbs in the months of April, May, and June,
when they generally find work in the market gardens. In the months of
July and August they move into Sussex and Kent, and are engaged in the
harvest. And in the month of September, _great numbers_ of them are to
be found in the hop-districts of Kent, Sussex and Surry, where they find
employment. During the winter, many of them settle in London,
Westminster, Bristol, and other large towns, when a good opportunity is
presented for teaching, both to the children and adults of this class,
the elements of reading, and the principles of true religion. For the
information of those who may wish to visit the Gipsies in London and
Bristol, during the winter, the author thinks it his duty to name the
streets where they generally reside.
Tottenham-court Road; Battle Bridge; Paddington; Bolton Street; Church
Lane; Church Street; Kent Street, Borough; New Street; White Street;
Banbridge Street; Shore-ditch; Tothill-fields; and Tunbridge Street. In
Bristol they are principally found in Saint Phillip's, Newfoundland
Street, Bedminster, and at the March and September fairs.
At the Ascot and Epsom races, they may be met in large numbers; and if a
benevolent, kind, and zealous minister of Christ were to visit them at
their encampments at these seasons, and explain to them the facts,
doctrines, and blessings of the Gospel, much good might be done. The
morning would be the happiest time to visit these Gipsies, as they are
too often at races, inebriated before night. It is presumed little could
be said to profit them in a state of intoxication, and many of the women
are then employed either in swindling or fortune-telling.