Chapter 6

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 of life. 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. But HE, 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 their prejudices 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 of ladies 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 preach to 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._ 11_th_, 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 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.