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historical survet 
 
 OP THE 
 
 CUSTOMS, HABITS, % PRESENT STATU 
 
 OF 
 
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 DESIGNED TO DEVELOPE 
 
 The Origin of this Singular People* 
 
 AND TO PROMOTE 
 
 The Amelioration of their Condition 
 
 
 By JOHN HOYLAND, 
 
 Muthor of an Epitome oj the history of the fV or Id, $£> 
 
 j@orfts 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR; AND SOLD BY 
 
 WM. ALEXANDER, YORK; 
 
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 LONDON. 
 
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INTRODUCTION. 
 
 JL HE author of the following Survey, has frequently 
 ad opportunity of observing the very destitute and 
 abject condition of the Gypsey race, in the counties of 
 Northampton, Bedford, and Herts. The impressions 
 received from viewing a state so derogatory to human 
 nature, induced him to make numerous inquiries, in 
 order to ascertain if necessity compelled their conti- 
 nuance, under circumstances so deplorable as their 
 condition exhibited. 
 
 Not meeting with satisfactory intelligence on appli- 
 plication to various individuals, to whose observation 
 Gypsies are frequently presented, the author was ex- 
 cited to an examination of history, for the developement 
 of a case involved in so much obscurity; and aggra- 
 vated by circumstances so repugnant to the mild and 
 genial influences of the Christian Religion. 
 
 He must not however omit to state, that in North- 
 amptonshire, William Allen, who is in the profession of 
 the law, at Higham Ferrers, and Steward to Earl 
 ^Fitzwilliam, very warmly interested himself on the 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 iv 
 
 subject. He said it afforded him much pleasure id 
 firm, that some attention was excited to the condition 
 of the Gypsies, and that he should be glad to co- 
 operate, as tar as was in his power, in any measures 
 likely to conduce to the reformation of this greatly neg- 
 lected class ol British subjects. 
 
 lie volunteered liis services to find out the nearest 
 Gypsey rendezvous, and soon procured information of 
 an encampment which the writer visited. An account 
 ol the visit will appear in the following sheets. The 
 first assurance that .the Gypsies really had a language 
 peculiar to themselves, which the author received, was 
 from this intelligent and obliging professor of the law, 
 who had heard children, as well as adults among them, 
 speak it with great fluency. 
 
 He also observed, that the situation of this people 
 
 daily became increasingly deplorable, in consequence 
 
 of the establishment of associations for the prosecution 
 
 of felons ; and that the fear of apprehension as vagrants, 
 
 and the progressive inclosures near towns and villages 
 
 o / 
 
 had a tendency to drive them to a greater distance 
 from the habitations of man. And he w as fully of opi- 
 nion, as these houseless. wanderers were expelled from 
 
 I ownship after Township, without any provision being 
 made for their refuge, that it was high time their case 
 should obtain the consideration oi the public. 
 
VNTRODUCTIOV. 
 
 V 
 
 Of the historic authorities whence the author has de- 
 lved information and interesting observation, »: ias to 
 lace in the foremost rank, the Dissertation ol the 
 learned H. M. G. Greilmann, translated a few years 
 since, by the late M. Raper, Esq. F. R. S. & A. 3. He 
 has, however, to acknowledge himself indebted to va- 
 rious other intelligent authors, wiiose writings will be 
 noticed in the course of the work. 
 
 Another source of information, and which relates 
 especially to the present state of the Gypsies in Great 
 Britain, has been opened through inquiries instituted 
 iu most parts of the nation, by the author, aided by se- 
 veral obliging and able coadjutors. The results of these 
 inquiries, it scarcely need be added, will be presented 
 to tlie reader in their proper places. 
 
 The author has much regretted, that scarcely any of 
 the splendid histories of Counties in England, and even 
 those in which the Gypsies abound, have in the least 
 noticed that part of the population which so strongly 
 claims our attention. By bringing their situation into 
 view', the historian might not merely have served the 
 cause of humanity ; he would have advanced the in- 
 terest of the state, by promoting an object of so much 
 public utility, as the improvement of the whole Gypsey 
 race cannot fail to prove. 
 
 A comparative view of their customs and habits, and 
 how far they appear coincident in different countries, 
 
INTRODUCTION* 
 
 (i 
 
 may afford a criterion by which to judge if they have 
 all had one origin. By thus tracing them to that 
 source, we may possibly discover the occasion of their 
 peculiarities ; and if the means hitherto employed to 
 counteract them, have proved unsuccessful, we may be 
 prepared to consider of others, better adapted to correct 
 the errors of their education. 
 
 Conceiving that any scheme for ameliorating the 
 condition of the Gypsies, would not only be premature, 
 hut might prove highly injudicious, before obtaining a 
 knowledge of their history, the author has endeavoured 
 to collect, from the most authentic European autho- 
 rities to which he could have access, a general view of 
 this people, in the different parts of the world to whScn 
 they have resorted ; and from these and the other 
 sources of information, he has subjoined accounts of 
 their state in Great Britain, and of the suggestions 
 offered by other individuals for their improvement ; 
 concluding the subject with a review of the whole, and 
 proposing a plan to be set on foot for accomplishing this 
 desirable object. 
 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 vui 
 
 SECTION VIII. 
 
 Comparative view of the Gypsey, Hindostanie, and 
 Turkish languages page l$i 
 
 SECTION IX. 
 
 present State of the Gypsies in England page 15l 
 
 SECTION X. 
 
 Present State of the Gypsies in and about London 
 
 page 17$ 
 
 SECTION XU 
 
 Sentiments of various persons on the moral condition 
 of the Gypsies page 191 
 
 SECTION Xlli 
 
 Review of the Subject, and. Suggestions for amelia 
 orating the condition of the Gypsies in the British 
 Empire, ... page 2 21 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY, 
 
 &c. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 Various appellations of them Their arrival in 
 
 Europe. 
 
 The different appellations by which the 
 People whom we denominate Gypsies, have 
 been distinguished, appear generally to have 
 had reference to the countries, from which it 
 was supposed they had emigrated, 
 
 Grellmann states, that the F rench, having the 
 first accounts of them from Bohemia, gave 
 them the name of JSohemiens , Bohemians, 
 That the Dutch apprehending they came from 
 Egypt, called them Heydens , Heathens, In 
 Denmark, Sweden, and in some parts of Ger- 
 many, Tartars were thought of. The Moors 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 10 
 
 and Arabians, perceiving the propensity the 
 Gypsies had to thieving, adopted the name 
 Char ami, Robbers, for them. 
 
 In Hungary, they were formerly called Pha- 
 raohites, (Pharaoh Nepek) Pharaoh’s people ; 
 and the vulgar in Transylvania continue that 
 name for them. The idea of the English ap- 
 pears to be similar, in denominating them 
 Gypsies, Egyptians; as is, that of the Por- 
 tuguese and Spaniards, in calling them Gitanos . 
 Hut the name Zigeuners, obtained the most 
 extensive adoption, and apparently not without 
 cause ; for the word Zigeuner , signifies to 
 wander up and down — for which reason, it is 
 said, our German ancestors denominated every 
 strolling vagrant Zichegan. 
 
 The Gypsies are called not only in all Ger- 
 many, Italy, and Hungary Tziganys ; but 
 frequently in Transylvania, Wallachia and 
 Moldavia, Cyganis. But the Turks, and other 
 Eastern nations name them, Tschingenes. 
 
 The origin of this people has been a subject 
 of inquiry for more than three hundred years. 
 Many persons have been anxious to discover 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 11 
 
 ** who these guests were, that, unknown and 
 uninvited, came into Europe in the fifteenth 
 “ century, and have chosen ever since to con* 
 “ tinue in this quarter of the globe.’’ 
 
 Continental writers state, that it is incredible 
 how numerous the hordes of this people are, 
 and how widely dispersed over the face of the 
 earth. They wander about in Asia, the in- 
 terior of Africa, and have established them- 
 selves in most of the countries of Europe. 
 Grellmann is of opinion, that America is the 
 only part of the world, in which they are not 
 known. Though no mention appears to be 
 made of them by Authors who have written oil 
 that quarter of the globe ; yet no doubt re- 
 mains, of their having been in Europe nearly 
 four hundred years, 
 
 Wilhelm Dilick in his Heszisciien Chronik , 
 scit 229, beyn Jahr 1414, informs us they 
 arrived the same year in the Hessian terri- 
 tories ; but no mention of them appears in the 
 public prints till three years afterward. Men- 
 tion is made of their being in Germany as 
 early as the year 1417 ; when they appeared 
 
12 
 
 HISTORICAL SUKTVEY 
 
 in the vicinity of the North sea. Fabricius, m 
 Annalibb Misn , says, they were driven from 
 Meissen in 1416, but Calvisius corrects this 
 date by changing it to 1418, 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne in his “ Vulgar Errors” 
 page 287, says, their tirst appearance was in 
 Germany, since the year 1400; nor were they 
 observed before in other parts of Europe, as is 
 deducible from Munster, Genebrard, Krantzius 
 and Ortelius,” 
 
 In Germany they spread so rapidly, that 
 in 1418, their names were recorded in the 
 annual publications of various parts of the 
 country. They travelled in hordes, each having 
 his leader, sometimes called County others 
 had the title of Dukes , or Lords of Lesser 
 Eyijpt. 
 
 In 1418 they were found in Switzerland, 
 and in the country of the Grisons ; and in 1422 
 they made their appearance in Italy. The 
 Bologna Chronicle states, that the horde which 
 arrived in that city, on the 18th of July, 1422, 
 consisted of about one hundred men, the name 
 of whose leader, or Duke as they termed him. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 13 
 
 vvas Andreas. They travelled from Bologna 
 to Forli, intending to pay the Pope a visit at 
 Rome. 
 
 Their appearance in France bears the date 
 of 1427, when the French say, they straggled 
 about Paris, having arrived on the 17th day of 
 August in that year. 
 
 German Historians are agreed, ihat when 
 the Gypsies first made their appearance in 
 Europe, they chose to be considered as Pil- 
 grims ; and that their profession met with the 
 more ready belief* as it coincided with the in- 
 fatuation of the times.. The learned Grellmann 
 states, that several old writings mention the 
 credulity, with which people cherished the 
 idea, that they were real pilgrims and holy 
 persons ; that it not only procured for them 
 toleration, but safe-conducts in many places. 
 
 Munster declares, that they carried about 
 with them passports and seals from the Em- 
 peror Sigismund, and other Princes ; by means 
 of which, they had free passage through dif- 
 ferent countries and cities ; and that he had 
 
 b 3 
 
li 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 himself seen, an attested copy of such a letter 
 in the possession of some Gypsies at Eberbach. 
 
 Krantz, Stumpf, Guler, and Laureritius 
 Palmirenus, all agree in this statement. The 
 Gypsies at Bologna also showed an instrument 
 from Sigismund ; but he appears to have 
 granted this to them, not as Emperor, and in 
 Germany ; but in Hungary, and as King of 
 Hungary. A pass of Uladislaus II. might also 
 be quoted, which the Gypsies obtained chiefly 
 on account of their supposed sanctity and pil- 
 grimage. In Transylvania, it is asserted they 
 received letters of protection from the House 
 of Bathory. 
 
 Webner says, that the Gypsies in France 
 quoted ancient privileges, granted to them by 
 the former Kings of that country. 
 
 Crusius, Wurstisen, and Guler, mention pa- 
 pal permissions for wandering unmolested 
 through all Christian countries, as long as the 
 term of their pilgrimage lasted ; which they 
 asserted Mas seven years. But at the expi- 
 ration of that term, they represented that their 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 15 
 
 return home was prevented by soldiers sta- 
 tioned to intercept them. 
 
 The impression their pretensions had made 
 on the people among whom they came, did not 
 entirely subside during half a century ; but 
 afterward, “ the Gypsies being watched with a 
 more jealous eye, it appeared but too clearly, 
 that, instead of holy pilgrims, they were the 
 mere refuse of humanity, who, often, under 
 pretexts of safe- conducts, committed all man- 
 ner of excesses. 
 
 Their impositions being detected, it is pro- 
 bable some of them were reduced to the ne- 
 cessity of having recourse to legitimate means 
 of subsistence, for within thirty years after- 
 ward, we have accounts of Gypsies in Hungary 
 being employed in the working of iron. This 
 occupation, appears from old writings, to have 
 been a favourite one with them. Bellonius 
 also takes notice of its being so ; and there is 
 a record of the Hungarian King Uladislaus, in 
 the year 1496, cited by the Abbe Pray in his 
 Annals ; and by Friedwalsky in his Mine- 
 ralogy, wherein it is ordered, “ That every 
 
 3 4 
 
16 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 officer and subject , of whatever rank and 
 condition , do allow to Thomas Polgar, leader 
 of twenty -five tents of wandering Gypsies , 
 free residence every where , and on no account 
 to molest him , or his people ; because they 
 had prepared military stores for the Bishop 
 Sigismund at Funfkirchen grellmann. 
 
SECTION II. 
 
 Accounts of the Gypsies in various countries 
 
 To propose means for improving the con- 
 dition of Gypsies, before we have informed 
 ourselves of their real state, and what has been 
 done for them, would be as injudicious, as for 
 a Physician to prescribe for a patient, without 
 being acquainted with the nature or extent of 
 his disease, and the means attempted for his 
 cure. To form a just opinion, on the case of 
 the Gypsies, it appears necessary to ascertain 
 their general habits, and their mode of life. 
 
 From Pasquier’s Recherches de la France, 
 B. IV. C. 9, is selected the following account 
 of the Gypsies in that country : “ On August 
 17th, 1427, came to Paris, twelve Penitents, 
 Fenaneiers, as they called themselves, viz: 
 a Duke, an Earl, and ten men, all on horse- 
 
18 
 
 historical survey 
 
 back, and calling themselves good Christians. 
 They were of Lower Egypt, and gave out, that 
 not long before, the Christians had subdued 
 their country, and obliged them to embrace 
 Christianity, on pain of being put to death. 
 Those who were baptized, were great Lords in 
 their own country ; and had a King and Queen 
 there. Some time after their conversion, the 
 Saracens over- ran their country, and obliged 
 them to renounce Christianity. 
 
 “ W1 »en the Emperor of Germany, the King 
 of Poland, and other Christian Princes, heard 
 of this, they fell upon them, and obliged the 
 whole of them, both great and small, to quit 
 their country, and go to the Pope at Rome; 
 who enjoined them seven years’ penance, to 
 wander over the world, without lying in a bed. 
 They had been wandering live years when 
 they came to Paris ; first the principal people, 
 and soon after the commonalty, about 100, or 
 120, reduced from 1000, or 1200, when they 
 came from home; the rest being dead, with 
 their King and Queen. They were lodged by 
 the police, out of the city, at Chapel St. Denis. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 19 
 
 .<< Nearly all of them had their ears bored, 
 and one or two silver rings in each, which they 
 said were esteemed ornaments in their country. 
 The men were black, their hair curled; the 
 women remarkably black, all their faces scar- 
 red, deploy ex, their hair black, their only 
 clothes a large old shaggy garment, flossoye, 
 tied over the shoulders with a cloth or cord, 
 sash, lien, and under it a poor petticoat, roquet. 
 In short, they were the poorest miserable crea- 
 tures that had ever been seen in France; and 
 notwithstanding their poverty, there were 
 among them women, who by looking into 
 people’s hands told their fortunes. And what 
 was worse, they picked people’s pockets of 
 their money ; and got it into their own, through 
 telling these things by art, magic, &c. 
 
 « But though this was the common report, 
 I spoke to them several times, yet I never lost 
 a farthing by them ; or ever saw them look 
 into people’s hands. But the Bishop of Paris, 
 hearing of it, went to them with a Friar 
 Preacher, named Le petit Jacobin, who, by the 
 Bishop’s order, preached a sermon, excom- 
 
HISTORICAL SIUVE\ 
 
 29 
 
 municating ail the men and women who pre 
 tended to believe these things, and had be- 
 lieved in them, and shown their hands; and it 
 was agreed that they should go away, and they 
 departed for Pontoise, in September. 
 
 “ This was copied from an old book in the 
 form of a journal, drawn up by a doctor of 
 divinity in Paris, which fell into the hands of 
 Pasquier ; who remarks upon it, that however 
 the story of a penance savours of a trick, these 
 people wandered up and down France, under 
 the eye, and with the knowledge of the ma- 
 gistrates, for 100, or 120 years. At length, 
 in 1561 , an edict was issued, commanding all 
 officers of justice, to turn out of the kingdom 
 in the space of two months, under pain of the 
 gallies, and corporal punishment, all men, wo- 
 men and children, who assumed the name of 
 Bohemiens, or Egyptians.” 
 
 Dufresne, in his Glossary Y. /Egyptiaci, con- 
 firms Pasquier’s character of them in tliesiE 
 words: “.Egyptiaci, Gallice Egyptiens, Bo- 
 Wmiens, vagi homines, harioli, et fatidici, qui 
 hac et iliac errantes, ex manu inspectione f«- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 £1 
 
 tura proesagire se fingunt ; ut de marsupiis 
 incautorum nummos corrogent;” which may 
 be thus translated, u Egyptians called by the 
 French Egyptiens, Bohemiens, vagabonds, 
 soothsayers and fortqno-tellers, who, wander- 
 ing up and down, pretend to foretel future 
 events from the inspection of the hand, for the 
 purpose of obtaining money from persons not 
 careful of their purses, &c.” 
 
 Grellmann speaks of Gypsies “ being nume-* 
 rous in Lorraine and Alsatia, before the French 
 Revolution, but especially in the forests of Lor- 
 raine. They increased in this district, in con- 
 sequence of their having been assiduously 
 looked after in the dominions of the late Duke 
 Deux-Ponts, and driven from thence; whither 
 his successor would not suffer them to return. 
 He adds, that an order of the provincial council, 
 held at Tarragona, in 1591, subjected them to 
 the magistrates, as people “ qucs vix constat 
 esse Christianos, nisi ex eorum relatione, cum 
 fa men sint mendaces, fures, deceptores, et aliis 
 sceleribus multi eorum assueti in English, 
 f* who are scarcely allowed to be Christians, 
 
22 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 except from their own account of themselves, 
 seeing they are liars, thieves, cheats, and many 
 of them accustomed to other kinds of wick- 
 edness.” 
 
 Twiss, in his Travels p. 179, gives the fol- 
 lowing account of them in Spain : “ They are 
 very numerous about, and in, Murcia, Cordova, 
 Codis, and Honda. The race of these vaga- 
 bonds is found in every part of Europe. The 
 French call them Bohemians , the Italians Zm- 
 gari , the Germans Ziegeuners , the Dutch 
 Hnjdenen , Pagans, the Portuguese Siganos, 
 and the Spaniards Gitanos, in Latin, Cingari . 
 
 “ Their language, which is peculiar to them- 
 selves, is every where so similar, that they are 
 undoubtedly all derived from the same source. 
 They began to appear in Europe in the 15th 
 century, and are probably a mixture of Egyp- 
 tians and Ethiopians. The men are all thieves, 
 and the women libertines. They follow no 
 certain trade, and have no fixed religion. 
 They do not enter into the order of society, 
 wherein they are only tolerated. It is sup- 
 posed there are upwards of forty thousand of 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 23 
 
 them in Spain ; great numbers of them are 
 innkeepers in the villages, and small towns; 
 and they are every where fortune-tellers. 
 
 “ In Spain, they are not allowed to possess 
 any lands, nor even to serve as soldiers. They 
 marry among themselves, stroll in troops, about 
 the country, and bury their dead under water. 
 Their ignorance prevents their employing 
 themselves in any thing, but in providing for 
 the immediate wants of nature ; beyond which 
 even their roguishness does not extend ; and, 
 only endeavouring to save themselves the trou- 
 ble of labour, they are contented if they can 
 procure food by showing feats of dexterity ; 
 and only pilfer to supply themselves with the 
 trifles they want ; so that they never render 
 themselves liable to any severer chastisement, 
 than that of whipping, for having stolen 
 chickens, linen, &c. Most of the men have a 
 smattering of physic and surgery, and are skil- 
 ful in tricks performed by slight of hand.” 
 
 u The foregoing account is partly extracted 
 from Le Voyugeur Francois, Vol. XVI.; but 
 the assertion that they are all so abandoned,. 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 24 . 
 
 as that author says, is too general. I have 
 lodged many times in their houses, and never 
 missed the most trilling things, though I have 
 left my knives, forks, candlesticks, spoons, 
 and linen at their mercy.” 
 
 Swinburne states, that “ they swarm more 
 in the province of Granada, than in any other 
 part of the realm. This singular sect have 
 kept themselves separate from the rest of man- 
 kind ever since their first appearance which 
 has been recorded in history. 
 
 “ Their origin remains a problem not to be 
 satisfactorily solved ; and I doubt whether the 
 Gitanos themselves, have any secret tradition 
 that might lead to a discovery of what they 
 really were in the beginning, or from what 
 country they came. The received opinion sets 
 them down as Egyptians, and makes them out 
 to be the descendants of those vagabond vo- 
 taries of Isis, who appear to have exercised, in 
 ancient Rome, pretty much the same pro- 
 fession as that followed by the present Gypsies, 
 viz: fortune- telling, strolling up and down, 
 and pilfering. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 35 
 
 C( Few ©f them employed themselves -in works 
 of husbandry, or handicrafts; indeed the Spa- 
 niards would not work with them. Except a 
 small part of them who follow the trades of 
 blacksmiths, and vintners, most of them are 
 makers of iron rings, and other little trifles, 
 rather to prevent their being laid hold of as 
 vagrants, than really as a means of subsistence. 
 Several of them travel about as carriers and 
 pedlars. 
 
 (C Though they conform to the Roman Ca- 
 tholic mode of worship, they are looked upon 
 in the light of unbelievers; but 1 never could 
 meet with any body that pretended to say what 
 their private faith and religion may be. All 
 the Gypsies I have conversed with, assured me 
 of their sound Catholicism ; and I have seen 
 the medal of Nueslra Sen or a del Carmel 
 sewed on the sleeves of several of their women. 
 
 “ They seldom venture on any crimes that 
 may endanger their lives ; petty larceny is tbe 
 utmost extent of their roguishness. 
 
 “ The men are tall, well built, and swarthy, 
 with a bad scowling eye, and a kind of favorite 
 
26 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 lock of hair left to grow down before their, 
 ears, which rather increases the gloominess of 
 their features; their women are nimble and 
 yuppie jointed ; when young they are generally 
 handsome, with fine black eyes. Their ears 
 and necks are loaded with trinkets and baubles, 
 and most of them w ear a large patch on each 
 temple.” 
 
 Of the Italian Gypsies, the same traveller 
 in his journey through Calabria, p. SOI, gives 
 the following account : “ The landlord of 
 the inn at Mirti, earnestly recommended to 
 the servants to leave nothing out of doors, 
 as there was an encampment of Zingari, or 
 Gypsies, who would lay their hands upon any 
 part of the baggage, that was not watched 
 with the strictest attention. His caution led 
 me to an inquiry into the state of this strange 
 tribe of vagrants, of whom I had seen great 
 numbers in Spain. The result of this account, 
 combined with those I had received from 
 others, is as follows ; 
 
 “ The Gypsies of Calabria do not contract 
 alliances with any other class of inhabitants; 
 but marry among tlieuiselves. 
 
% 
 
 OF THE GYPSIES. 27 
 
 It is not possible to say where they reside, 
 as they have no fixed habitations' ; and con- 
 sequently possess neither house nor land, but 
 pitch their tents wherever they think proper to 
 make any stay. They support life by the pro- 
 fits of handicrafts ; but more by swapping asses 
 and horses. 
 
 “ They generally work in iron, and make 
 trivets, knitting needles, bodkins, and such 
 trifles. Their dress is extremely shabby ; 
 they shave their chins, but indulge a great 
 length of hair, which they seldom disturb with 
 either comb or scissars. 
 
 “ As to their religion, it is a secret which 
 they keep locked up in their own breasts. 
 They seem to have no great veneration for the 
 Virgin Mary, but are supposed to believe in 
 Christ. All the proof we have of their belief, 
 depends upon appearances, and an occasional 
 conforming to the ceremonies of the Roman 
 Catholic religion,*' in marriages, burials, Ac.; 
 but if the priests start any diflic ulties, they ma- 
 nage the matter without their interference, and 
 jierform the functions according to their own 
 
 c 2 
 
28 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 ceremonies, which in many points resemblo 
 those of the heathens. 
 
 “ At their weddings they carry torches, and 
 have paranymphs to give the bride away, with 
 many other unusual rites. 
 
 “ It is in reality, almost absurd to talk 
 of the religion ot a set of people, whose moral 
 characters are so depraved, as to make it evi- 
 dent they believe in nothing capable of being 
 a check to their passions. They are usually 
 accounted pilferers, cheats, faithless, and aban- 
 doned to dissoluteness, 
 
 “ They tell fortunes, and play juggling 
 tricks, just as they do in all other countries 
 where they are to be found. In 1560 , they 
 were banished the kingdom as thieves, cheats, 
 and spies for the Turks. In 1569 and 1685 , 
 the order was resumed, but not being enforced, 
 had little effect, 
 
 “ A Gypsey being brought to trial for a lar- 
 ceny, declared, that his law allowed him to 
 take as much from others, every day, as suf- 
 ficed for his maintenance. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 29 
 
 & These people make use of two languages, 
 one Calabrian, with a foreign accent and pro- 
 nunciation ; the other a peculiar one of their 
 own, which in sound, seems to have great affi- 
 nity to the Oriental tongues ; and is spoken 
 when they have secrets to impart to each other. 
 They sleep like dogs in a kennel, men, wo- 
 men, and children huddled together. 5 ’ 
 
 The learned Grellmann states, that “ Gypsies 
 were universally to be found in Italy ; inso- 
 much, that even Sicily and Sardinia were not 
 free from them. 
 
 u But they were the most numerous in the do- 
 minions of the church ; probably because there 
 was the worst police, with much superstition. 
 By the former they were left undisturbed ; 
 and the latter enticed them to deceive the 
 ignorant, as it afforded them an opportunity 
 of obtaining a plentiful contribution, by their 
 fortune-telling and enchanted amulets. 
 
 <6 There was a general law throughout Italy, 
 that no Gypsey should remain more than two 
 nights in any one place. By this regulation, 
 it is true, no place retained its guest long ; but 
 
 c 8 
 
so* 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 no sooner was one gone, than another came i# 
 his room. It was a continual circle, and quite 
 as convenient to them, as a perfect toleration 
 would have been. Italy rather suffered, than 
 benefited, by this law as, by keeping those 
 people in constant motion, they would do more 
 mischief there, than in places w here they were 
 permitted to remain stationary.-” 
 
 It appears from the Dissertation of Grcll- 
 mann, that he had examined with great care 
 and attention, the continental authorities on 
 the subject of Gypsies. lie asserts, that “ In 
 Poland and Lithuania, as well as in Co ur land, 
 there is an amazing number of Gypsies. 
 
 “ That they are to be found in Denmark and 
 Sweden, is certain, but how numerous they are 
 in those countries we cannot pronounce, and 
 therefore proceed to the south east of Europe. 
 
 “ The countries in this part seem to be the 
 general rendezvous of the Gypsies ; their num- 
 ber amounts in Hungary, according to a pro- 
 bable statement, to upwards of 50, COO. 
 
 t , . 
 
 “ Caritemir says, the Gypsies are dispersed all 
 over Moldavia, where every Baron has several 
 families of them subject to him. 
 
6f the gypsies. 
 
 u In Wallachia and the Sclavonian mountains, 
 they are quite as numerous. Bessarabia, all 
 Tartary, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, 
 'swarm with them ; even in Constantinople 
 they are innumerable. In Romania, a large 
 tract of Mount Hsemus, which they inhabit, has 
 acquired from them the name Tschenghe Val - 
 Jean, the Gyps'cy mountain. This district ex- 
 tends from the city Aydos, quite toPhillipopolis, 
 and contains more Gypsies than any other pro- 
 vince in the Turkish empire.’ 5 
 
 Our countryman Edward Daniel Clark, in 
 his travels ill Russia, Tartary, &c. so lately as 
 the year 1800, states, “ that after the ceremony 
 of the resurrection at Moscow, a party of 
 Gypsies were performing the national dance, 
 called Rarina ; others were telling fortunes, 
 according to their universal practice, or beg- 
 ging for presents of oranges or ice. 
 
 u This extraordinary people, found in all 
 parts of Europe, were originally one of the 
 Castes of India, driven out of their territory, 
 and distinguished among Indian tribes, by a 
 name which signifies* thieves. They have a si- 
 
 c i 
 
IlfSTOR l'CAX SCUTE t 
 
 32 
 
 milar appellation among the Fins, and witfr 
 the same signification. 
 
 u They preserve every where the same fea* 
 tures, manners, and customs, and what is more 
 remarkable, almost always the same mode of 
 dress. The extraordinary resemblance of ther 
 female Gypsies to the women ©f India, was re- 
 marked by the British officers and men, in 
 Egypt, when General Baird arrived with his 
 army to join Lord Hutchinson. The Sea-poys 
 had many of their women with them,, who were 
 exactly like ©ur Gypsies. 
 
 “ In their dress, they lavish all their finery 
 upon their heads. Their costume in Russia 
 is very different to that of the natives. The 
 Russians hold them in great contempt ; never 
 speaking of them without abuse; and feel 
 themselves contaminated by their touch, unless 
 it be to have their fortunes told. Formerly 
 they were more scattered over Russia, and paid 
 no tribute; but now r they are collected, and 
 all belong to one nobleman, to whom they 
 pay a certain tribute, and work among the 
 number of his slaves.’’ 
 
OF THE GYPSIES', 
 
 P. 20$, he writes : <c At Woronetz, the Gyp- 
 sey tribe are very prevalent, and a mixed race, 
 resulting from their intermarriage with the 
 Russians.” 
 
 Dr. Clarke observes. Chap. 18, p. 440, 441 
 of his Travels, between Kertchy and Caffa, in 
 the Crimea : " In the villages we found parties 
 of Tzigankies or Gypsies, encamped as we see 
 them in England, but having their tents sta- 
 tioned between their waggons, in which they 
 
 move about the country. 
 
 “ Poultry, cats, dogs, and horses, were feed- 
 ing all round them, seeming like members of 
 the same family. The Gypsies are much en- 
 couraged by the Tartars, who allow them to 
 encamp in the midst of their villages, where 
 they exercise the several functions of smiths, 
 musicians, and ast rologers. Many of them are 
 wealthy, possessing tine horses, and plenty of 
 other cattle; but their way of life, whether 
 rich or poor, is always the same. As we en- 
 tered their tents they arose, and cast a sheep’s 
 hide over their bodies. The tilth and stench 
 of these people were abominable;” 
 
34 
 
 historical survey 
 
 In <be second part of his Travels, p. 6\tl; 
 he writes respecting the Gypsies : “ VVe found 
 this people in Nauplia, under the name they 
 bear in Moldavia, of Tchinganes. How they 
 came thither no one knew ; but the march of 
 their ancestors, from the North of India to 
 Europe; so lately as the beginning of the 1 5th 
 century; will account for their not being found 
 further towards the South ; and this is now so 
 well ascertained, that no one would expect to 
 meet a Gypsey, upon any of the southern shores 
 of the Mediterranean; 
 
 To hai e found tiietii in the Peloponnesus 
 is rather remarkable, considering that their 
 whole tribe at first did not exceed half a 
 million.” 
 
 In the Travels, written by Del!, of An- 
 termony, Vol. 2, p. 157, he states : “ During 
 my stay at lobolski, I was- informed that a 
 large troop of Gypsies had been lately at that 
 place, to the number of sixty or upwards. 
 
 *1 he Russians call these vagabonds, 'Tzigcjany* 
 Their sorry baggage was carried upon horses 
 and asses. The Vice-Governor sent for the 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 U 
 
 chief of this gang, and demanded whither they 
 were going. They answered to China. He 
 stopped their progress and sent them back.” 
 
 “ Bishop Pococke met with these people, still 
 farther to the Eastward. He says, the Chin- 
 gani, who are spread all over the world, are 
 in great abundance in the North of Syria, and 
 pass for Mahometans. They live under tents, 
 and sometimes in grots under ground. 
 
 “ They make a coarse sort of tapestry, or 
 carpet work, for hangings of saddles and other 
 uses ; and when they are not far from towns, 
 deal much in cattle, and have a much better 
 character than their relations in Hungary, and 
 the Gypsies in England ; who are thought by 
 some to have been originally of the same tribe. 
 
 “ These and the Turcomen, with regard to 
 offence, are under the Pasha and Cadi ; though 
 they have a sheik to every encampment, and se~ 
 Veral great ones over them: but with regard to 
 taxes, they are immediately under the Grand 
 Seignior; whose tribute is collected yearly, by 
 an officer over each of these people ; one being 
 called the Turcoman- Agasi, an officer of great 
 
36 
 
 historical survey. 
 
 credit, and the other the Chingani- Agasi, who 
 go round the Turkish dominions to collect the 
 taxes from these people.” Travels, Vol. 2, 
 Part 1, p. 207 , 208 . 
 
 Grellmann says : “ Independently of the 
 number of Gypsies in Egypt, and some parts 
 of Asia, could we obtain an exact estimate of 
 them in the countries of Europe, the immense 
 number would probably greatly exceed what 
 we have any idea of. At a moderate calcu- 
 lation, without being extravagant, they might 
 be reckoned at between seven and eight hun- 
 dred thousand. 
 
 “ What a serious matter of consideration, 
 when we reflect that the greatest part of these 
 people, are idlers, cheats, and thieves! 
 
 “ What a field does this open for the con- 
 templation of Governments V* 
 
SECTION III. 
 
 The Habits , Occupations , and Pollttf of Conjtig 
 nental Gypsies . 
 
 The first of them that came to Europe, ap- 
 peared ragged and miserable, unless we allow 
 their leaders to have been an exception. Ia 
 like manner their descendants have continued 
 for hundreds of years, and still remain. This 
 is particularly remarkable in the countries 
 about the mouth of the Danube, which abound 
 with Gypsies ; namely Transylvania, Hungary, 
 and Turkey, in Europe; where they dress 
 even more negligently than in other parts. 
 
 It is a fact that these people enjoy a good 
 state of health more uninterruptedly, and per- 
 fectly, than persons of the most regular habits, 
 and who pay the greatest attention to them- 
 selves. Neither wet nor dry weather, heat nor 
 cold, let the extremes,, follow each other ever 
 
38 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 so quickly, seem to have any effect upon them. 
 Any prevailing sickness, or epidemical dis- 
 order, sooner pepet rates into ten habitations of 
 civilized people, than linds its way into a Gyp- 
 $ey’s tent. 
 
 Though they are fond of a great degree of 
 heat, and to lie so near the tire, as to be in 
 danger of burning, yet they can bear to travel 
 m the severest cold, bareheaded, with no other 
 covering than some old rags carelessly thrown 
 over them- ‘ 
 
 The causes of these bodily qualities, or at 
 least some of them, evidently arise from their 
 education, and hardy manner of life. 
 
 The pitiless mother takes her three months 
 old child on her back, and wanders about, in 
 fair and foul weather, in heat or cold ; there it 
 sits winter and summer, in a linen rug, with 
 its head over her shoulder. Gypsey women 
 never use a cradle, nor even possess such a 
 piece of furniture. The child sleeps in their 
 arms, or on the ground. When a boy attains 
 three years of age, his lot becomes still harder. 
 W hilst an infant, an^ his age reckoned by 
 
or THE GYPSIES. 
 
 &9 
 
 weeks and months, he was wrapt in rags, but 
 now deprived of these, he is equally with his 
 parents, exposed to the rigour of the elements, 
 for want of covering ; he is now put to trial 
 how far his legs will carry him ; and must be 
 content to travel about with, at most, no other 
 defence for his feet than thin socks. 
 
 Thus he acquires a robust constitution by 
 hardships and misery ; but though the children 
 of Gypsies do r 4 ot partake of what the refine- 
 ments of art and of tenderness would account 
 advantages, writers are unanimous in stating, 
 they are good-looking, well-shaped, lively, 
 clever, and have fine eyes,. The Gypsies, in 
 common with uncivilized people, entertain un- 
 bounded love for their children. This is a 
 source of inexcusable neglect : Gypsey chil- 
 dren never feel the rod, they fly into the most 
 violent passions, and at the same time hear no- 
 thing from their parents but flattering and 
 coaxing. In return they act with ingratitude, as 
 is commonly the consequence of such education. 
 
 Gypsies would long ago have been divested 
 of their swarthy complexions, had they discon- 
 
40 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 tinued their filthy mode of living. The Lap- 
 landers, Samoieds, as well as the Siberians, 
 likewise, have brown, yellow -coloured skins, 
 in consequence of living from their childhood, 
 in smoke and dirt, in the same manner as the 
 Gypsies. 
 
 Experience shows that their dark colour, 
 which is continued from generation to gene- 
 ration, is more the effect of education, and 
 manner of life, than of descent. Among those 
 who serve in the Imperial army, where they* 
 have learned to pay attention to order and 
 cleanliness, there are many to be found, whose 
 extraction is not at all discernible in their co- 
 lour ; though they had, probably, remained to 
 the age of twelve or fourteen years under the 
 care of their filthy parents, 
 
 A Gypsey considers a covering for the head 
 as useless, and if he does not obtain socks, 
 which the female Gypsies in Moldavia and 
 Wallachia knit with wooden needles for the 
 feet, he winds rags about them, which are laid 
 aside in summer. He is not better furnished 
 with linen, as the women neither spin, sew r . 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 41 
 
 fsor wash. But this inattention is not from 
 indifference about dress ; on the contrary, they 
 are particularly fond of clothes, which have 
 been worn by people of distinction. The fol- 
 lowing, which appeared in the Imperial Ga- 
 zette, is very much to the purpose : u Not with* 
 standing these people are so Wretched, that they 
 have nothing but rags to cover them, which do 
 not at all fit, and are scarcely sufficient to hide 
 their nakedness ; yet they betray their foolish 
 taste, and vain ostentation, whenever they have 
 an opportunity.” The women are as fond of 
 dress as the men, and equally expose them- 
 selves to the ridicule of the considerate and, 
 reflecting part of mankind. 
 
 They are remarkable not only in hanging 
 their ragged clothes about them instead of gar- 
 ments, according to the Eastern custom ; but 
 their whole arrangement is singular. Several 
 of their leaders have horses, asses, or mules* 
 with them, on which they load their tents and 
 effects, with their whole family also. They have 
 likewise dogs in their train, with which Krantz 
 asserts they are used illegally, to destroy 
 
42 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 game ; but probably the dogs are not kept 
 so much for that purpose, as to take fowls and 
 geese. 
 
 One strange peculiarity in the ideas of Gypsies 
 we have hitherto forborn to mention, but, dis- 
 gusting as the task of recording it may be, it 
 is so well authenticated, as to have excited the 
 notice of the Hungarian Legislature ; and as it 
 will be found to have some reference to the 
 origin of this singular race of human beings* 
 it must not be withheld from public view. 
 The greatest luxury to them is, when they can 
 procure a roast of cattle that have died of any 
 distemper : to eat their till of such a meal, is to 
 them the height of epicurism. When any 
 person censures their taste, or shows surprise 
 at it, they say: “ The tiesh of a beast which 
 God kills, must be better than that of one 
 killed by the hand of man.” They therefore 
 embrace every opportunity of obtaining such 
 dainties. 
 
 They are particularly fond of animals that 
 have died by tire ; therefore, whenever a con- 
 flagration has happened, the next day, the 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 43 
 
 Gypsies from every neighbouring quarter as* 
 semble, and draw the suffocated, half- consumed 
 beasts out of the ashes ; men, women, and 
 children, in troops, joyfully carrying the flesh 
 home to their dwellings. 
 
 The Gypsies in Hungary, who have settled 
 habitations, are very partial to gold and silver 
 plate, particularly silver cups, which is a dis- 
 position they have in common with the wan- 
 dering tribes. They let slip no opportunity of 
 acquiring something of this kind ; and will 
 even starve themselves to procure it. Though 
 they seem little anxious to heap up riches for 
 their children, yet these frequently inherit a 
 treasure of this sort ; and are obliged in their 
 turn to preserve it as a sacred inheritance. 
 This inclination to deprive themselves of ne- 
 cessaries that they may possess a superfluity, 
 as well as many others of their customs, is cu^ 
 rious, yet appears to be ancient ; and it was 
 probably inherent in them when they were 
 first seen by Europeans. 
 
 Historians assert, that of all the different 
 people who have migrated into foreign coun- 
 ts 
 
HISTORICAL SURREY 
 
 84 
 
 tries, a single instance is not fa be found, which? 
 accords with that of the Gypsies. The religious* 
 rites and observances of the Jews were cal- 
 culated to prevetit their imbibing* the customs 
 and habits of other nations. But it is univer- 
 sally admitted, that Gypsies did not bring any 
 particular religion with them from their native? 
 country, by which they could be distinguished 
 among other people ; being as inconstant and 
 unsettled respecting religion, as they are to 
 place of residence* 
 
 Indeed it is asserted, that no Gypsey has any 
 idea of submission to any fixed profession of 
 faith ; that parents suffering their children to 
 grow up as themselves, without education or 
 instruction, they acquire little knowledge either 
 of morality or justice ; that few of them will 
 attend to any discourse on religion, but they 
 hear it with indifference, if not with impatience 
 and repugnance. Despising all remonstrance, 
 they endeavour to live without the least soli- 
 citude concerning a future state of being. 
 
 The Turks are so fully convinced of the 
 little religious sincerity possessed by Gypsies, 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 u 
 
 that although a Jew, by becoming a Maho- 
 metan, is freed from the payment of the Cha - 
 radsch , the Gypsies are not ; at least in the 
 neighbourhood of Constantinople, they are 
 compelled to pay the poll-tax, even though 
 their ancestors for centuries had been Maho- 
 metans, or though they should actually have 
 been a pilgrimage to Mecca. The privilege of 
 wearing a white turban, is the only advantage 
 their conversion gives them, over unbelieving 
 Jews and Gypsies. 
 
 Among warlike nations, many instances have 
 occurred, in which the people subdued, being 
 more enlightened than their conquerors, the 
 latter have adopted the manners of the former. 
 After the conquest of Greece, the Romans as- 
 sumed the manners of the Greeks ; and the 
 Turks in like manner assumed those of the 
 Gauls. The Mancheans vanquished the Chi- 
 nese, but Chinese customs prevailed over those 
 'of the Mancheans Grellmann . 
 
 Our countryman Dr. Clarke, page 4, of part 
 the second of his Travels in Greece, says: 
 4i There is every reason to believe that the 
 
 d 3 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 4 & 
 
 Turks themselves, at the conquest of Con- 
 stantinople, adopted many of the customs, and 
 embraced many of the refinements of a people 
 they had subdued. 
 
 “ Their former habits had been those of no 
 made tribes, their dwellings were principally^ 
 tents, and the camp, rather than the city, dis-» 
 tinguished their abode.” 
 
 But Grellmann observes, Gypsies who have 
 not established themselves by force in any 
 country, nor obtained toleration from any Go- 
 vernment, remain unchanged. Though they 
 behold fixed dwellings on every side of them, 
 with settled inhabitants, they nevertheless, 
 proceed in their ow n way, and continue, for the 
 most part, unsocial, houseless wanderers. 
 
 To their excessive indolence and aversion to 
 industry, may be attributed the poverty and 
 want which are generally their lots. They dis-* 
 like every kind of employment which requires 
 application; and had rather suffer hunger and 
 nakedness, than provide against these pri- 
 vations, on the conditions of labour. They 
 therefore practise music and palmistry, which 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 At 
 
 allows them many idle hours; or addict them- 
 selves to vicious habits and unlawful courses. 
 Though no one of them marries a person who 
 is not of Gypsey extraction, there is not any 
 people among whom marriage is contracted 
 with less consideration, or accomplished with 
 less solemnity. 
 
 Some Gypsies, who are stationary, have re- 
 gular habitations, according to their situation 
 in life. To this class belong those who keep 
 public-houses in Spain; and others in Tran- 
 sylvania and Hungary, who follow some regular 
 business ; which latter have their own mi- 
 serable Jiuts near Hermanstadt, Cronstadt, 
 Bestritz, Grosswaradein, Debrezin, Eperies, 
 Karchan, and other places. But by far the 
 greater number of these people, lead a very 
 different kind of life ; ignorant of the comforts 
 attending a fixed place of residence, they rove 
 from one district to another in hordes; having 
 no habitation, but tents, holes in the rocks, or 
 caves : the former shade them in summer, the 
 latter screen them in winter. 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 46 
 
 Turks themselves, at the conquest of Con- 
 stantinople, adopted many of the customs, and 
 embraced many of the refinements of a people 
 they had subdued. 
 
 “ Their former habits had been those of no 
 made tribes, their dwellings >»ere principally- 
 tents, and the camp, rather than the city, dis-» 
 tinguished their abode.” 
 
 But Grellmann observes, Gypsies who have 
 not established themselves by force in any 
 country, nor obtained toleration from any Go- 
 vernment, remain unchanged. Though they 
 behold fixed dwellings on every side of them, 
 with settled inhabitants, they nevertheless, 
 proceed in their own way, and continue, for the 
 most part, unsocial, houseless wanderers. 
 
 To their excessive indolence and aversion to 
 industry, may be attributed the poverty and 
 want which are generally their lots. They dis«* 
 like every kind of employment which requires 
 application ; and had rather suffer hunger and 
 nakedness, than provide against these pri- 
 vations, on the conditions of labour. They 
 therefore practise music and palmistry, which 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 allows them many idle hours; or addict them* 
 selves to vicious habits and unlawful courses. 
 Though no one of them marries a person who 
 is not of Gypsey extraction, there is not any 
 people among whom marriage is contracted 
 with less consideration, or accomplished with 
 less solemnity. 
 
 Some Gypsies, who are stationary, have re- 
 gular habitations, according to their situation 
 in life. To this class belong those who keep 
 public-houses in Spain ; and others in Tran- 
 sylvania and Hungary, who follow some regular 
 business ; which latter have their own mi- 
 serable huts near Hermanstadt, Cropstadt, 
 Bestritz, Grosswaradein, Debrezin, Eperies, 
 Karchan, and other places. But by far the 
 greater number of these people, lead a very 
 different kind of life ; ignorant of the comforts 
 attending a fixed place of residence, they rove 
 from one district to another in hordes; having 
 no habitation, but tents, holes in the rocks, or 
 caves : the former shade them in summer, the 
 latter screen them in winter. 
 
so HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 kind. The anvil is a stone; the other im* 
 plements are a pair of hand bellows, a hammer, 
 a pair of pincers, a vice, and a tile. These are 
 the tools which a Nomadic Gypsey takes with 
 him in his perambulations. 
 
 Whenever he is disposed to work, he is at 
 Ho loss for fuel: on his arrival at a station 
 where he proposes to remain a few days, he 
 takes his beast, loads him with wood, builds a 
 small kiln, and prepares his own coal. In fa- 
 vourable weather, his work is carried on in the 
 open air ; when it is stormy, he retires under 
 his tent. He does not stand, but sits down on 
 the ground cross-legged to his work; which 
 position is rendered necessary, not only by 
 custom, but by the quality of his tools. The 
 wife sits by to work the bellows, in which ope- 
 ration she is assisted by the elder children. 
 The Gypsies are generally praised for their 
 dexterity and quickness, notwithstanding the 
 bad tools they have to work with. 
 
 Another branch of commerce much followed 
 by Gypsies, is horse-dealing, to which they have 
 been attached from the earliest period of their 
 
OF THE GIPSIES. 
 
 SI 
 
 history. In those parts of Hungary, where the 
 climate is so mild, that horses may lie out all 
 the year, the Gypsies avail themselves of this 
 circumstance to breed, as weil as to deal in 
 horses ; by which they sometimes not only 
 procure a competency, but grow rich. In- 
 stances have been known on the Continent, of 
 Gypsies keeping from fifty to seventy horses 
 each ; and those the best bred horses of the 
 country ; some of which they let out for hire, 
 others they exchange or sell. But this de- 
 scription of Gypsey horse-dealers is not nu- 
 merous ; the greater number of them deal in 
 inferior kinds. 
 
 In addition to the two professions before- 
 mentioned, commonly followed by the men, 
 some of them employ themselves as carpenters 
 and turners ; the former making watering 
 troughs and chests ; the latter turn trenchers 
 and dishes; make sieves, spoons, and other 
 trifling articles, which they hawk about. Many 
 of them, as well as the smiths, find constant 
 employment in the houses of the better sort of 
 people ; for whom they work the year round. 
 
52 &ISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 They are not paid in money, but beside othe# 
 advantages find a certain subsistence. 
 
 Those who are not thus circumstanced, do 
 not wait at home for customers, but with their 
 implements in a sack thrown over their 
 shoulders, seek business in the cities and vil- 
 lages. When any one calls, they throw down 
 the bundle, and prepare the apparatus for 
 work, before the door of their employer. 
 
 The Gypsies have a fixed dislike to agri- 
 culture ; and had rather suffer hunger, or any 
 privation, than follow the plough. Since the 
 year 1768, the Empress Theresa has com- 
 manded that the Hungarian, and Transylvanian 
 Gypsies should be instructed in husbandry ; 
 but these orders have been very little regarded. 
 At this time there are so few of them farmers 
 in those parts, that they are undeserving of 
 notice. In Spain and other European coun- 
 tries, it would be difficult to find one who ha<J 
 ever made a furrow in his life. 
 
 Respecting fortune-telling, with which the 
 female Gypsies impose on people’s credulity in 
 every district and corner of Europe, the origin 
 
oT THE GYPSIE&. 
 
 ss 
 
 cff the imposition is not to be attributed to 
 them : the cheat was known and practised in 
 Europe before their arrival; being deeply 
 rooted in the ignorance of the middle age. 
 The science of divination here was said to be 
 already brought to a greater degree of per- 
 feet ion than among them. Rules were in- 
 vented to tell lies from the inspection of the 
 hand, in which the poor Gypsies were accounted 
 mere bunglers. They in the seventeenth and 
 eighteenth centuries were esteemed supernu- 
 meraries ; there being men of great learning* 
 who not only read lectures in Colleges on the 
 art of chiromancy; but wrote many books, vi- 
 lifying these people, and endeavouring to spoil 
 their market. Rut these wise men are no more; 
 their knowledge is deposited in the dead 
 archives of literature ; and probably had there 
 been no Gypsies, with them would have died 
 the belief in chiromancy, as is the case with 
 respect to astrology, necromancy, oneirocritica, 
 and the other offspring of imbecile fancy. 
 
 We must not omit to mention the occupation 
 of gold- washing, by which thousands of Gyp- 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Si 
 
 sies, of both sexes, m the Banat, Transylvania, 
 Wallachia, and Moldavia, procure a livelihood 
 in summer ; who, in winter, make trays and 
 troughs, which they sell in an honest way. 
 
 It is not permitted for every one, without 
 exception, to be a gold- washer ; such only can 
 follow the employment as have permission from 
 the office of Mons, w here a College was esta- 
 blished by the Empress Theresa, in 1748. In 
 the seventh article of instructions granted, the 
 Gypsies were allowed the privilege of washing 
 for gold, for which each person pays a tribute 
 to Government. 
 
 The gold- washers in Transylvania and the 
 Banat, pay four guilders annually in gold dust. 
 The tribute collected in Wallachia and Mol- 
 davia does not go into the public treasury, but 
 belongs to the Princesses for pin-money. 
 
 The consort of the Wallachian Hospodar, 
 Stephen Rakowitza, in the year 1764, received 
 from her Rudars, being two hundred and forty 
 in number, twelve hundred and fifty-four 
 drachms. The gold-washers in the Banat and 
 Transylvania, dispose of their shares at the 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 $5 
 
 Royal Redemption- Office, in Zalatuya. The 
 earnings of these people vary with time, and at 
 different places; during heavy rains and Hoods 
 they are usually most successful. The Tran- 
 sylvanian rivers yield the most gold. It is 
 said, all the rivers and brooks which the rain 
 forms, produce gold ; of these the river Aran- 
 yasch is the richest ; insomuch, that Historians 
 have compared it to the Tagus and Pac- 
 tol u s GreUmann « 
 
 In Travels through the Banat of Temeswar, 
 Transylvania, and Hungary, in the year 1770, 
 described in a series of letters to Professor 
 Ferber, on the mines and mountains of these 
 different countries, by Baron Inigo Born, 
 Counsellor of the Royal Mines, in Bohemia* 
 page 76, is the following account: 
 
 “ Observations on the Gold- washings, in the 
 Banat, by Counsellor Koezian. Translated by 
 R. E. Ruspe. 
 
 “ After the several natural advantages of the 
 Temeswar Banat , some of its rivers are known 
 to yield gold dust ; I could not neglect the 
 object when I travelled in those parts. 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 6 $ 
 
 iC The gold-washing in the Banat, is property 
 the business of the Gypsies, Zigcuner , and left, 
 as it were, to this poor people, as an exclusive 
 trade. This laid me under the necessity of ap- 
 plying to them for instruction. 
 
 “ The fiver Nera, in Almash, carries gold 
 dust, and seemed to me the fittest for my pur- 
 pose ; accordingly 1 caused some Gypsies, re- 
 puted to be skilful, to make a washing, near a 
 village called Boshowitz ; and I saw with 
 pleasure, that with much dexterity, and in a 
 few minutes time, they cleared in the trough* 
 the value of some groshes of gold : they showed 
 me likewise among their gold dust, some piece# 
 of remarkable bigness.” 
 
 It has been stated, that when Gypsies first 
 arrived in Europe, they had leaders and chiefs 
 to conduct their various tribes in their mi- 
 grations. 
 
 Grellmann says, this was necessary, not only 
 to facilitate their progress through uiflerent 
 countries and quarters of the globe; but to 
 unite their force, if necessary, and thereby 
 enable them to make a more formidable re- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 57 
 
 sistaiice when opposed ; and likewise, to carry 
 any plan they might have formed, more regu- 
 larly into effect. 
 
 We accordingly find in old books, mention 
 made of Knights, Counts, Dukes, and Kings, 
 among this people. Crucius cites a Duke, 
 Michael ; Muratorio, a Duke, Andreas : and 
 Arentinus records a King, Zindelo : not to 
 speak of inscriptions on monuments erected in 
 different places to the memories of Duke, 
 Panuel; Count, Johannis ; and a Knight, 
 Petrus , in the fifteenth century. 
 
 But no comment is necessary to show how 
 improperly these appellations were applied. 
 Though the Gypsey chiefs might be gratified 
 with such titles ; and their descendants pro- 
 bably esteemed them persons of rank, it was 
 merely a ridiculous imitation of what they had 
 seen, and perhaps admired, among civilized 
 people. Nevertheless, the custom of having 
 leaders and chiefs over them, prevails to this 
 time, at least in Hungary and Transylvania; 
 probably it may also still exist in Turkey, and 
 
 * 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Other countries, where these people live to- 
 gether in great numbers. 
 
 Their chiefs, or waywodes, were formerly of 
 two degrees in Hungary. Each petty tribe 
 had its own leader, beside which, there were 
 four superior waywodes, of their own caste, 
 on both sides the Danube and Teisse ; whose 
 residences were at Raab, Lewentz, Szathmar, 
 and Kaschan ; and to these the smaller way- 
 wodes were accountable. But now, only one 
 superior way wode is appointed in all Tran- 
 sylvania, who has authority over the gold- 
 washers in those parts. The Gypsies, however, 
 still continue the custom among themselves, 
 of choosing certain persons, whom they make 
 heads over them, and call by the exalted Scla- 
 vonian title of waywode. 
 
 It would appear extraordinary, that any well- 
 regulated state should allow these people a dis- 
 tinct establishment in the heart of the country ; 
 did not the Hungarian writers assign as a rea- 
 son, that in the commotions and troubles occa- 
 sioned by the Turkish wars, in former centuries, 
 
 • * - a • • \0 m * . V f - .. 
 
 they were,, by means of their waywode, more 
 
OP THE GYPSIES. 
 
 6U 
 
 easily summoned when occasion required, and 
 rendered useful to the community. 
 
 In Transylvania, the magistrates do inter- 
 fere with regard to the person whom this or 
 that horde hath elected chief, and impose an 
 obligation on him ; but it is only that he should 
 be careful to prevent his subjects from ab- 
 sconding, when the time arrives for them to 
 discharge their annual tribute at the Land 
 Regent’s chamber. He has no right to inter- 
 fere in disputes or quarrels which the Gypsies 
 have among themselves, or with other people, 
 further than to give notice of them to the re- 
 gular courts of the district, where they happen 
 to be.., Grellmann* 
 
' •* 
 
 r 
 
SECTION IV. 
 
 „ Political Regulations on the Continent , respecting 
 Gypsies. 
 
 lo the ignorance and superstition of the 
 middle age, must be attributed the powerful 
 ascendency which the Gypsies obtained over 
 the minds of men. In addition to the chiro- 
 mantic deception, practised by the women, they 
 followed also the profession of exorcism ; and 
 were greatly in request during the prevalence 
 of a belief in witchcraft. 
 
 They were employed to cure bewitched cattle, 
 and to loosen the spells of enchantment ; for 
 which they had nostrums of various kinds, con- 
 sisting of roots and amulets, made of unfer- 
 mented dough, marked with strong figures, and 
 dried in the sun. 
 
62 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 For a long time little attention was paid to 
 them, but at last the evil became enormous, 
 .and complaints against them were so loud, that 
 Governments were constrained to take official 
 notice of them. Exemplary punishments were 
 judged necessary; and, at length, the mo&t 
 cruel and barbarous kinds were resorted to. 
 What a blot upon the history of those times, 
 are the dreadful tortures of quartering alive, 
 and breaking upon the wheel! These means 
 being insufficient to prevent the perpetration 
 of crimes ; it was thought expedient to banish 
 the Gypsies. 
 
 German writers say* that King Ferdinand of 
 Spain, who esteemed it a good work to ex- 
 patriate useful and profitable subjects — Jews, 
 and even Moorish families — could much less 
 be guilty of an impropriety in laying hands on 
 the mischievous progeny of Gypsies. The 
 edict for their extermination, was published in 
 the year 1492. But instead of passing the 
 boundaries, they only slunk into hiding-places, 
 and shortly after appeared in as great numbers 
 fis before* 
 
S3 
 
 OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 The Emperor Charles V. persecuted them 
 afresh ; as did Philip II. also. Since that time 
 they have nestled in again, and have been also 
 threatened with another storm, but it has blown 
 over without taking effect. 
 
 In France, Francis I. passed an edict for 
 their expulsion ; and at the Assembly of the 
 States of Orleans, in 1561, all Governors of 
 cities received orders to drive them away with 
 lire and sword. Nevertheless, in process of 
 time, they had collected again, and increased 
 to such a degree, that, in 1612, a new order* 
 came out for their extermination. 
 
 In the year 1572, they were compelled to 
 retire from the territories of Milan and Parma ; 
 and at a period somewhat earlier, they were 
 chased beyond the Venetian jurisdiction. They 
 were not allowed the privilege of remaining 
 unmolested in Denmark, as the code of Danish 
 law specifies : “ The Tartars, Gypsies, who 
 wander about every where, doing great damage 
 to the people, by their lies, thefts, and witch- 
 craft, shall be taken into custody by ever) 
 magistrate.^ 
 
64 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Sweden was not more favourable, having at* 
 tacked them at three different times : A very 
 sharp order for their expulsion came out in 
 J662, The Diet of 1723 published a second, 
 and that of 1727, repeated the foregoing with 
 additional severity. 
 
 They were excluded from the Netherlands 
 tinder pain of death, partly by Charles the Vth, 
 and afterwards by the United States, in 1582. 
 But the greatest number of sentences of exile, 
 have been pronounced against them in Ger- 
 many. The beginning was made under Maxi- 
 milian I. at the Augsburgh Diet, in 1500, where 
 the following was drawn up, respecting those 
 people who call themselves Gypsies, roving up 
 and down the country. 
 
 “ By public edict, to all ranks of the empire, 
 according to the obligations under which they 
 are bound to Us, and the Holy Empire ; it is 
 strictly ordered, that in future they do not per- 
 mit the said Gypsies, since there is authentic 
 evidence of their being spies, scouts, and con- 
 veyers of intelligence, betraying the Christians 
 ip the Turks, to pass or remain within their 
 
QF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 G5 
 
 territories ; nor to trade ; neither to grant them 
 protection, nor convoy. And that the said 
 Gypsies do withdraw themselves, before Easter 
 next ensuing, from the German dominions; 
 entirely quit them, nor suffer themselves to be 
 found therein : as in case they should transgress 
 after that time, and receive injury from any 
 person, they shall have no redress, nor shall 
 such person be thought to have committed any 
 crime.” 
 
 The same business occupied the attention of 
 the Diet, in 1530 , 1544 , 1548 , and 1551 ; and 
 was also again enforced in the improved police 
 regulation of Frankfort, in 1577 . 
 
 Several Princes were however so little at- 
 tentive to these orders of the empire, that in* 
 stead of endeavouring to drive out the Gypsies, 
 they on the other hand, furnished them with 
 passports and safe-conducts; but by far the 
 greater number exerted themselves to the ut- 
 most, to clear their states of them. 
 
 Perhaps there is not any civilized state, 
 Hungary and Transylvania excepted, where 
 this remedy has not been tried ; but in the first 
 
66 
 
 HISTORICAL StrUVET 
 
 place it had very little effect, and that little 
 was only temporary. Even if every civilized 
 nation had driven out the Gypsies at the same 
 time, Europe could not have been entirely 
 cleared of them, so long as they preserved an 
 asylum in Turkey. Now as experience evinces 
 there is no country in which a constant, equal 
 attention, is paid to the execution of the laws, 
 they would, in more, or less time, have again 
 insinuated themselves into the neighbouring 
 countries : from these into others ; and have 
 recommenced where they left off. 
 
 But a general extermination never did take 
 place. The law for banishing them passed in 
 one state before it was thought of in the next, 
 or when a like order had long become obsolete, 
 and sunk into oblivion. These guests were 
 therefore merely compelled to shift their quar- 
 ters to an adjoining state, where they remained 
 till the Government, there, began to clear them 
 away, upon which the fugitives either retired 
 back whence they came, or went on pro- 
 gressively to a third place, thus making a con- 
 tinual revolution. 
 
THE GYPSIES. 
 
 6T 
 
 Secondly, this remedy was premature : en- 
 deavouring to exterminate, was the same as if 
 a surgeon should proceed directly to the am- 
 putation of a diseased limb, because it created 
 inconvenience to the rest of the body. Whereas 
 the first inquiry ought to be, whether the dis- 
 order is of such a nature as not to be removed, 
 but by entire separation. This is a desperate 
 course, and should only be adopted, when no 
 other can be efficacious. 
 
 It is to be regretted that, not until the reign 
 of the Empress Theresa, does there appear to 
 have been any plan laid down for the gaining 
 over these poor ignorant people to virtue, and 
 to the state. Historians represent that the 
 wise dispositions she enjoined respecting the 
 Gypsies in Hungary, were intrusted to people 
 inadequate to the task. 
 
 What was done, in her time, for the im- 
 provement of their condition, may be seen by 
 the following article extracted from the An- 
 xeigen cuts den Kayseri, Konigl Erbltindern f 
 or Intelligence from the Hereditary Imperial 
 Royal Dominions. 
 
68 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY^ 
 
 “ Since the year 1768, several decrees re* 
 gardmg these people have been published in 
 the country, Hungary, and the strictest orders 
 despatched to the several districts, in conse- 
 quence. They were prohibited from dwelling in 
 huts, or tents ; from wandering up and down the 
 country; from dealing in horses; from eating 
 animals which died naturally, and carrion; and 
 from electing their own Wayda or Judge. It 
 was intended to extirpate the very name and 
 language ot these folks out of the countrv# 
 They were no longer to be called Gypsies, 
 but New Boors, Uj Magyar; not to con- 
 verse any longer with each other in their own 
 language, but in that of any of the countries 
 in which they had chosen to reside. 
 
 “ Some months were to be allowed, after 
 which they were to quit their Gypsey manner 
 ot life, and settle like the other inhabitants, 
 in cities and villages ; to build decent houses 
 and follow some reputable business. They 
 were to procure Boors’ clothing; to commit 
 themselves to the protection of some terri- 
 torial superior, and live regularly.” 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 69 
 
 Nevertheless, though these regulations were 
 calculated for the good of these people, and 
 the state, the greater part were not in the 
 smallest degree benefited by them. In the 
 year 1773, these orders were not only repeated, 
 but made more rigid ; and as even this measure 
 would not answer the end, it was then thought 
 necessary to proceed to extremity with them. 
 
 Wherefore it was ordered, that no Gypsey 
 should have permission to marry, who could 
 not prove himself in condition to support a wife 
 and children ; that from such Gypsies who had 
 families, the children should be taken away by 
 force ; removed from their parents, relations, 
 and intercourse with the Gypsey race. A be- 
 ginning was made in some places ; and where 
 they would not comply voluntarily, they were 
 compelled to submit to the decree. 
 
 At Fahlendorf, in Schiitt, and in the district 
 of Presburgh, all the children of the New 
 Boors, Gypsies , above five years old, were 
 carried away in waggons, during the night of 
 the 21st of December, 1773, by overseers ap- 
 pointed for that purpose ; in order that, at a 
 
70 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 distance from their parents, or relations, they 
 might be more usefully educated, and become 
 accustomed to work. Those Boors who were 
 ■willing to receive and bring up these children, 
 were paid eighteen guilders yearly from Go- 
 vernment. 
 
 On the 24th of April, 1774, between five 
 and six o’clock in the morning, the children of 
 the Gypsies which had been growing up from 
 December of the foregoing year, were again 
 removed from Fahlendorf, in Schiitt, and Hi- 
 deghid, for the purpose of being put under the 
 same course of discipline as the others. Among 
 the children taken away on this occasion, was 
 a girl fourteen years old, who was forced to be 
 carried off in her bridal state. She tore her 
 hair for grief and rage, and was quite beside 
 herself with agitation : but she recovered a 
 composed state of mind ; and, in 1776, in 
 Fasching, obtained permission to accomplish 
 her marriage. 
 
 So far our intelligence is quoted from the 
 Gazettes, by which we may see how prudently 
 every thing was concerted. 
 
, OF THE GYPSIES. 71 
 
 But it must be observed, although the pub- 
 lisher of this information endeavours to Conceal 
 it, how little these salutary regulations were 
 put in force ; there were scarcely two places in 
 the kingdom where even an endeavour was 
 made to give them proper effect. This supine- 
 ness must have been unknown to the Emperor 
 Joseph, or he would certainly again have en- 
 forced these regulations, to all chiefs and go- 
 vernors, at the same time that he gave orders 
 for their being observed in T ransylvania. 
 
 The tenor of the decree just mentioned., 
 which was published in the year 1782, was 
 consonant with the intention of Theresa, with 
 regard to the Hungarian Gypsies ; namely, 
 that those also in Transylvania should become 
 better men, and more useful inhabitants. For 
 the accomplishment of this end, it prohibits their 
 wandering about, and living under tents ; re- 
 quires that they become settled, and put them- 
 selves under some territorial chief. In order 
 to strike immediately at the root of the evil, 
 necessary and minute directions are given for 
 the improvement of their religious ideas and 
 
72 
 
 HtSTORICATi SURVEY 
 
 opinions ; and* by correcting th£ir vicious ha^ 
 bits, for rendering them good citizens. 
 
 First, with respect to religion, they must 
 
 1* Not only be taught the principles of re- 
 ligion themselves, but early send their children 
 to school. 
 
 2. Prevent as much as possible, their children 
 running about naked in the roads and streets, 
 thereby giving offence and disgust to other 
 people. 
 
 3* In their dwellings, not permit their chil- 
 dren to sleep promiscuously by each other, 
 without distinction of sex. 
 
 4. Diligently attend at church, particularly 
 on Sundays and holidays, to give proof of their 
 Christian disposition. 
 
 5. Put themselves under the guidance of 
 spiritual teachers, and conduct themselves con- 
 formably to the rules laid down by them* 
 
 Secondly, with regard to their temporal con- 
 duct, and better mode of living, they are bound 
 
 1. To conform to the custom of the country,^ 
 in diet, dress, and language : consequently to 
 abstain from feeding on cattle which have died 
 
OB* THE GYPSIES, 
 
 of distempers; iidt to go about in such un- 
 seemly dresses ; and to discontinue the use of 
 th£ir own particular language. 
 
 2. Not to appear ally more hi large cloaks; 
 which are chiefly useful to hide things that 
 have been stolen* 
 
 3. No Gypsey, except he be a gold-washer* 
 shall keep a horse. 
 
 4. Also the gold- washers must refrain from 
 all kinds of bartering at the annual fairs* 
 
 6 . The magistrates of every place must be 
 very attentive that no Gypsey waste his time in 
 idleness'; but at those seasons, when they have 
 no employment, either for themselves or any 
 landholder, to recommend them to some other 
 person, with whom they shall be compelled to 
 work for hire, 
 
 6. They are to be kept particularly to agri* 
 culture; therefore 
 
 7. It is to be observed, where possible, that 
 every territorial Lord, who takes any Gypsies 
 under his jurisdiction, do allot them a certain 
 piece of ground to cultivate* 
 
 * 
 
74 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 8. Whoever is remiss in his husbandry, shall 
 be liable to corporal punishment. 
 
 9. They shall be permitted to amuse them- 
 .selves with music, or other things, only when 
 
 there is no field work for them to do. 
 
 Such were the regulations adopted by the 
 Emperor Joseph II. for the purpose of civi- 
 lizing, and rendering good and profitable sub- 
 jects, upwards of eighty thousand of miserable 
 wretches, ignorant of God and of virtue. 
 
 , Grellmann , 
 
SECTION V. 
 
 The Gypsies in Great Britain, 
 
 nn 
 
 A HE traits of character and the habits of 
 the Gypsies on the Continent of Europe, ex- 
 hibited in this work, are sufficient for an 
 examination, in what degree these people cor- 
 respond with those under the same denomi- 
 nation in England. 
 
 The earliest account which the writer of 
 this section has been able to collect from Bri- 
 tish History, was printed in the year 1612 ; 
 when a quarto work, by S. R. was published, 
 to detect and expose the art of juggling and 
 legerdemain ; in which is the following de- 
 scription of the Gypsies. 
 
 “ Th is kind of people, about a hundred 
 years ago, beganne to gather an head, as the 
 first heere, about the southerne parts. And 
 this as I am informed, and can gather, was 
 
HISTORICAL SURtW 
 
 ?& 
 
 their beginning: Certain Egyptians banished? 
 their country, (belike not for their good 
 conditions,) arrived heeVe* in England, who 
 for quaint tricks and devices, not known 
 heere, at that time, among us, were esteemed,, 
 and had in great admiration ; insomuch, that 
 many of our English Loyterers joined \Vith 
 them, and in time learned their craftie co« 
 senirig. 
 
 “ The speach which they used, was the right 
 Egyptian language, with whom our English- 
 men conversing, at least learned their lan- 
 guage. These people continuing about the 
 country, and practising their cosening art, 
 purchased themselves great credit among the 
 country people, and got much by palmistry, 
 and tilling of fortunes; insomuch, they pi- 
 tifully cosened poor country girls, both of 
 money, silver spoons, and the best of their 
 apparelle, or any goods they could make.” 
 
 From this author, it is collected, they had a 
 leader of the name of Giles Mather , who was 
 termed their King; and a woman of the name 
 of Calot , was called Queen. “ These riding 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 77 
 
 through the country on horseback, and in 
 strange attire, had a prettie traine after 
 them.” 
 
 After mentioning some of the laws passed 
 against them, this writer adds; “ But what 
 numbers were execyted on these statutes you 
 would wonder; yet, notwithstanding, all would 
 not prevaile, but they wandered as before 
 uppe and downe, and meeting once in a yeare 
 at a place appointed ; sometimes at the Peake’s 
 Hole in Derbyshire, and other whiles by Ret- 
 broak at Blaekheath.” 
 
 About the same time, Spellman’s Portrait of 
 the Gypsey Fraternity seems to have been 
 , taken, ad vivum, and is as follows^: 
 
 46 Egyptiani, Erronum, Impostor umque genus 
 nequissimum, in Continente orium ; sed ad 
 Britannos nostras et Europam xeliquam per- 
 volans, nigredine -deformes, excoeti sole, im- 
 mundi veste,-et usu . rerum omnium faedi, 
 which may be thus translated, “ Egyptians, the 
 worst kind of wanderers and impostors, spring- 
 ing up on the Continent, but yet rapidly 
 spreading themselves through Britain, and 
 
 jf 3 
 
78 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 other parts of Europe, disfigured by their 
 swarthiness; sun- burnt; filthy in their cloth- 
 ing, and indecent in all their customs, &c,” 
 According to the first of these statements, 
 the arrival of Gypsies in England might be 
 about the year 1512; or ten years at least 
 before the Statute of the 22d of Henry VIII ; 
 in the 10th chapter of which* they are described 
 to be, “ An outlandish people, calling them - 
 selves Egyptians , using no crafte, nor feat of 
 merchandise ; who have come into this realm , 
 and gone from shire to shire , and place to 
 place in gnat company; and used great , 
 subtle , and crafty means , to deceive the peo- 
 ple, bearing them in hand , that they by pal- 
 mistry could tell men’s and women's fortunes ; 
 and so, many times by crafte and subtlety 
 have deceived t peo r n oj their money ; and 
 also have committed many heinous felonies 
 and robberies Wherefore they are directed 
 to avoid the realm, and not to return under 
 pain of imprisonment, and forfeiture of their 
 good and chattels ; and upon their trials for any 
 felonies which they may have committed, they 
 
OF THE GYPSIES.* 
 
 shall not be entitled to a Jury de nledietata 
 lingua ?. ** 
 
 The Act passed the 27th of the same reign 
 goes further, as will appear by the following 
 abstract of it : “ Whereas certain outlandish 
 people , who do not profess any crafte oi; 
 trade whereby to maintain themselves , but 
 go about in great numbers from place to 
 place , using insidious , underhand means to 
 impose on his Majesty's subjects , making 
 them believe that they understand the art of 
 foretelling to men and women their good and 
 evil fortune , by looking in their hands , 
 whereby they frequently defraud people of 
 their money ; likewise are guilty of thefts 
 and highway robberies : it is hereby ordered 
 that the said vagrants , commonly called 
 Egyptians, in case they remain one month in 
 the kingdom, shall be proceeded against as 
 thieves and rascals ; and on the importation 
 of any such Egyptian, he, ( the importer ) 
 shall forfeit <£40 for every trespass . 
 
 By the above recited Acts of Parliament, 
 it appears, that it was from their own repre- 
 
 f 4 
 
fcO HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 gentation of being Egyptians, they were so de* 
 nominated in England ; and that they did not 
 pn their arrival in this country, feign them* 
 selves, as in Germany, to be pilgrims ; or as in 
 France, tp be penitents; neither of which im* 
 positions would have been well adapted to the 
 temper of the government of Henry VIII ; or 
 to his subversion of papal power, apd abolition 
 pf ippnastic influence. The character they as* 
 ©timed, w^s the best adapted to establish their 
 reputation* for the arts and deception they in* 
 tended to practise in England. The fame of 
 Egypt in astrology, ipagic, and soothsaying, 
 was universal; and they could not have de- 
 vised a more artful expedient, than the pro* 
 fession of this knowledge, to procure for them 
 a welcome reception by the great mass of the 
 people. 
 
 From the abstract of the Act of 27th, Henry 
 VIII, we may infer, that the Gypsies were so 
 much in request, as to induce some of our 
 countrymen to import them from the Con- 
 tinent, or at least to encourage their migration 
 to this Island* The importation of these people 
 
«NP tfHE GYPSIES. 
 
 81 
 
 must have been prevalent from some cause, to 
 require parliamentary interference, and even a 
 fine to prevent it, of such an amount as £40 5 
 yrhich according to the relative value of money, 
 would, at the present time, be equal to a large 
 sum. 
 
 During the same reign, we find that a num- 
 ber of Gypsies were reshipped at the public 
 expense, and sent to France. 
 
 In the Book of Receipts and Payments, of 
 the 35th of Henry VIII. are the following 
 entries. 
 
 ac Nett Payments 1st Sept. 36th of Henry VIII. 
 
 “ Item to Tho. Warner, Sergeant of the Ad- 
 myraltie, 10th Sept, for victuals prepared for a 
 shippe appointed to convey certaine Egupeians, 
 58s. — Item to the same Tho. Warner to th’ use 
 of John Bowles for freight of said shippe, £6 5s. 
 Item to Robt. Ap. Rice, Esq. Shriff of Hun- 
 tingdon for the charge of the Egupeians at a 
 special gaile delivery, and the bringing of them 
 to be conveied over the sees ; over and besides 
 the sum of £4. 5s». 0d. growing of seventeen 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 82 > 
 
 horses, sold at five shillings^ the piece, as 
 apperythe by a particular book, £17. 17s, 7d, 
 Item to Will. Wever appointed to have the 
 charge of the conduct of the said Egupeians to 
 Callis, £5. 
 
 There were subsequent acts relating to Gyp- 
 sies in the reign of Ph. & M. ; and 5th of Eliz. ; 
 by which, “ Jf any person being 14 years old, 
 whether natural born subject or stranger , 
 who had been seen in the fellowship of such 
 persons , or had disguised himself like them , 
 should remain with them one month at once , 
 or at several times , it should be felony with - 
 out benefit of clergy .” 
 
 But notwithstanding these measures to ex- 
 tirpate Gypsies, Wraxall, in his History of 
 France, Vol. II. page 32, in referring to the 
 Act of Eliz. in 1563, states, that in her reign, 
 the Gypsies throughout England were sup- 
 posed to exceed ten thousand. 
 
 * In the 31st page of Sir Frederick Morton Eden's Appendix to the 
 State of the Poor, it appears that in 1426, a hay horse, for the Prior (we 
 may suppose of prime quality) cost £1 6s. 8d. and acoit4s. 6d. And 
 in the year 1418, page 34, the hay of one acre was estimated at 
 
. OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 83 
 
 And it appears by the following Order of 
 Sessions, copied from the Harleian M. S. S. 
 British Museum, No. 364, that about the year 
 1586, there were great complaints of the in- 
 crease of vagabonds and loitering persons, &c. 
 
 “ Orders, Rules, and Directions, concluded, 
 appointed, and agreed uppon, by us the Jus- 
 tices of the Peace, within the countie of Suffolk, 
 assembled at our General Sessions of Peace, 
 hoiden at Bury the 22d daie of April!, in the 
 31st yeare of the Raigne of our Souraigne Lady, 
 the Queen's Majestie, for the punishinge and 
 snppressinge of Jloags, Yacabonds; idle, loy- 
 teringe, and lewde persons ; which doe, or shall 
 hereafter wander and goe aboute, within the 
 lmnd reths of Thingo cum Bury, Blackborne, 
 Tiled wardstree, Cosford, Babings, Risbridge, 
 Lackford, and the half kundreth of Exninge, 
 in the said countie of Suffolk, contrary to the 
 law, in that case made and provided. 
 
 “ Whereas, at the Parliement began no and 
 bolden at Westminster, the 8th daie of Maye, 
 in the 14th. yeare of the raigne of the Queen’s 
 Majestie, that nowe is, one Acte was made. 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 $4 
 
 intytuled, “ An Acte for punishment of Vaca^ 
 bonds, and for releife of the Pooere, and Im- 
 potent.” And whereas, at a Session of the 
 Parliement, hokien by prorogacon, at West- 
 minster, the eight daie of February, in the 28 th 
 yeare of her Majestie’s raigne, one other Acte 
 was made and intytuled, “ An Acte for sett inge 
 of the Poore to work, and for the avoydinge of 
 idleness.” By vertue of which, severall Acts, 
 oerteyne provisions and remedies beenordeyned, 
 and established, as well for the suppressinge, 
 and punishinge of all roags, vacabonds, sturdy 
 roags, idle and loy ter inge persons ; as also for 
 the releife, and setting on worke of the aged 
 and impotente persons within this realm ; and 
 authorise gyven to Justices of Peace, in their 
 several charges and commission, to see that the 
 said Acts and Statuts be putte in due execution, 
 to the glorie of Allmightie Crod, and the foe- 
 netite of the common welth. 
 
 “ And whereas also yt appeareth by dayly 
 experience, that the number of idle, va- 
 graunte, loyteringe, sturdy roags, masteries 
 me n, lewde and yll disposed persons are ex- 
 
&F THE GYPSIES. 
 
 85 
 
 Ceedingly encreased, and multiplied, corn- 
 mittinge many grevious and outeiagious dis- 
 orders and offences, tendinge to the great 
 * * * . * of Allmighiie God, the ton- 
 tempte of her Majesties laws, and to the great 
 charge* troble, and disquiet of the common 
 welth. — We the Justices of Peace, above spe- 
 cified, assembled and mett together at our 
 general sessions above named, for remedie of 
 theis and such lyke enormities which hereafter 
 shall happen to arise or growe within the hun- 
 dreths and lymits aforesaid, doe by theis pre- 
 sents, order, decree and ordeyne. That there 
 shall be builded or provided one convenient 
 house, which shall be called the House of Cor- 
 rection 5 and that the same be established 
 within the towne of Bury, within the hundreth 
 of Thingoe aforesaid. And that all persons 
 offendinge or lyvinge contrary to the tenor of 
 the said twoe Acts, within the hundreths and 
 ly mitts aforesaid, shal be, by the warrante of 
 any Justice of Peace, dwellinge in the same 
 hundreths or ly mitts, committed thether and 
 there be releived, punished, sett to worke, and 
 
86 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 ordered in such sorte, and accord inge to the 
 directions, provisions, and limitations, hereafter 
 in theis presents declared and specified. 
 
 “ Fyrst, That yt maie appeare what persons 
 arre to be apprehended, committed and brought 
 to the House of Correction, it is ordered and 
 appointed, That all and every person and per- 
 sons which shal be found and taken within the 
 hundreths and ly mitts aforesaid, above the age 
 of 14 yeares, and shall take upon them to be 
 procters or procurators goinge aboute withowt 
 sufficiente lycence from the Queen’s Majestic. 
 All idle persons goinge aboute usinge subtiltie 
 and unlawfull games or plaie— all such as 
 faynt themselves to have knowledge in phi- 
 siognomye, palmestrie or other abused sciences 
 — all tellers of destinies, deaths or fortunes,, 
 and such lyke fantasticall imaginations.” 
 
 From the tenor df the above Ordinance, it 
 might be inferred that, at the time of issuing it, 
 Gypsies, and their adherents, abounded in the 
 County of Suffolk ; and it may be concluded, 
 that they continued to attach themselves to that 
 part of the nafion, as Judge Hale remarks. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 87 
 
 that “ at .one Suffolk Assize, no less than thir- 
 
 Ik * ' 
 
 teen Gypsies were executed upon these Sta- 
 tutes, a few years before the restoration.” 
 
 To the honour of our national humanity, 
 however, Judge Blackstone observes, there are 
 no instances more modern than this, of carry- 
 ing these laws into practice ; and the last san- 
 guinary act is itself now repealed. The severe 
 statute of 5th Eliz. c. 20 is repealed by 23d 
 Geo. III. c. 51 — and Gypsies are now only pu- 
 nishable under the Vagrant Act, which declares, 
 “ that all persons pretending to be Gypsies, or 
 wandering in the habit, and form of Egyptians, 
 shall be deemed rogues, and vagabonds.” — 
 I7th Geo. II. c. 5. 
 
 In Scotland, these people seemed for a time 
 to enjoy some share of indulgence ; for a writ 
 in favour of John Faw, Lord and Earl of Upper 
 Egypt, was issued by Mary, Queen of Scots, 
 1553; and in 1554, he obtained a pardon for 
 the murder of Numan Small. 
 
 In 1579, however all the legislative provisions 
 respecting vagrants, beggars, &c. in Scotland, 
 •were reduced into one law^ by the following 
 
88 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Very comprehensive statute: “ Forsameikle 
 as there is sindrie loyabil Acts of Parliament, 
 maid be our soveraine Lord’s maist nobil pro* 
 genitours, for the stanching of maisterful and 
 idle beggars, away putting of Sornares, and 
 provision for the pure : bearing that nane sail 
 be thoiled to beg, nouther to burgh, nor to 
 land, betwixt 14 and 70 zeires* 
 
 “ That sik as make themselves fules, and 
 ar bairdes, or uther sik like runners about, 
 being apprehended, sail be put into the Kinge’s 
 waird, or irones, sa lang as they have ony 
 gudes of their a win to live on. And fra they 
 have not quhairupon to live of their awin, that 
 their eares be nay led to the trone, or to ail 
 uther tree, and their eares cutted off, and ba-* 
 nished the countrie ; and gif thereafter they 
 be found againe, that they be hanged. 
 
 “ And that it may be knowen, qwhat maner 
 of persones ar meaned to be idle and strang 
 begares, and vagabounds, and warthy of the 
 punischement before specified, it is declared : 
 “ That a}l idle persones ganging about in ony 
 countrie of this realm, using subtil, craftie, and 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 89 
 
 Unlawful playes, as juglarie, fast-and-Ious* 
 and sik uthers ; the idle peopil calling them- 
 selves Egyptians , or any uther, that feinzies 
 themselves to have a knawledge or charming 
 prophecie, or other abused sciences, qwairby 
 they perswade peopil, that they can tell their 
 * weirds, deathes, and fortunes, and sik uther 
 phantastical imaginations, &c.” 
 
 Notwithstanding this law, a writ of Privy 
 Seal, dated 159-1, supports John Faw, Lord 
 and Earl of Little Egypt, in the execution 
 of justice upon his company of folk, conform 
 to the laws of Egypt, in punishing certain 
 persons there named, who had rebelled against 
 him, left him, robbed him, and refused to re- 
 turn home with him* 
 
 James’ subjects are commanded to aid in 
 apprehending them, and in assisting Faw and 
 his adherents to return home. 
 
 From all these circumstances, it appears that 
 
 this John Faw, or two persons of the same 
 
 name and distinction, succeeding each other, 
 — 
 
 * Weirde, is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “ ward; ” i. e. fatum, or dea* 
 tinie, and is used in this sense, in Hoiliushed. 
 
 Q 
 
DO HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 staid a long time in Scotland ; and from hiiii 
 this kind of strolling people might receive the 
 name of Faw Gang, which they still retain, 
 as appears by Burn’s Justice. 
 
 But the Scottish laws, after this time, were 
 not less severe than those of Queen Elizabeth. 
 By an Act passed in 1609,* “ Sorners, common 
 thieves, commonly called Egyptians, were di- 
 rected to pass forth of the kingdom, under pain 
 of death, as common, notorious, and condemned 
 thieves.” Scottish Acts, I. 85(k 
 
SECTION VI. 
 
 The present State of the Gypsies in Scotland * 
 
 energy and perseverance by which 
 North Britons are distinguished, will be evinced 
 throughout the pages of this section. A friend 
 of the author, having been requested to make 
 application at the Advocates’ and the Uni- 
 versity Libraries, in the city of Edinburgh, for 
 extracts from some foreign publications, was 
 also desired to transmit with them, what in- 
 formation could be obtained respecting the 
 Gypsies in Scotland. 
 
 With a promptitude and zeal which cha- 
 racterises genuine philanthropy, a circular, 
 containing four queries, was dispatched to the 
 Sheriff of every county in that nation ; soli- 
 citing through the medium of an official organ, 
 all the intelligence which could be obtained on 
 the subject. In consequence, returns have 
 
 g 2 
 
92 
 
 HISTORICAL SORTED 
 
 been made from nearly the whole of the shires, 
 either by the Sheriff, or his substitute ; gene- 
 rally addressed to George Miller, jun. Edin- 
 burgh ; who has been a most effective coadjutor 
 on this occasion. 
 
 From thirteen counties, the reports are, “ No 
 Gypsies resident in them some others give 
 account of their only passing through at times. 
 
 William Frazer Tytler, Sheriff of Inverness- 
 shire, writes as follows i “ The undertaking in 
 which you are engaged, for the civilization of 
 so lost a portion of mankind, merits every 
 support. Its effects may be more generally 
 and extensively useful in England, where those 
 unfortunate people are extremely numerous. 
 In Scotland, their number is comparatively 
 small, and particularly in the county of In- 
 verness.” 
 
 Alexander Moor, Sheriff Depute, of Aber- 
 deenshire, states : “ There are not any Gypsies 
 who have a permanent residence in that She- 
 riffalty. Occasionally vagrants, both single 
 and in bands, appear in this part of the 
 country ; resorting to fairs, where they commit 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 93 
 
 depredations on the unwary. Some of them 
 are supposed to be connected with Gypsies in 
 the southern part of the island.’’ 
 
 John Blair, Sheriff Substitute for the County 
 of Bute, writes: “ I have to inform that the 
 people generally known by the description of 
 Gypsies, are not in use to come hither, unless 
 abject, itinerant tinkers and braziers, generally 
 from Ireland, may be accounted such. A few 
 of them often visit us, and take up their abode 
 for a time in different parts of the country, 
 where people can be prevailed upon to give 
 them the accommodation of an out- house or 
 hut.” 
 
 They are understood to be illiterate, neither 
 they, nor their children, who are often nu- 
 merous, being able to read. 
 
 The distinguished northern Poet, Walter 
 Scott, who is Sheriff of Selkirkshire, has in a 
 very obliging manner communicated the fol- 
 io winor statement : 
 
 “ A set of people possessing the same er- 
 ratic habits, and practising the trade of tinkers, 
 are well known in the Borders; and have oftei* 
 
 g 3 
 
94 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 fallen under the cognisance of the law. They 
 are often called Gypsies, and pass through the 
 county annually in small bands, with their 
 carts and asses. The men are tinkers, poachers, 
 and thieves upon a small scale. They also 
 sell crockery, deal in old rags, in eggs, in salt, 
 in tobacco and such trides; and manufacture 
 horn into spoons. I believe most of those who 
 come through Selkirkshire, reside, during win- 
 ter, in the villages of Sterncliff and Spitlal, ii* 
 Northumberland, and in that of Kirk Yetholm, 
 Roxburghshire. 
 
 “ Mr. Smith, the respectable Baillie* of 
 Kelso, can give the most complete information 
 concerning those who reside at Kirk Yetholm, 
 Formerly, I believe, they were much more des- 
 perate in their conduct than at present. But 
 some of the most atrocious families have been 
 extirpated, I allude particularly to the Winters, 
 a Northumberland clan, who I fancy are all 
 buried by this time. 
 
 * Baillie is a magisterial designation in Scotland, agreeing in rank with 
 sjjhat of Alderman in England. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 95 
 
 (C Mr. Reddell, Justice of Peace for Rox- 
 burghshire, with my assistance and concurrence, 
 cleared this country of the last of them, about 
 eight or nine years ago. They were thorough 
 desperadoes, of the worst class of vagabonds. 
 Those who now travel through this country, 
 give offence chiefly by poaching, and small 
 thefts. They are divided into clans, the prill- 
 cipal names being Faa, Baillie, Young, Ruth- 
 Ven, and Gordon. 
 
 “ All of them are perfectly ignorant of re- 
 ligion, nor do their children receive any 
 education. They marry and cohabit amongst 
 each other, and are held in a sort of horror by 
 the common people. 
 
 “ I do not conceive them to be the proper 
 Oriental Egyptian race, at least they are much 
 intermingled with our own national out-laws 
 and vagabonds. They are said to keep up a 
 communication with each other through Scot- 
 land, and to have some internal government 
 and regulation as to the districts which each 
 family travels. 
 
 & 4 
 
96 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 “ I cannot help again referring to Mr. Smith 
 of Kelso, a gentleman who can give the most 
 accurate information respecting the habits of 
 those itinerants, as their winter-quarters of 
 Yetholin, are upon an estate of which he has 
 long had the management,” 
 
 It is very satisfactory to have received fropi 
 an authority so respectable as that of William 
 Smith, the Baillie of Kelso, above referred to, 
 answers to the four queries of the circular ; 
 accompanied by his own interesting and ap^ 
 prcpiiate illustrations, from which extracts are 
 made as follow, dated November, 1815. 
 
 “ A considerable time having elapsed, since 
 I had an opportunity, or occasion to attend to 
 the situation of the colony of Gypsies in our 
 neighbourhood, I was obliged to delay my 
 answer to your inquiries, until I could obtain 
 more information respecting their present 
 numbers. 
 
 “ The great bar to the benevolent intentions 
 of improving their situation will be, the im- 
 possibility to convince them that there either is* 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 97 
 
 gv can be, a mode of life preferable, or even 
 equal to their own. 
 
 “ A strong spirit of independence, or what 
 they would distinguish by the name of liberty, 
 runs through the whole tribe. It is no doubt a 
 very licentious liberty, but entirely to their 
 taste. Some kind of honour, peculiar to them- 
 selves, seems to prevail in their community. 
 They reckon it a disgrace to steal near their 
 homes, or even at a distance, if detected. I 
 must always except that petfy theft of feed- 
 ing their shelties and asses on the farmer’s 
 grass and corn, which they will do, whether at 
 home or abroad. 
 
 “ When avowedly trusted, even in money 
 transactions, they never deceived me, nor for- 
 feited their promise. I am sorry to say, how- 
 ever, that when checked in their licentious ap- 
 propriations, &c. they are very much addicted 
 both to threaten and to execute revenge. 
 
 ‘f Having so far premised with respect to 
 their general conduct and character, I shall 
 proceed to answer, as far as I am able, the four 
 queries subjoined to the circular which you 
 
98 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 sent me, and then subjoin, in notes, some in, 
 stances of their conduct in particular cases, 
 which may perhaps elucidate their general dis- 
 position and character/' 
 
 “ Qiiery 1st. What number of Gypsies in the 
 CoUnty f 
 
 u A. I know of none except the colony of 
 Yetholm, and one family who lately removed 
 from that place to Kelso. Yetholm consists of 
 two towns, or large villages, called Town 
 Yetholm, and Kirk Yetholm. The first is in 
 the estate of Mr. Wauchope, of Niddry; the 
 latter in that of the Marquis of Tweedale. 
 The number of the Gypsey colony at present 
 in Kirk Yetholm, amounts to at least 109 men, 
 Women, and children; and perhaps two or three 
 may have escaped notice. They marry early 
 in life, in general have many children, and 
 their number seems to be increasing. 
 
 u Query 2d. In rehat do the men and women 
 mostly employ themselves ? 
 
 “ B. I have known the colony between 
 forty and fifty years. At my first remembrattdd 
 of them^ they were called the Tinklets 3 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 99 
 
 {Tinkers) of Yetholm, from the males being 
 chiefly then employed in mending pots, and 
 other culinary utensils, especially in their pe- 
 regrinations through the hilly and less populous 
 parts of the country* 
 
 ft Sometimes they were called Horners , from 
 their occupation in making and selling horn 
 spoons, called Cutties. Now their common ap- 
 pellation is that of Muggers , or, what pleases 
 them better, Potters . They purchase, at a 
 cheap rate, the cast or faulty articles, at the 
 different manufactories of earthenware, which 
 they carry for sale all over the country ; con- 
 sisting of groups of six, ten, and sometimes 
 twelve or fourteen persons, male and female, 
 young and old, provided with a horse and cart 
 to transport the pottery ; besides shelties and 
 asses to carry the youngest of the children, 
 and such baggage as they tind necessary. 
 
 “ In the country, they sleep in barns, and 
 byres, or other out-houses: and when they 
 cannot find that accommodation, they take tho 
 canvas covering from the pottery cart, and 
 
100 
 
 historical survey 
 
 squat below it iike u covey of partridges m 
 the snow. 
 
 “ A few of the colony also employ them- 
 selves occasionally in making beesoms, foot- 
 bosses, &c. from heath, broom, and bent, and 
 sell them at Kelso, and the neighbouring towns. 
 After all, their employment can be considered 
 little better than an apology for idleness and 
 vagrancy. 
 
 “ They are in general great adepts in hunt- 
 ing, shooting, and fishing ; in which last they 
 use the net and spear, as well as the rod ; and 
 often supply themselves with a hearty meal by 
 their dexterity. They have no notion of being 
 limited in their field sports, either to time, 
 place, or mode of destruction. 
 
 “ I do not see that the women are any other- 
 wise employed, than attending the young 
 children, and assisting to sell the pottery when 
 carried through the country.” 
 
 “ Query 3rd. Have they any settled abode in 
 winter , and where f 
 
 “ C. Their residence, with the exception of 
 a single family, who some years ago came to 
 
or TFF, GYPSTFS, 
 
 101 
 
 Kelso, is at Kirk Yetho ;m, and chiefly con- 
 lined io one row of* houses, or street of that 
 town, winch goes by the name of Tinkler- Row- 
 Most of them have leases of their possessions, 
 granted for a term of nineteen times nineteen 
 years, for payment of a small sum yearly ; 
 something of the nature of a quit rent. T here 
 is no tradition in the neighbourhood concern- 
 ing the time when the Gypsies first took up 
 their residence at that place, nor whence they 
 came. 
 
 “ Most of their leases, I believe were granted 
 by the family of the Bennets of Grubet; the 
 last of whom was Sir David Rennet, who died 
 about sixty years ago. The late Mr. Nesbit of 
 Dirleton, then succeeded to the estate, com- 
 prehending the Baronies of Kirk Yetholm, and 
 Grubet. He died about the year 1783, and 
 not long after, the property was acquired by 
 the late Lord Tweedale’s trustees. 
 
 “ During the latter part of the life of the 
 late Mr. Nesbit, he was less frequently at his 
 estate in Roxburghshire than formerly. lie 
 was a great favourite of the Gypsies, and was 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 102 
 
 in use to call them his body guards, and often 
 gave them money, &c. 
 
 “ On the other hand* both the late and pre- 
 sent Mr. Wauchope were of opinion, that the 
 example of these people had a bad effect upon 
 the morals and industry of the neighbourhood ; 
 and seeing no prospect of their removal, and 
 as little of their reformation, considered it as a 
 duty to the public, to prevent the evil in- 
 creasing ; and never would consent to any of 
 the colony taking up their residence in Town 
 Tetholm. 
 
 “ They mostly remain at home during win- 
 ter, but as soon as the weather becomes tole-* 
 rably mild in spring, most of them, men, 
 women, and children, set out on their pere- 
 grination over the country, and live in a state 
 of vagrancy, until again driven into their ha- 
 bitations by the approach of winter. 
 
 “ Seeming to pride themselves as a separate 
 tribe, they very seldom intermarry out of the 
 colony ; and in rare instances where that hap- 
 pens, the Gypsey, whether male or female, by 
 influence and example, always induces the 
 
103 
 
 OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 stranger husband or wife to adopt the manners 
 of the colony, so that no improvement is ever 
 obtained in that way. The progeny of such 
 alliances have almost universally the tawny 
 Complexion, and tine black eyes of the Gypsey 
 parent, whether father or mother. 
 
 “ So strongly remarkable is the Gypsey cast 
 of countenance, that even a description of them 
 to a stranger, who has had no opportunity of 
 formerly seeing them, will enable him to know 
 them wherever he meets with them. Some 
 individuals, but very rarely, separate from the 
 colony altogether ; and when they do so early 
 in life, and go to a distance such as London, 
 or even Edinburgh, their acquaintances in the 
 country get favourable accounts of them* A 
 few betake themselves to regular and constant 
 employments at home, but soon tire, and re- 
 turn to their old way of life. 
 
 “ When any of them, especially a leader, or 
 man of influence dies, they have full meetings, 
 not only of the colony, but of the Gypsies from 
 a distance, and those meetings, or Late Wakes , 
 are by no means conducted with sobriety or 
 decency.” 
 
104 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 “ Query 4th. Are any of their children taught la 
 read , and what proportion of them ? With any anec~> 
 dotes respecting their customs and conduct. 
 
 “ D. Education being obtained at a cheaper 
 rate, the Gypsies in general, give their male 
 children as good a one, as is bestowed on those 
 of the labouring people and farm servants in 
 the neighbourhood ; such as reading, writing, 
 . and the first principles of arithmetic. They 
 all apply to the clergyman of the parish for 
 baptism to their children, and a strong super- 
 stitious notion universally prevails with them, 
 that it is unlucky to have an unchristened 
 child long in the house. Only a very few ever 
 attend divine service, and those as seldom as 
 they can, just to prevent being refused as 
 sponsors at their children’s baptism. 
 
 - “ They are in general, active and lively, 
 particularly when engaged in field sports ; or 
 in such temporary pursuits as are agreeable to 
 their habits and dispositions ; but are destitute 
 of the perseverance necessary for a settled oc- 
 cupation, or even for finishing what a moderate 
 degree of continued labour, would enable them 
 to accomplish in a few weeks.” 
 
OF THE GYPSIES? 
 
 1W 
 
 NOTES 
 
 By Wm. Smith, intended to elucidate his answers to 
 the Queries A and B, on their licentious liberty. 
 
 “ I remember that about 15 years ago, being 
 then apprentice to a writer, who was in use to 
 receive the rents as well as the small duties of 
 Kirk Yetholm, he sent me there with a list of 
 itames, and a statement of what was due ; re- 
 commending me to apply to the landlord of 
 the public-house, in the village, for any in- 
 formation or assistance which I might need. 
 
 * c After waiting a long time, and receiving 
 payment from most of the feuers, or rentallers, 
 I observed to him that none of the persons of 
 the names of Faa, Young, Blythe, Fleckie, &c, 
 who, stood at the bottom of the list for small 
 gums, had come to meet me, according to the 
 notice given by the Baron Officer; and pro- 
 posed sending to inform them that they were 
 detaining me, and to request their immediate 
 attendance. 
 
 “ The landlord, with a grave face, inquired 
 whether my master had desired me to ask 
 snpuey from those men. I said, not pariU 
 
 u 
 
106 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 cularly ; but they stood on the list. u So, I see,”* 
 said the landlord, 6C but had your master been 
 here himself, he did not dare to ask money 
 from them , either as rent , or feu duty . — He 
 knows that it is as good as if it were in his 
 pocket . They will pay when their own t\me 
 comes , hut do not like to pay at a set time 
 with the rest of the Barony ; and still less to 
 he craved.” 
 
 “ I accordingly returned without their money, 
 and reported progress. I found that the land* 
 lord was right; my master said with a smile, 
 that it was unnecessary to send to them, after 
 the previous notice from the Baron Officer; it 
 was enough if I had received the money, if 
 offered. — Their rent and feu duty was brought 
 to the office in a few weeks. I need scarcely 
 add, those persons all belonged to the tribe. 
 
 “ Another instance of their licentious, inde- 
 pendent spirit, occurs to me. The family of 
 Niddry always gaye a decent, annual remune- 
 ration to a Baron Baillie, for the purpose of 
 keeping good order within their Barony of 
 Town Yet holm. The person whom I remember 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 . 107 
 
 first in possession of that office, was an old man 
 called Doctor Walker, from his being also the 
 village surgeon ; and from him I had the fol- 
 lowing anecdote: — 
 
 “ Between Yetholm and the border farms in 
 Northumberland, there were formerly, as in 
 most border situations, some uncultivated lands 
 called the Plea lands , or Debateable lands , 
 the pasturage of which was generally eaten up 
 by the Sorners and vagabonds on both sides of 
 the marches. 
 
 Many years ago, Lord Tanker' vilie and 
 some other of the English borderers, made their 
 request to Sir David Bennet, and the late Mr. 
 Wauciiope of Middry, that they would accom- 
 pany them at a riding of the Flea lands, who 
 readily complied with their request. I hey 
 were induced to this, as they understood that 
 the Gypsies had taken offence, on the suppo- 
 sition that they might be circumscribed in the 
 pasture for their shelties and asses, which they 
 had held a long time, partly by stealth, and 
 partly by violence, 
 
 Ji 3 
 
108 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 “ Both threats and entreaties were employed 
 to keep them away ; and, at last, Sir David ob* 
 tained a promise from some of the heads of the 
 gang, that none of them should show their 
 faces on the occasion. 
 
 “ They, however, got upon the hills at a little 
 distance, whence they could see every thing 
 that passed. At first they were very quiet. 
 But when they saw the English Court Book 
 spread out on a cushion before the clerk, and 
 apparently taken in a line of direction, inter- 
 fering with what they considered to be their 
 privileged ground, it was with great difficulty 
 that the most moderate of them, could restrain 
 the rest from running down, and taking ven- 
 geance, even in sight of their own Lord of the 
 dVlanor, 
 
 “ They only bstained for a short time, and 
 *10 sooner had Sir David, and the other gen- 
 tleman taken leave of each other in the most 
 polite and friendly manner, as border chiefs 
 are wont to do, since border feuds ceased, and 
 had departed to a sufficient distance, than the 
 -clan, aymed with bludgeons, pitch-forks, and 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 m 
 
 &ich other hostile weapons as they could find, 
 Pushed down in a body ; and before the chiefs 
 on either side had reached their home, there 
 was neither English tenant, horse, eow, nor 
 Mieep left upon the premises. 
 
 Si Notes on Answers C and D. 
 
 Peculiar cast of Gyi^sey Features, every tvhere 
 distinguishable , fyc. 
 
 “ When first I knew any thing about the 
 colony, old Will Faa was king* or leader, and 
 had held the sovereignty for many years. 
 
 a Meeting at Kelso with Mr. Walter Scott, 
 Whose discriminating habits and just obser- 
 vations [ had occasion to know from his yoath, 
 and at the same time seeing one of my Yethohn 
 friends in the horse market* 1 merely said to 
 Mr. Scott, “ Try to get before that man with 
 the long drab coat, look at him on your re- 
 turn, and tell me whether you ever saw him, 
 and what you think of him.” He was so good 
 as to indulge me; and rejoining me said with- 
 out hesitation, “ 1 never saw the man that I 
 know of ; but he is one of the Gypsies of 
 Yethojm, that you told me of several years 
 
 a 3 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY' 
 
 110 
 
 ago.” I need scarcely say that he was perfectly 
 correct. 
 
 “ The descendants of Faa, Row take the 
 
 ■ ' ' S " <; • • - •* t • 1 ^ ‘ - ' ' ' 11 
 
 name of Fail, from the Messrs. Falls, ot Dun- 
 bar, who, they pride themselves in saying, are 
 of the same stock and lineage. V\ hen old 
 Will Faa was upwards of eighty years of age, 
 he called on me at Kelso, in his way to Edin- 
 burgh, telling that he was going to see the. 
 Laird, the late Mr. Nesbit, of Dirleton, as he 
 understood that he was very unwell, and him- 
 
 ■ self being now old, and not so stout as he had 
 been, he wished to see him once more before 
 he died. 
 
 “ The old man set out by the nearest road, 
 which was by no means his common practice. 
 Next market-day, some of the farmers in- 
 formed me, that they had been in Edinburgh, 
 and seen Will Faa upon the bridge ; (the south 
 bridge, was not then built;) that he was tossing 
 'about his old brown hat, and huzzaing with 
 great vociferation, that he had seen the Laird 
 before lie; died. Indeed Mill himself had no 
 time to lose, for having set his face homewards 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES* 
 
 111 
 
 0 
 
 by the way of the sea coast, to vary his route, 
 as is the general custom of the gang, he only 
 got the length of Coldingham,* when he was 
 taken ill, and died. 
 
 “ His death being notified to his friends at 
 Yetholm, they and their acquaintance at Ber- 
 wick, Spittal, HornclifT, &c. met to pay the 
 last honours to their old leader. His obsequies 
 were continued three successive days and 
 nights, and afterwards repeated at Yetholm, 
 whither he was brought for interment. I can- 
 not say that the funeral rites were celebrated 
 with decency and sobriety, for that was by no 
 means the case. This happened in .the year 
 1783, or 1781, and the late Mr. Nesbit did not 
 long survive.” 
 
 William Dymock, W. S. Edinburgh, dis- 
 tinguished in the profession of the law, by his 
 sound judgment and strict integrity, having 
 had the perusal of the preceding report from 
 William Smith, gives the following testimony 
 concerning that account : “ Baillie Smith’s 
 report is quite graphical, correct truth, and 
 
 h4 
 
lit 
 
 HfS’TORICATi SURVEY 
 
 correctly expressed. — It is useful as showing, 
 that the parties of Tinklers are great detach- 
 inents from one colony.” 
 
 With this, accords Sir John Sinclair’s ob- 
 servation in his Statistical Account of Scotland, 
 Vol. II. p. 124, when describing the village of 
 Eaglesbam, he remarks: “ There is no ma- 
 gistrate nearer than four miles, and the place 
 is oppressed with gangs of Gypsies, commonly 
 called Tinklers, or sturdy beggars.” 
 
 Before receiving the very interesting report 
 from William Smith, the author of this Survey 
 was entirely at a loss to determine what was 
 become of the descendants of John Faw, who 
 styled himself Lord and Earl of Little Egypt ; 
 and with a numerous retinue entered Scotland 
 in the reign of Queen Mary, as stated in 
 Section the 5th. — His complaint of his men 
 refusing to return home with him, might be 
 only a feint, invented to cover his design of 
 continuing in the country; for there does not 
 appear to be any traces in history of the ba- 
 nishment of Faw-gang, or of their quitting 
 
9F THE GYPSIES. US 
 
 Scotland. — But in the above cited report, we 
 find at the head of the Tinklers a Will Faa, 
 in whose name there is only a variation of one 
 letter from that of his distinguished prede- 
 cessor ; and that in reference to this origin, 
 he asserts the Falls of Dunbar to be of the 
 same stock and lineage* 
 

 
 • ' s r. 
 
 ; ' >>f») * 
 
 ■ 
 
 •' - ! ■ '■ ■ • ; .. 
 
 ■ ' ... 
 
 B 
 
 > 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION VII. 
 
 On the origin of the Gypsies, 
 
 V ABIOUS are the conjectures which have 
 been indulged, and the coincidences which 
 have been sought for, in order to obtain a so- 
 lution of the query. What race of people arc 
 the Gypsies? 
 
 Whoever is disposed to refer to Continental 
 writers, may see more than thirty different opi- 
 nions started on this subject, founded on no 
 better authority than some similarity of ap- 
 pellation, garb, complexion, or unsettled wav 
 of life. 
 
 They were sometimes Tortaques, Kalen- 
 dcirs, or Faquirs. The Torlaques are Maho- 
 metan Monks, who under the pretence of 
 holiness, are guilty of the most flagrant ex- 
 cesses. Bajazet the 2d, banished them from 
 the Turkish empire in 1494. The A Kaletidars 
 
no HISTORICAL SURVE? 
 
 wander about in heathen countries, as the Gyp-* 
 sies do among Christians. The Faquirs are 
 religious fanatics ; and rove about in heathen 
 and mahometan countries, like the most atro- 
 cious robbers. Anquetil says, the Faquirs in 
 India go a pilgrimage to Jagrenat ; they plun- 
 der such villages and cities as lie in their way ; 
 they form considerable bodies about a mile 
 from Jagrenat, where they choose themselves a 
 leader, to whom they pay all the attention due 
 to a general. 
 
 With regard to strolling and thieving, the 
 Faquirs and Gypsies agree exactly. Thoma- 
 sius, Griselini, and the English geographer 
 Salmon, imagined that when Sultan Seiim con- 
 quered Egypt in 1517, several of the natives 
 refusing to submit to the Turkish yoke, re- 
 volted under one Zinganeus. 
 
 But we have already adverted to authentic 
 documents for the proof, that they were in 
 Germany, Italy, and France, near a century 
 before the conquest of Egypt by Selim. 
 
 Yet the belief that Gypsies were of Egyptian 
 origin is parallel with their existence in Europe* 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 117 
 
 It arose from the report circulated by the first 
 of them, that they were pilgrims from Egypt; 
 and this statement was not only adopted by the 
 common people, but here, and there, obtained 
 credit among men of learning. Grellmann ob- 
 serves, that had this opinion not been received 
 at a time when almost every thing was taken 
 upon trust, with little examination ; had it not 
 been propagated by the first Gypsies, and then 
 obtained a sanction, it would have been im* 
 possible for it to have gained such general ac-« 
 ceptation, or to have maintained itself to the 
 present times. Till the 17th century, the 
 Egyptian descent of the Gypsies rested en- 
 tirely on tradition. Afterwards, A ventin^ 
 Krantz, and Miinster openly contradict it. 
 
 Aventin relates that they wished it to be 
 thought they came from that country, but that, 
 in his time, nothing was known concerning 
 them, but what came from their own mouths ; 
 those who accounted them Egyptians, rested 
 their belief entirely on the veracity pf theilr 
 Informant^ 
 
•HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 118 
 
 This is collected with greater certainty from 
 Krantz and Miinster, for they declare expressly, 
 that every thing which could be discovered by 
 any other means than their own assertions, con- 
 tradicted, rather than confirmed their Egyptian 
 descent. But it is not merely that their 
 Egyptian descent is entirely destitute of proof, 
 the most circumstantial evidence can be ad- 
 duced against it. 
 
 Their language differs entirely from the 
 Coptic, and their customs, as Ahasuerus Fritsch 
 has remarked, are diametrically opposite to the 
 Egyptian ; but what is, if possible, of greater 
 weight, they wander about in Egypt, like 
 strangers, and there, as in other countries, 
 form a distinct people. 
 
 The testimony of Bellonius is full and de-, 
 cisive on the point. He states : “No part ol the 
 world, l believe, is free from those banditti, 
 wandering about in troops ; whom we, by mis- 
 take, call Gypsies, and Bohemians. When we 
 were at Cairo, and the villages bordering on 
 the Nile, we found troops of these strolling 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 n& 
 
 thieves sitting under palm-trees; and they are 
 esteemed foreigners in Egypt” 
 
 Aventin expressly makes Turkey their ori- 
 ginal place of rendezvous ; and this furnishes 
 a reason for the south east parts of Europe 
 being the most crowded with them. If all that 
 came to Europe passed by this route, it ac- 
 counts for a greater number remaining in those 
 countries, than in others to which they would 
 have a much longer travel ; and before their 
 arrival at which, their hordes might be much 
 divided. 
 
 It is a just assertion, that one of the most in- 
 fallible methods of determining the origin of a 
 people, would be the discoyery of a country in 
 which their language is that of the natives. 
 It is a fact incontrpvertibly established, that 
 besides the Gypsies speaking the language of 
 the country in which they live, they have a 
 general one of their own, in which they con-- 
 verse with each other. 
 
 Not knowing any speech correspondent witk 
 the Gypsies, some have been ready to pronounce 
 it a mere jargon ; not considering how extra- 
 
120 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 nragant a surmise it would be, that a people 
 rude, uncivilized, and separated hundreds of 
 miles from each other, have invented a lan- 
 guage. Others who are better informed on 
 the subject, allow that the language brought 
 Into Europe with the Gypsies, was really ver- 
 nacular, of some country ; but suppose it is so 
 disguised and corrupted, partly by design, and 
 partly by adventitious events, through length 
 of time, and the continued wandering of these 
 people, that it must be considered a new lan- 
 guage, and now used by the Gypsies only. 
 
 That it is the dialect of some particular part 
 of the globe, though no longer pure, as in the 
 country whence it originated, is an opinion 
 which has obtained the greatest concurrence 
 among the learned. Grellmann says, had a 
 German listened a whole day to a Gypsey con- 
 versation, he would not have comprehended a 
 single expression. It must doubtless appear 
 extraordinary, that the language of a people 
 who had lived for centuries in Europe, should 
 have remained so much a secret : but it was 
 uot easy to gain information from the Gypsies 
 
OP THE GYPSIES. 
 
 121 
 
 concerning it. Acquainted, by tradition, with 
 the deception their predecessors practised on 
 coming into Europe, they are suspicious; and 
 fearing an explanation might be dangerous to 
 themselves, they are not disposed to be com- 
 municative. — But how was it possible for the 
 learned of former centuries, to be competent to 
 the investigation, who had not the aids which 
 now so copiously occur to the historical ety- 
 mologist ? 
 
 Many dialects have been discovered, and 
 our knowledge of others greatly increased, 
 within the last fifty or sixty years. During 
 that time, not only the literary treasures of the 
 furthest north have been opened to us, but we 
 have become acquainted with many of the 
 oriental languages ; and even eastern idioms 
 are becoming familiar to us. We need not 
 therefore be surprised, that before this period, 
 the most learned were unable to point out the 
 country in which the Gypsey language was 
 spoken. The Gypsies have no writing pe- 
 culiar to themselves, in which to give a spe- 
 cimen of the construction of their dialect. 
 
 i 
 
122 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Writing and reading are attainments not to 
 be expected from nomadic tribes. Sciences,, 
 and the refined arts, are never to be looked for 
 among a people whose manner of living, and 
 education, are so irregular. Music is the only 
 science in which Gypsies participate in any 
 considerable degree ; they likewise compose, 
 but it is after the manner of the eastern people, 
 extempore. 
 
 Grellmann asserts, that the Hindostanie lan- 
 guage has the greatest affinity with that of 
 the Gypsies ; but he does not rest this solely 
 on the specimen he has introduced, a sketch 
 of which will be presented in the next section ; 
 he adduces many facts in confirmation of his 
 ©pinion, which it would be an injustice to him 
 not to exhibit. 
 
 He infers from the following considerations, 
 that Gypsies are of the lowest class of Indians, 
 namely Pariars, or as they are called in Hin- 
 dostan, Sliders. 
 
 The whole great nation of Indians is known 
 to be divided into four ranks, or stocks, which 
 *ure called by a portuguese name, castes ; each 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 123 
 
 which has its own particular subdivisions. 
 Of these castes, the Bramin is the first; the 
 second contains the Tschechteries or Setreas ; 
 the third, consists of the JBeis , or Wazziers ; 
 the fourth is the caste of the above mentioned 
 Suders ; who upon the peninsula of Malabar, 
 where their condition is the same as in Hin- 
 dustan, are called Parias, and Pariers, 
 
 The first were appointed by Brum a to seek 
 after knowledge, to give instructions, and to 
 
 take care of religion. The second were to 
 * 
 
 serve in war; the third were as the Bramins, 
 to cultivate science ; but particularly to attend 
 to the breeding of cattle. The caste pf Suders 
 was to be subservient to the Bramins, the 
 Tschecteries, and the Beis. These Suders are 
 held in disdain, they are considered infamous, 
 and unclean, from their occupation, and they 
 are abhorred because they eat flesh ; the three 
 other castes living entirely on vegetables. 
 
 Of this very caste it will appear, by the fol- 
 lowing comparison, our Gypsies are composed. 
 We have seen that the Gypsies are in the 
 highest degree filthy and disgusting ; and with 
 
 i 2 
 
124 
 
 HISTORIC 41, SURVEY 
 
 regard to character, de raved and fraudulent 
 to excess, and these are the qualities of the 
 Suders. 
 
 Baldeus says, the Parias are a filthy people* 
 and wicked crew, who in winter steal muck 
 cattle, &c. 
 
 It is related in the Danish Mission Intel- 
 ligence Nobody can deny that the Bariers 
 are the dregs and refuse of all the Indians; 
 they are thievish, and have wicked dispo- 
 sitions, See, 
 
 Moreover Neuhof assures us: “ The Par- 
 ruas are full of every kind of dishonesty; they 
 do not consider lying and cheating to be sinful, 
 as they have no other custom or maxims among 
 them. The Gypsey’s solicitude to conceal his 
 language is, also, a striking Indian trait.” 
 
 “ Professor Pallas says of the Indians round 
 Astracan : custom has rendered them to the 
 greatest degree suspicious about their language^ 
 insomuch that I Mas never able to obtain a 
 small vocabulary from them.” 
 
 With regard to Gypsey marriages, Salmon 
 relates that the nearest relations cohabit with 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 125 
 
 each other ; and as to education, their children 
 grow up in the most shameful neglect, without 
 either discipline or instruction. 
 
 All this is precisely the case with the Parian?. 
 In the journal of t he Missionaries already 
 quoted, it is said ; “ With respect to matrimony, 
 they act like the beasts, and their children are 
 brought up without restraint or information.” 
 Gypsies are fond of being about horses, so are 
 the Suders in India, for which reason, they are 
 commonly employed as horse- keepers, by the 
 Europeans resident in that country.” 
 
 We have seen that the Gypsies hunt after 
 cattle which have died of distemoers, in order 
 to feed on them; and when they can procure 
 more of the Hesh than is sufficient for one day’s 
 consumption, they drv it in the sun. Such is 
 likewise a constant custom with the Pariars in 
 ■India. 
 
 That the Gypsies, and natives of Hindostan, 
 resemble each other in complexion, and shape 
 is undeniable. And what is asserted of the 
 young Gypsey girls rambling about with their 
 lathers who are musicians, dancing with las- 
 
12© 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 civious and indecent gestures, to divert any 
 person who is willing to give them a small 
 gratuity for so acting, is likewise perfectly 
 Indian. Sonnerat confirms this in the account 
 he gives of the dancing girls of Surat. 
 
 Fortune- telling is practised all over the East; 
 hut the peculiar kind professed by the Gypsies, 
 •viz : chiromancy, constantly referring to whe- 
 ther the parties shall be rich or poor, happy 
 or unhappy in marriage, &c. is no where met 
 with but in India. 
 
 The account we have given of Gypsey smiths 
 may be compared with the Indian, as related 
 by Sonnerat in the following words: “The 
 smith carries his tools, his shop, and his forge 
 about with him, and works in any place where 
 he can find employment; he erects his shop 
 before the house of his employer, raising a low 
 wall with beaten earth ; before which, he places 
 his hearth; behind this wall, he fixes two 
 leathern bellows. He has a stone instead of an 
 anvil, and his whole apparatus is a pair of 
 tongs, a hammer, a beetle, and a file,” How 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 127 
 
 exactly does this accord with the description of 
 the Gypsey smith ! 
 
 We have seen that Gypsies always choose 
 their place of residence near some village, or 
 city, very seldom within them ; even though 
 there may not be any order to prevent it, as is 
 the case in Moldavia, Wallachia, and all parts 
 of Turkey. Even the more improved Gypsies 
 in Transylvania, who have long since discon- 
 tinued the wandering mode of life, and might, 
 with permission from government, reside within 
 the cities, rather choose to build their huts in 
 some bye place, without their limits. This 
 custom appears to be derived from their ori- 
 ginal Suder education ; it being usual all over 
 India, for the Suders to have their huts without 
 the villages of the other castes, and in retired 
 places near their cities. 
 
 With respect to religion, it has; appeared 
 that the greater part of the Gypsies live with- 
 out any profession of it ; Tollius says* worse 
 than heathens. The more wonderful it is, that 
 a whole people should be so indifferent and 
 void of religion, tiie more weight it carries with 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 izn 
 
 it, to confirm their Indian origin, when all this 
 is found to be literally true of the Suders. 
 
 In relation to the emigration of the Gypsies, 
 no cause can be assigned for their leaving their 
 native country, so probable, as the war of 
 Timur Beg, in India. The date of their arrival 
 marks it very plainly. It was in the years 
 1408, and 1409, that this Conqueror ravaged 
 India for the purpose of disseminating the Ma- 
 hometan religion. Not only every one who 
 made any resistance was destroyed, and such 
 as fell into the enemies’ hands, though quite de- 
 fenceless, were made slaves ; but in a short 
 time those very slaves, to the number of one 
 hundred thousand, were put to death. In con- 
 sequence of the universal panic which took 
 place, those, who could quit the country, might 
 well be supposed to consult their safety by 
 flight. 
 
 If any of the higher castes did withdraw 
 themselves on account of the troubles, it is 
 probable, they retired southward to people of 
 their own sort, the Mahrattas. To mix at all 
 w ith the Suders, would have been degrading 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 12* 
 
 their high characters, which they consider worse 
 than death ; it was therefore morally impossible 
 for them to have united with the Suders in a 
 retreat. Moreover, by putting themselves into 
 the power of the Suders, with whom they live 
 in a state of discord and inveteracy, they might 
 have incurred as much danger as from the 
 common enemy. 
 
 Before presenting a vocabulary of Gypsey 
 words, it may be observed, that though the 
 Hindostanie language is fundamentally the 
 same, all over Hindustan; yet, like other 
 languages, it has different dialects in the va- 
 rious provinces. The eastern dialect, spoken 
 about the Ganges, has different names for some 
 things; and inflections of some words different 
 to the western ones spoken about the Indus: 
 There is, besides, a third, varying from both 
 these, viz: the Surat dialect, which has a num- 
 ber of Malabar, and other words mixed with it. 
 To this must be added, that in the Hindostan, 
 as well as in every other language, there are 
 often several names for the same thing. 
 
230 HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 The particular dialect bearing the closest 
 affinity to the Gypsey language, as will appear 
 hereafter, is fhe western ; and perhaps more 
 especially that of Surat. With respect to the 
 construction and inflections of the two lan- 
 guages, they are evidently the same. In that 
 of Hindostan, every word ending in j is femi- 
 nine, all the rest masculine ; the Gypsey is the 
 same. That makes the inflections entirely by 
 the article, adding it at the end of the word. 
 The Gypsey language proceeds exactly in the 
 
 same mamier Grellm an 
 
 * • 
 
SECTION VIII. 
 
 Comparative view of the Gypsey, Hindostame, and 
 Turkish languages. 
 
 The following collection is extracted from 
 Grellmann’s Vocabulary. 
 
 Gypsey. Hindostanie. Englishj 
 
 Ick, Ek Ek One 
 
 Duj Doj Da Tw0 
 
 Trin, Tri Tin Three 
 
 Schtar, Star Tschar Four 
 
 Pantsch, Pansch Pansch Five 
 
 Tschowe, Schow Tscho Six 
 
 -gft a Hefta, Sat Seven 
 
 Ochto Aute Eight 
 
 Desch, Des Des, Des Ten 
 
 Bisch, Bis Bjs Twenty 
 
 Diwes Diw Day 
 
 Ratti Fateh Night 
 
 Cham, Cam The 
 
132 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Gypsey. 
 
 Schan 
 
 Panj 
 
 Sonnikey 
 
 Rftp 
 
 Jiv 
 
 Ral 
 
 Aok 
 
 Kan 
 
 Mui 
 
 Dant 
 
 Tschib 
 
 Sunjo 
 
 Sunj 
 
 Sik 
 
 Tschater 
 
 Rajah 
 
 Puro 
 
 Bar© 
 
 Kal© 
 
 Grea 
 
 Jukel 
 
 Maru 
 
 Kit 
 
 Ke A 
 
 Hindostanie. 
 
 Tsehaiid 
 
 Panj 
 
 Suna 
 
 Ruppa 
 
 Giuw 
 
 Bal 
 
 Awk 
 
 Kawn 
 
 Nakk 
 
 Mu 
 
 Dant 
 
 Jibb 
 
 Sunnj 
 
 Sunkh 
 
 Tschik 
 
 Tschater 
 
 Raja 
 
 Parana 
 
 Burra 
 
 Kala 
 
 Gorrra 
 
 Gurr 
 
 English, 
 The Moon 
 W ater 
 Gold 
 Silver 
 Wheat 
 The Hair 
 The Eye 
 The Ear 
 The Nose 
 The Mouth 
 A Tooth 
 The Tongue 
 The Hearing* 
 The Smell 
 The Taste 
 A Tent 
 The Prince 
 Old 
 Great 
 Black 
 Horse 
 Dog 
 Bread 
 Butter 
 Hoflse 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 133 
 
 It lias already been observed, that in the 
 Gy psey , as well as in the Hindustan ie laiiiruap'e, 
 the article is not placed before the noun, hut 
 affixed behind it ; and that is the sole indication 
 of the case of a noun. 
 
 Grellmann has given examples of the de- 
 clension of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, as 
 well as the conjugation of verbs in both lan- 
 guages; but the grammatical arrangement of 
 them does not come within the design of this 
 work. The foregoing list of words is a se- 
 lection of those that are most similar: but in 
 Grellmann s extensive vocabulary, he says, it 
 will appear on the average, that every third 
 Gypsey word, is likewise Hindostanie. 
 
 It must be observed, that the words above 
 recited, have been learned from the Gypsies 
 within a few years, consequently at a time 
 when they had been nearly four complete cen- 
 turies away from Hindostan, their native coun- 
 try ; and among people who spoke languages 
 totally different; in which also the Gypsies 
 conversed. 
 
134 
 
 Historical survey 
 
 Under the constant and so long continues 
 influx of these languages, their own must ne- 
 cessarily have suffered some alteration ; more 
 especially as they are a people entirely ignorant, 
 either of writing or literature. 
 
 It does not appear that there is so much 
 Persian in the Gypsey language, as has been 
 generally imagined ; and even what there is of 
 it, they may have brought with them from their 
 native country, as many Persian words are 
 current in Hindostan. We ought rather to 
 wonder the number of Hindostanie words in 
 the Gypsey language, is so considerable, than 
 to require it should be greater, to furnish suf- 
 ficient proof of the Hindostanie language being 
 the Gypsies’ mother tongue. 
 
 Since the laborious researches of Grellmann. 
 extended intercourse with India, has furnished 
 unquestionable evidence in support of his de- 
 ductions. The first we shall introduce, is con- 
 tained in the following letter from William 
 Marsden to Sir Joseph Banks, F.B.S. read to 
 the Society of Antiquaries in London, 1785. 
 
THE GYPSIES* 
 
 135 
 
 It lias long been surmised, that the va- 
 grant tribes of people called in this country 
 Gypsies, and on parts of the Continent of 
 Europe, Cingari, Zingari, and Chingali, were 
 of eastern origin. The former name has been 
 supposed a corruption of Egyptian, and some 
 learned men have judged it not improbable 
 that their language might be traced to the 
 Coptic. 
 
 “ In the course of researches which I have 
 had occasion to pursue on the subject of lan- 
 guage, I have observed that Ludolfus, in his 
 history of Ethiopia, makes mention incidentally 
 of the Cingari, vel Err ones Nnhiani , and 
 gives a specimen of words which he had col- 
 lected from these people on his travels, with a 
 view of determining their origin. He dis- 
 cusses the opinions of various writers concerning 
 them ; but forms no precise sentiment of his 
 own, concluding his observations with these 
 words r “ Eadem vocabula, cum maximum 
 partem reperiam apud Vulcanium a centum 
 fere annis traditam, non fictitia exist imo, lit Me- 
 giferus putat ncc corrupta ex aliis linguis. 
 
130 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 neque Egyptiaca, sive Coptica.” — Tn English, 
 thus: “ Since 1 find according to Vulcanius, 
 that most of these words have been continued 
 traditionally for a period of nearly 100 years, 
 I do not consider them fictitious, as Megiferus 
 vsupposes, nor corrupted from other languages, 
 either the Egyptian or Coptic.” 
 
 “ I was surprised to find many of the words 
 familiar to my eye ; and I pointed out to Sir 
 Joseph Banks, in the latter end of the year 
 1783, their evident correspondence with terms 
 in the Hindosfanie, or as it is vulgarly termed 
 in India, the Moors’ language. 
 
 “ This similitude appeared to me so ex- 
 traordinary, that I was inclined to suspect an 
 error in the publication, which might have 
 arisen from a confusion of obscure vocabularies 
 in the author’s possession. The circumstance, 
 however, determined me to pay further at- 
 tention to the subject, and to examine, in the 
 first place, whether the language spoken by 
 the Oypsey tribes in England, and by those in 
 the remoter parts of the continent of Europe 
 was one, and the same ; and then to ascertain, 
 
OF THE GVPSIES* 
 
 1 at 
 
 whether this actually bore the affinity which 
 so forcibly struck me in Ludolfus, to any of 
 the languages on the Continent of India. 
 
 “ Through the obliging assistance of Sir 
 Joseph Banks, who has spared no pains to pro- 
 mote this investigation, I procured an oppor- 
 tunity of obtaining a list of words from our 
 Gypsies, which I can depend upon as genuine* 
 and tolerably accurate in respect to the pro- 
 nunciation, from their being corroborated also 
 by words taken dow n, separately, by Sir Joseph, 
 and by Dr. Blagdem 
 
 “ Mr. Matra did me the favour to transmit 
 forme, a list of words to Turkey; and from 
 his ingenious friend B. Pisani, I received a 
 complete and satisfactory translation of them, 
 together with some information, respecting the 
 manners of the Chingiares, in the Turkish do- 
 minions, which, however, does not come within 
 the design of this paper, as I mean to confine 
 myself in the present communication, simply 
 to the question of similarity of language; 
 which, if established, I should esteem a matter 
 
 K 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 138 
 
 of no little curiosity ; presuming it to be per^ 
 fectly new to the world. 
 
 “ Of this similarity, the learned members of 
 the Society will be enabled to form their judg- 
 ment from the annexed paper, exhibiting a 
 comparison of a few of the words procured from 
 the different quarters before mentioned, with 
 the Ilindostanie terms, from the best published, 
 and parole authorities. It may not be unworthy 
 of remark, that the general appellation of 
 these people in the eastern part of Europe, is 
 very nearly connected with that of the inha- 
 bitants of Ceylon, in the East- Indies, who are 
 equally termed Lingalese and Chingalese ; 
 though at the same time it must be acknow- 
 ledged, that the language of this Island has 
 much less correspondence with that of the 
 Gypsies, than many others of the Indian ' 
 dialects. 
 
 « H is Grace, the Archbishop of York, with 
 his usual discernment, suggested to me, the 
 probability that the Zingara here spoken of, 
 may have derived their name, and perhaps 
 their origin from tho people called Langari,or 
 
OF THE GYFSIES, 13$ 
 
 Langarians, who are found in the north-west 
 parts of the Peninsula of Hindostan, and infest 
 the coasts of Guzerat and Sindy with their pi- 
 ratical depredations. 
 
 “ The maritime turn of this numerous race 
 of people, with their roving and enterprising 
 disposition, may warrant the idea of occasional 
 emigration in their boats* by the course of the 
 Red Sea. 
 
 “ Notwithstanding the resemblance to the 
 Hindostanie, is the predominant feature in the 
 Gypsey dialect* yet there are words inter- 
 spersed, which evidently coincide with other 
 languages. Besides the Mahratta, and Ben- 
 galese, which I have marked in the comparative 
 specimen, it is not a little singular that the 
 terms for the numerals seven , eight * and nine? 
 are purely Greek : although the first five, and 
 that for ten, are indisputably Indian. It is 
 also a curious observation, that although the 
 Indian term for seven is saath * yet that for 
 a week* or seven days* is the Eftan of the 
 latter. 
 
140 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 “ One word only among those I have ex** 
 amined, bears a resemblance to the Coptic, 
 which is rom, the same with romi, a man. 
 
 tc In comparisons of this nature, a due allow- 
 ance must be made, not only for the various 
 modes of spelling adopted by different persons^ 
 and different nations, but also for the dissimilar 
 manner in which the same individual sound, 
 strikes the organs of the hearers; of which some 
 pointed instances may be given. 
 
 “ Should any be inclined to doubt, which I 
 scarcely suppose possible, the identity of the 
 Gypsey, or Cingari, and the Uindostanie lan- 
 guages, still it will be acknowledged as no 
 uninteresting subject, that tribes wandering 
 through the mountains of Nubia, or the plains 
 of Romania, have conversed for centuries in a 
 dialect precisely similar to that spoken at this 
 day, by the obscure, despised, and wretched 
 people in England, whose language has been 
 considered as a fabricated gibberish, and con- 
 founded with a cant in use among thieves and 
 beggars; and whose persons have been, till 
 
 V 
 
 I 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 141 
 
 within the period of a year, an object of tire 
 persecution, instead of the protection of our 
 laws.” William Marsden. 
 
 In the 386th page of the 7th Vol. of Ar- 
 chaeolqgja, is the comparative view of the 
 Englisji Gypsey, Turkish Gypsey, and Kindos- 
 tanie dialects ; a specimen of which will be 
 presented in this section. 
 
 In page 387 of the same volume, are col- 
 lections on the Zingara, or Gypsey language, 
 by Jacob Bryant, Esq. transmitted to G. Salus- 
 bury B rereton, Esq. in a letter from Doctor 
 Douglas, read 1785. This learned traveller, 
 when in Hungary, had taken from the mouths 
 
 i 
 
 of Gypsies, specimens of their language, which 
 occupy seven pages. It is remarkable, that of 
 seventeen words obtained and enumerated in 
 the letters of Coxe^ the learned traveller, 
 fourteen appear to resemble most exactly those 
 of the same signification, collected by Jacob 
 Bryant John Douglas. 
 
142 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 COMPARISON OF THE GYPSEY, TURKISH, AND H1N* 
 DO ST AM E LANGUAGES. 
 
 English 
 
 English 
 
 G'/psey 
 
 Turkish 
 
 Gypsey. 
 
 Cingari 
 
 vel 
 
 Errones Nubiani . IJindostanic / 
 
 One 
 
 Aick 
 
 Yeck 
 
 ...... 
 
 Aick, ek, Yek 
 
 Two 
 
 Dooce 
 
 Duy 
 
 
 Du, Dow 
 
 Three 
 
 Trin 
 
 Trin 
 
 
 Trin 
 
 Rour 
 
 Staur, Shtar 
 
 Shtiar 
 
 
 phaur 
 
 Tive 
 
 Panji 
 
 Ranch 
 
 
 Paunch 
 
 Six 
 
 Shove 
 
 Shove 
 
 
 Chaye 
 
 Seven 
 
 Heftan 
 
 Efta 
 
 
 Saath 
 
 right 
 
 
 Pkto 
 
 
 Aoth Aut 
 
 .Nine 
 
 Ilenya 
 
 Enia 
 
 
 Noh Nu, 
 
 Ten 
 
 Desh 
 
 Desh 
 
 
 Dus, Do»he (Bengalese) 
 
 Man 
 
 Jtaye,gazo» 
 
 Ram Manush Manusch Manoosha, (Bengalese) 
 
 "Woman 
 
 Raunee gougee Romee 
 
 
 Rendee, Raunee 
 
 Head 
 
 Rold-uroo shero Shero 
 
 Schiero 
 
 Seer, Sirr 
 
 Nyes 
 
 Yackau, yock 
 
 Yack 
 
 Jaka 
 
 Okhyo (Bengalese) 
 
 Nose 
 
 Bol-nak 
 
 Nack 
 
 Nak 
 
 Nauck 
 
 Hair 
 
 Ba’lau, bolow 
 
 Eal 
 
 Bal 
 
 Baul, Bal 
 
 Teeth 
 
 Danau 
 
 D^n 
 
 
 Daunt, Dant (Bengalese) 
 
 Ear 
 
 Kanaue 
 
 
 Can 
 
 Katin 
 
 J)ay 
 
 Dewas, Devas 
 
 Deeves 
 
 
 Deendeewas (Mahratta) 
 
 Night 
 
 Ranter 
 
 Ratee 
 
 
 Raut, roat 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 143 
 
 Cingari 
 
 „ English 
 
 English 
 
 Gypseu, 
 
 Turkish 
 
 Gypsey. 
 
 vel 
 
 Errones Nubiani Hindoslanie » 
 
 White 
 
 Pauno 
 
 Par nee 
 
 
 Paandra (Mahratta) 
 
 Sheep 
 
 Baukro 
 
 
 Bakro 
 
 Bhare 
 
 Hog 
 
 Bajulo 
 
 Balo 
 
 Palo 
 
 
 Fish 
 
 Matcho 
 
 Mutcho 
 
 
 Matchee, Mu tehee 
 
 Bind 
 
 Cheriko 
 
 Chiriiklo 
 
 
 Chereah 
 
 House 
 
 Kair 
 
 
 Ker 
 
 Ghurr 
 
 Gold 
 
 Soona-kai 
 
 
 
 
 Sonna 
 
 Silver 
 
 Roop 
 
 
 
 Roopau 
 
 Brandy in his observations on Popular An- 
 tiquities, Vol. IT. page 432, observes: u The 
 Gypsies, as it should seem from some striking 
 proofs derived from their language, were ori- 
 ginally from Hindostan, where they are sup- 
 posed to have been of the lowest class of 
 Indians, named Pariars, or as they are called 
 in Hindostan, Suders. They are thought to 
 have emigrated about A. D. 1108, or 1409, 
 when Timur Beg ravaged India for the purpose 
 of spreading the Mahometan religion. On 
 this occasion so many were made slaves, and 
 put to death, that a universal panic took place, 
 
 K 4 
 
144 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 and a very great number of territied inhabitants 
 endeavoured to save themselves by flight. 
 
 “ As every part to the north and east was 
 beset by the enemy, it is most probable that 
 the country below Multan, to the mouth of the 
 Indus, was the flrst asylum and rendezvous of 
 the fugitive Supers. This is called the country 
 of Zinganen. Here they were safe, and re- 
 mained so till Timur’s return from the victory 
 of the Ganges. Then it was that they entirely 
 quitted the country, and probably with them a 
 considerable number of the natives, which will 
 explain the meaning of their original name.” 
 
 In the seventh Vol. of the Asiatic Researches^ 
 page 470, Captain David Richardson says of 
 the Panchperee , or Budee’a Nuts : u ’Tis pro- 
 bable there will be found in their manners, a 
 
 •• 
 
 stronger similitude to, the Gypsies of Europe* 
 than in those of any other which may come 
 under review. They have no particular system 
 of religion, adopting with indifference that of 
 the village near to which they happen to be 
 encamped. Sn the upper provinces of Hin- 
 dostan* the little encampments of these people 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 143 
 
 are frequently very regular and neat, being 
 there formed of the Sirkee entirely. Each 
 apartment, though not much larger than a 
 mastiff’s kennel, has its own particular en- 
 closure, or court-yard ; generally erected in 
 such a manner, as to become a species of cir** 
 cuinvailation to the whole portable hamlet. 
 
 “ One cannot help wondering where so many 
 men, women, and children, and other domestic 
 animals manage to sleep ; or shelter themselves 
 from the storms which sometimes assail these 
 itinerant people. The men are remarkably 
 athletic and active, and also nimble and adroit, 
 in every kind of slight of hand. Many of the 
 subdivisions of this class of men, pay little, or 
 no attention to cleanliness, or any restrictions 
 in diet ; eating dead jackalls, bullocks, horses, 
 or any kind of food procurable. 
 
 “ The women do not attend the men during: 
 
 O' 
 
 their juggling exploits, but have a peculiar 
 department allotted to themselves; which con- 
 sists of the practice of physic, cupping, pal- 
 mistry, curing disorders of the teeth, and 
 marking the skin of the Hindoo women, an 
 
146 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 operation termed Godna. They have two lan. 
 guages peculiar to themselves, one intended 
 for the use only of the craftsman, the other *»e» 
 neral among men, women, and children. 
 
 “ The Hindostanie is the basis of both ; the 
 first is general, being a mere transposition or 
 change of syllables ; and the second apparently, 
 a systematic conversion of a few letters; but 
 which will be best elucidated by the following 
 specimen, which contains twenty-two words.” 
 
 After which, he says: “ I find these people 
 in Colebrook’s arrangement of the Hindoo 
 Classes, mentioned in the sixth class, under the 
 head of ISata , Bazeegurs; and in Sir William 
 Jones’s translation of the Ordinances of Menu, 
 Munoo 9 Chapter 10. 
 
 “ I shall now subjoin a short parallel between 
 the Gypsies of Europe, and the people J have 
 described. Both the Gypsies and the Nuts are 
 generally a wandering race of beings, seldom 
 having a fixed habitation. They have each a 
 language peculiar to themselves. That of the 
 Gypsies is undoubtedly a species of Hind os- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 147 
 
 tanie ; os well as that of the Nuts. In Europe, 
 it answers all the purposes of concealment, 
 
 “ The Gypsies have their King, the Nuts 
 their Nardar Boutah ; they are equally formed 
 into companies, and their peculiar employments 
 are exactly similar ; dancing, singing, music, 
 palmistry, &c. They are both considered as 
 thieves; at least that division of the Nuts, 
 whose manners come nearest the Gypsies. — In 
 matters of religion they appear equally in- 
 different, and as to food, we have seen that 
 neither the Gypsies nor the Budee’a Nuts are 
 very choice. 
 
 “ Though, in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 
 Grellmann’s Theory is thought slightly of, the 
 similarity of language being deemed but in- 
 conclusive evidence ; yet in this instance, and 
 even in opposition to such authority, I will 
 venture to consider it, as forming a basis of the 
 most substantial kind. It is not the accidental 
 coincidence of a few words, but the whole vo- 
 cabulary he produces, differs not so much from 
 the common Hindostanie, as provincial dialects 
 of the same country do from each other* 
 
148 
 
 HISTORICAL SURTEY 
 
 Grellmann, from a want of knowledge in 
 the Hindostanie ; as to its provincial dialects, 
 lost many opportunities of producing the proper 
 word in comparison with the Gypsey one. 
 
 “ The following list of words was taken from 
 the Annual Register of 1784, or 1785, with a 
 few I have now subjoined from Grellmann. — 
 In some of the instances where he has failed of 
 producing the corresponding Hindostanie word, 
 the supply of them will, I hope, prove the lan- 
 guage of the Gypsies, and that of Hindostan to 
 he the same, or very intimately connected with 
 each other. 
 
 Gypsey. 
 
 Hindostanie. 
 
 English. 
 
 Bebee 
 
 Beebe 
 
 Aunt, a respectful 
 
 ' 
 
 
 feminine termina- 
 tion from haha , 
 
 Father. 
 
 Pawnee 
 
 Paniee 
 
 Brook, Drink, Water 
 
 Cauliban 
 
 K alab urn 
 
 Black 
 
 Davies, Devus 
 
 Dewus 
 
 Day 
 
 Rat tie 
 
 Rat 
 
 Dark night 
 
 Can 
 
 Kan 
 
 The Ear 
 
 IJad 
 
 Dada 
 
 Father 
 
 Mutch ee 
 
 Muchee 
 
 Fish 
 
149 
 
 
 OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 Gypseij. 
 
 Hindostanie. 
 
 English, 
 
 Bootsee 
 
 Buholsee 
 
 Great 
 
 Gur 
 
 Ghur 
 
 House 
 
 Shing 
 
 Seen 
 
 Horn 
 
 T uttoo 
 
 Tutta 
 
 Heat 
 
 Riah 
 
 Raye 
 
 Lord 
 
 Rriena 
 
 Ra, enee 
 
 Lady 
 
 Dai 
 
 Da’ee 
 
 Mother 
 
 Mass 
 
 Mas 
 
 Meat or food 
 
 N ack 
 
 Nak 
 
 Nose 
 
 Bouropanee 
 
 Bura-panee 
 
 Ocean, wave 
 
 Loon 
 
 Loon 
 
 Salt 
 
 Rook 
 
 Rook, h 
 
 A Tree 
 
 Tschar 
 
 Char 
 
 A Thief 
 
 Mul 
 
 Mool 
 
 Wine 
 
 Captain Richardson continues the list through 
 four pages. 
 
 / 
 
♦ 
 
 SECTION IX. 
 
 Present state of the Gypsies in England \ P . 
 
 It lias been already stated, in the Introduction 
 to this work, that the author visited an en- 
 campment of Gypsies. It consisted of five 
 tents, situated near Itushden, within two miles 
 of the pleasant town of Higham Ferrers. He 
 did not reconnoitre the camp till about mid-day, 
 having been informed that by this time, it was 
 probable, the able-bodied persons of both sexes 
 would be drawn off to a feast and a fair, in 
 different situations, not very distant. It proved 
 so ; there were only two women, three children, 
 and an infant remaining in the tents ; which 
 were the residence of several branches of the 
 numerous families of Smith, and Loversedge, 
 names well known in the county of North- 
 ampton. 
 
1 52 
 
 HISTORICAL survey 
 
 The head of the former, has been maity 
 years a dealer in asses, or donkies ; and is re- 
 puted to be possessed of some property. II is 
 wife, more than eighty years of age, was seated 
 at the entrance of one of the tents, weaving a 
 cabbage net. The other woman, who was 
 middle aged, was nursing an infant; and the 
 eldest of the children, about twelve years of 
 age, was making preparation for washing ; a 
 pan was suspended from three poles, under 
 which she had kindled a fire, to boil water. 
 The very tattered and squalid appearance of 
 this poor girl was truly affecting. 
 
 On conversing with the old woman, she said 
 she had forty grand-children ; some gone to 
 the feast, others to the fair ; and she signified, 
 that both men and women were musical per- 
 formers. 
 
 On being asked whether any of tK?m had 
 learned to read, she shook her head, and, with 
 apparent regret, acknowledged they had not. 
 This indication of concern excited an idea*, 
 that some impression had been made on the 
 minds even of Gypsies, of the disadvantages 
 their children were under. 
 
t 
 
 OP THE GYPSIES. 1 63 
 
 Considering how generally education had 
 been extended, to the lowest description of 
 every other class of British subjects; how many 
 schools had been opened in villages, as well as 
 in the different towns of the kingdom, it was 
 not improbable, that information of movements 
 so extraordinary, might have reached the ears., 
 if not impressed the minds of these neglected 
 fellow-creatures. The activity which had been 
 subsequently displayed in the distribution of 
 the Scriptures, and the zeal excited among the 
 most ignorant to receive them, might also come 
 to their knowledge. 
 
 Resuming conversation with the female head 
 of the Smith family, she said they endured great 
 hardships in winter, having no shelter but their 
 tents, in the worst of weather. 
 
 She was then asked, if they did not expe- 
 rience great difficulty in obtaining the means 
 of subsistence, during the inclement seasons; 
 and whether they were not, at times, reduced to 
 the necessity of taking up with any kind of 
 sustenance, even if it consisted of animals they 
 might find dead upon the road. 
 
 h 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 i 51 
 
 To this she immediately replied: u Those 
 that have died by the hand of God, are better 
 than those that have died by the hand of man.” 
 
 Tins reply, corresponding so exactly with 
 that of the Continental Gypsies, presents a re- 
 markable trait of their mutual descent from 
 the Suder caste. 
 
 Some of the peculiarities in Gypsey habits 
 to which we have just now adverted, had not 
 escaped the observation of that accurate de- 
 lineator of men and manners, our celebrated 
 poet, Cowper ; as will appear by the following 
 sketch ; 
 
 “ I see a column of slow rising smoke, 
 
 O’er-top the lofty wood, that skirts the wild,* 
 
 A vagabond and useless tribe, there eat 
 
 Their miserable meal. A Kettle 
 
 Slung between two poks, upon a stick transverse* 
 
 Receives the morsel : flesh obscene of hog, 
 
 Or vermin ; or, at best, of cock purloined 
 From his accustom’d perch. Hard faring race. 
 
 They pick their fuel cut of every hedge, 
 
 Which kindled with dry leaves, and wood, just saves 
 The spark of life. The sportive wind blows wide 
 Their fluttering rags, and shows a tawney skin. 
 
 The vellum of the pedigree they claim,” 
 
6V TIIE GYPSIES. 1*5$ 
 
 Before theGypsey’s acknowledgment, of pre- 
 ferring the flesh of animals which have died by 
 disease, or what is called a natural death, the 
 writer of this section, knew not how to credit 
 the general testimony of the farmers and inha- 
 bitants of Northamptonshire, that they did not 
 iind the Gypsies committed any depredations 
 on their property, unless it was in pilfering 
 wood from the fences. He now thinks it pro- 
 bable, that others, who were unacquainted with 
 this singular idea of the Gypsies* respecting 
 animal food, may have imagined they were 
 guilty of many more thefts for subsistence* 
 than is really the case. 
 
 In the further progress of his inquiries, the 
 Writer has met with various instances in 
 which confidence reposed in Gypsies, has not 
 been disappointed.— He will mention a remark- 
 able one at Feringbury, near Coggeshall, iii 
 Essex, on a farm which had been occupied by 
 three generations of the family of Corders; 
 during which time, not the least loss had been 
 sustained, by accommodating Gypsies with 
 Ihdgings in their barns and outhouses during 
 
 % 2 
 
166 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 inclement weather ; but, on the contrary, the 
 family have considered them a protection to 
 their property. 
 
 After the success of an experiment like the 
 above, it would be superfluous to ask, if it is 
 not sounder policy to excite the good, than the 
 bad dispositions of human nature. 
 
 Must not the torrent of invective and abuse, 
 almost universally poured upon this people, 
 tend to disaflect and indispose them to civil as- 
 sociation ! Despised and ill-treated as they 
 often are, have they not reason to imagine the 
 hand of every man to be against them ? Who 
 then can wonder at their eluding, as much as 
 possible, the inquiries of strangers! 
 
 Looking at their condition among the various 
 inhabitants of Europe, dignified with the 
 Christian name, the writer has often been re- 
 minded of the universality of the Gospel call, 
 as illustrated in the parable of the great supper. 
 After the invitation had been given throughout 
 the streets and lanes of the cities, the command 
 to the servants was: “ Go out into the highways 
 and hedges, and compel them to come in,' # 
 
jpF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 157 
 
 Here is a description that may have been in- 
 tended specially to apply to this people, so ex- 
 actly and even literally adapted to their con- 
 dition, in all countries, is the language : “ Go 
 ye into the highways and hedges.” And the 
 distinction in their case is rendered still more 
 remarkable by the very pressing injunction, 
 
 Compel them to come in.” 
 
 Does it not admit of the inference, that as 
 outcasts of society, being under greater dis- 
 advantages than the other invited classes, their 
 situation required a more powerful stimulus to 
 be applied ? 
 
 The account of the sufferings of Gypsies in 
 winter, having been confirmed by many con- 
 curring testimonies, from the inhabitants of 
 Northamptonshire, the following Circular was 
 sent into most of the Counties of England, with 
 a view to ascertain their state in other parts of 
 the nation. 
 
168 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 CIRCULAR 
 
 When it is considered how much tiie ex- 
 ertions of the wise, the philanthropic, and the 
 good, in all parts of the nation, have been di- 
 rected to advancing the morals and religious 
 instruction of the lower orders of the com- 
 munity, it appears almost incredible that one 
 description of British subjects, and of all others 
 the most abject and depraved, should have 
 been either entirely overlooked or neglected. 
 The Gypsies, to whom this applies, are a people 
 which, more than any other, it might have been 
 considered the interest of society to reclaim, 
 because of the depredations they commit upon 
 
 it. 
 
 The efforts of the good, and of the great, 
 have not been confined to meliorating the con- 
 dition of the inhabitants of this country only, 
 they have been directed to the alleviation of 
 human misery in various other nations, and 
 even to the augmentation of funds for civilizing 
 ^he natives of distant regions of the globe, 
 
OP TIIE GYPSIES. 15© 
 
 Can we manifest our solicitude for the im- 
 provement of our fellow-creatures separated 
 from us thousands of miles, whose faces we 
 never saw, and conclude that numbers of per- 
 sons in our own country, whose situation is 
 more desperate, have not a peculiar claim on 
 our consideration? 
 
 To reclaim the Indians of North America 
 from their wild and roving course of life, asso- 
 ciations have been formed to give them in- 
 structions in agriculture, and to supply them 
 with implements of husbandry; plans of edu- 
 cation adapted to their untutored state have 
 been arranged, and persons qualified to carry 
 them into effect, in the establishment of schools, 
 have gone to their assistance. 
 
 Do the numerous Gypsey tribes of England 
 possess any of these advantages? 
 
 In the summer of 1814, when the writer of this 
 circular, visited a number of Gypsey tents in 
 Northamptonshire, as already stated, a woman 
 about 80 years of age, who had forty grand- 
 children, acknowledged, that not one of 
 them had been taught to read. In this land 
 
160 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 of Christian benevolence, can we pronounce a 
 certain proportion of its inhabitants to be 
 wretchedly depraved, and even a wicked set of 
 people ; advertise them as rogues and vaga- 
 bonds, and offer a reward for their appre- 
 hension, w ithout devising any means of remedy- 
 ing the defects of their habits, or holding out 
 encouragement to reformation, in any of them 
 who are disposed to relinquish their vicious 
 courses? 
 
 The associations formed and forming in dif- 
 ferent parts of the nation for the prosecution oi* 
 felons, render the condition of Gypsies every 
 day more and more deplorable, by their being 
 bunted like beasts of prey from township to 
 township. 
 
 The last w inter but one, a company of these 
 houseless wanderers were dug out of the snow 
 in Ditchford Lane, near Irchester, ISorthamp- 
 tonshire, when it appeared one woman had 
 been lying in, and that an old man was dying. 
 
 If those who have been zealous in driving 
 them from their accustomed haunts, were to 
 place themselves, if but ideally in their situa- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 161 
 
 lion, can we believe, that instead of augmenting 
 their sufferings, they would not be disposed to 
 commiserate their case, and even attend to the 
 precept of the Christian Legislator : “ What- 
 soever ye would that men should do to you, do 
 ye even so to them ?” It is worse than useless 
 and unavailing to harrass them from place to 
 place, when no retreat or shelter is provided 
 for their refuge. 
 
 A writer on this subject, under the design 
 nation of Junius, in the Northampton Mercury 
 of June 27th, 1814, observes : “ When we con- 
 sider the immense sums raised for every pro- 
 bable means of doing good, which have hi- 
 therto been made public, we cannot doubt, 
 if a proper method should be proposed for 
 the relief and ameliorating the state of these 
 people, it would meet with deserved en*- 
 couragement. Suppose that the Legislature 
 should think them not unworthy its notice ; 
 and as a part of the great family, they ought 
 not to be overlooked.” Another writer in 
 the Northampton Mercury of July the 21st of 
 the last year, on the necessity of some plan 
 
im 
 
 Historical survey 
 
 i 
 
 being adopted for their advantage, remarks, 
 thereby “ thousands of our fellow- creatures 
 would be raised from depravity and wretched- 
 ness to a state of comfort; the private pro- 
 perty of individuals be much more secure, 
 and the public materially benefited,” in 
 addition to these observations, it may be asked, 
 Would not the providing of an education for 
 their children, to which they should be induced 
 to conform, and the apprenticing of them, at a 
 proper age, to suitable trades, enable the 
 rising generation to correct the errors of Gyp- 
 sey habits? 
 
 With a view to ascertain more fully the 
 extent in which this may be necessary, the 
 friends of humanity, to whom this Circular may 
 be addressed, are requested to co-operate with 
 others of their friends in different parts of each 
 county, for procuring answers from the best 
 informed of the Gypsies, and others, to the 
 subsequent questions. And should there be 
 any person in their neighbourhood, who after 
 being brought up among the Gypsies, hath 
 quitted them for a more settled course of life. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 163 
 
 ^formation from such is particularly desirable. 
 Answers are requested in the course of the 
 summer : to be sent to John Hoyi&nu, Spring* 
 field, Sheffield. 
 
 QUESTIONS , 
 
 1. From whence is it said the Gypsies first 
 came ? 
 
 2. How many is it supposed there are in 
 England ? 
 
 3. What is your circuit in summer? 
 
 4. How many Gypsey families are supposed 
 to be in it ? 
 
 5 . What are the names of them ? 
 
 6. Have they any meetings with those of 
 other circuits? 
 
 7. And for what purpose? 
 
 8. What number of Gypsies are there com- 
 puted to be in the county ? 
 
 9. What proportion of their number follow 
 business, and what kind? 
 
 10. What do they bring their children up to? 
 
 11. What do the women employ themselves 
 
Historical survey 
 
 lei 
 
 12. From how many generations ean they 
 trace their descent ? 
 
 13. Have they kept to one part of the 
 country, or removed to distant parts? 
 
 14. How long have they lived in this part? 
 
 15. Have they any speech of their own, dif- 
 ferent to that used by other people ? 
 
 16. What do they call it? Can any one 
 write it ? 
 
 17. Is there any writing of it to be seen any 
 where ? 
 
 18. Have they any rules of conduct which 
 are general to their community ? 
 
 19. What religion do they mostly profess? 
 
 20. Do they marry, and in what manner ? 
 
 21. How do they teach their children re- 
 ligion ? 
 
 22. Do any of tliem learn to read ? 
 
 23. Who teaches them ? 
 
 24. Have they any houses to go to in winter? 
 
 25. W hat proportion of them, is it supposed, 
 live out of doors in winter, as in summer? 
 
 5 th Month , 16 th. 1315 , 
 
OF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 165 
 
 THE REPORTS 
 
 Received from the Counties of England , are com- 
 
 prised in the following general Answers to the 
 
 Queries of the Circular . 
 
 1. All Gypsies suppose the first of them 
 came from Egypt. 
 
 2. They cannot form any idea of the num- 
 ber in England. 
 
 3 . The Gypsies of Bedfordshire, Hertford- 
 shire, parts of Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, 
 and Huntingdonshire, are continually making 
 revolutions within the range of those counties. 
 
 4. They are either ignorant of the number 
 of Gypsies in the counties through which they 
 travel, or unwilling to disclose their know- 
 ledge. 
 
 5 . The most common names are Smith, 
 Cooper, Draper, Taylor, Bosswel, Lee, Lovell, 
 Loversedge, Allen, Mansfield, Glover, Wil- 
 liams, Carew, Martin, Stanley, Buckley, Plun- 
 kett, Corrie. 
 
 6 & 7. The gangs in different towns have 
 not any regular connection, or organization ; 
 
166 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 but those who take up their winter quarters in 
 the same city or town, appear to have some 
 knowledge of the different routes each horde 
 will pursue ; probably with a design to prevent 
 interference* 
 
 8. In the county of Herts, it is computed 
 there may be sixty families, having many 
 children. Whether they are quite so numerous 
 in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and North- 
 amptonshire, tlie answers are not sufficiently 
 definite to determine* In Cambridgeshire, 
 Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and 
 Dorsetshire, greater numbers are calculated 
 upon. In various counties, the attention has 
 not been competent to procuring data for any 
 Estimate of families, or individuals. 
 
 9. More than half their number follow no 
 business ; others are dealers in horses and 
 asses; farriers, smiths, tinkers, braziers, grinders 
 of cutlery, basket -makers, chair-bottomers, 
 and musicians. 
 
 10. Children are brought up in the habits of 
 their parents, particularly to music and dancing, 
 and are of dissolute conduct. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 mi 
 
 11. The women mostly carry baskets with 
 trinkets and small wares ; and tell fortunes. 
 
 12. Too indolent to have acquired accounts 
 of genealogy, and perhaps indisposed to it by 
 the irregularity of their habits. 
 
 13. In most counties there are particular si- 
 tuations to which they are partial. In Berk- 
 shire is a marsh, near Newbury, much fre^ 
 quented by them ; and Dr. Clarke states, that 
 in Cambridgeshire, their principal rendezvous 
 is near the western villages. 
 
 14. It cannot be ascertained, whether from 
 their first coming into the nation, attachment 
 to particular places has prevailed. 
 
 15. 16, & 17. When among strangers, they 
 elude inquiries respecting their peculiar lan- 
 guage, calling it gibberish. Don’t know of 
 any person that can write it, or of any written 
 specimen of it. 
 
 18. Their habits and customs in all places 
 are peculiar. 
 
 19. Those who profess any religion, repre- 
 sent it to be that of the country in which they 
 reside : but their description of it, seldom goes 
 
165 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 beyond repeating the Lord’s prayer ; and only 
 a few of them are capable of that. Instances 
 of their attending any place for worship are 
 very rare. 
 
 20. They marry for the most part by pledg- 
 ing to each other, without any ceremony. A 
 few exceptions have occurred when money was 
 plentiful. 
 
 21. They do not teach their children re- 
 ligion. 
 
 22 & 23. Not one in a thousand can read. 
 
 24 & 25. Some go into lodgings in London, 
 Cambridge, &c. during winter ; but it is cal- 
 culated three- fourths of them live out of doors 
 in winter, as in summer. 
 
 Most of the answers are confirmed by Kiley 
 Smith, who, during many years, was accounted 
 the chief of the Gypsies in Northamptonshire. 
 He being much in request by some of the prin- 
 cipal inhabitants of that county, as a musician, 
 had the address to marry the cook out of one 
 of their families, and afterward obtained a farm 
 near Bedford ; but being unsuccessful in agri- 
 culture, he returned to his former occupation. 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES* 
 
 169 
 
 John Forster and William Carrington, respect- 
 able merchants of Biggleswade, and neighbours 
 f to Riley Smith, procured answers from him to 
 all the queries in the Circular ; but they cannot 
 be made the basis of any calculation of the 
 number of Gypsies in the nation* 
 
 It has not come to the knowledge of the 
 writer* what foundation there has been for the 
 report commonly circulated, that a Member of 
 “ Parliament had stated to the House of Com- 
 mons, when speaking to some question relating 
 to Ireland, that there were not less than 86,000 
 Gypsies in Great Britain* 
 
 To make up such an aggregate, the nu- 
 merous hordes must have been included, who 
 traverse most of the nation with carts and 
 asses, for the sale of earthenware, and live out 
 of doors great part of the year, after the man- 
 ner of the Gypsies. — These potters, as they are 
 commonly called, acknowledge that Gypsies 
 have intermingled with them, and their habits 
 are very similar. They take their children 
 along w ith them on travel, and, like the Gyp* 
 sies, regret that they are without education. 
 
 M 
 
1 70 
 
 HISTORICAL SLRtHE? 
 
 It has already appeared in Baillie Smith’s 
 report, that the Gypsies in Scotland, ot* late 
 Jears, have had recourse to a similar occupation 
 in the sale of earthenware, which, as they 
 mostly attend fairs, is a mode of life remarkably 
 adapted to their inclination. 
 
 Some pains have been taken among the 
 potteries in St afford shire, to procure informa- 
 tion of the number of families of this description, 
 which annually apply to purchase the refuse of 
 their wares ; but no return has been made. 
 
 The application to the Sheriffs of Scotland, 
 procured from the counties prompt and de- 
 cisive reports ; and it is not probable that any 
 measure, short of an order to the constables of 
 every township, to take an account on the 
 same day, throughout England, would be suf- 
 ficient for ascertaining Gypsey population. 
 
 For this purpose a patrole might be ne- 
 cessary, on one and the same day, in each town- 
 ship, particularly in lanes and situations shaded 
 in summer. If notice of the requisition were to 
 be communicated to constables, a few days 
 before, w ith directions not to disclose the object, 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 in 
 
 Further than the necessary provision for it re- 
 quired ; it is probable* that a sufficiently correct 
 estimate might be formed, of the aggregate 
 number in the nation* 
 
 Such an account might extend also to the 
 itinerant potters* and the number of their 
 children : or if the potters take out a Hawker’s 
 and Pedlar’s licence, a return of their numbers 
 might be obtained from the proper office. 
 There is reason to think that many of these 
 dealers have acquired properly* wiio, never- 
 theless take lodgings for the winter, instead of 
 renting houses ; whereby they, equally with 
 Gypsies, evade all contributions to ttie service 
 of the State, and parochial assessments* 
 
 On this subject, the writer is reminded of 
 what has often occurred to him, when inspect- 
 ing a low description of lodging-houses in the 
 populous town of Sheffield, of which he is an 
 inhabitant. Finding it difficult to obtain from 
 the keepers of such houses, sufficient informa- 
 tion respecting their guests ; he has thought, 
 that obliging all who lodge itinerants to take 
 out a licence, would, by rendering them ame- 
 
 m 2 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 172 
 
 nable to just authority, obviate this difficulty £ 
 and put it in the power of those respectable in- 
 habitants, who wish the regulation of these re- 
 ceptacles, to exercise just discrimination, with- 
 out infringing upon the liberty of the subject* 
 He has reason to believe, if this were effected, 
 it would operate as a considerable check on 
 vagrancy, and save much trouble to magis* 
 trates. 
 
SECTION X. 
 
 Present state of the Gypsies in and about London. 
 
 In the autumn of 1815, the author made a 
 journey to London, in order to obtain informa- 
 tion respecting the Gypsies in its vicinity. 
 
 The first account he received of the education 
 of any of them, was from Thomas Howard, 
 proprietor of a glass and china shop, No. 50, 
 Fetter-lane, Fleet-street. This person, who 
 preached among the Calvinists, said, that in 
 the winter of 1811, he had assisted in the esta- 
 blishment of a Sunday School in Windmill- 
 street, Acre-lane, near Clapham. It was under 
 the patronage of a single gentlewoman, of the 
 name of Wilkinson, and principally intended 
 for the neglected and forlorn children of brick- 
 makers, and the most abject of the poor. It 
 was begun on a small scale, but increased till 
 the number of scholars amounted to forty. 
 
 m 3 
 
1T1 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Du ring the winter, a family of Gypsies, of 
 the name of Cooper, obtained lodgings at a 
 house opposite the school. Trinity Cooper, a 
 daughter of this Gypsey family, who was about 
 thirteen years of age, applied to be instructed 
 at the school ; but, in consequence of the ob- 
 loquy affixed to that description of persons, she 
 was repeatedly refused. She nevertheless per- 
 severed in her importunity, till she obtained 
 admission for herself, and two of her brothers, 
 
 Thomas Howard says, that, surrounded as he 
 was by ragged children, without shoes and 
 stockings, the first lesson lie taught them was 
 silence and submission, — They acquired habits 
 of subordination? became tractable and docile ; 
 and, of all his scholars, there w ere not any more 
 attentive and affectionate than these ; and when 
 the Gypsies broke up house in the spring, to 
 make their usual excursions, the children ex- 
 pressed much regret at leaving the school. 
 
 This account was confirmed by Thomas 
 Jackson? of Bri^ton-row, minister ofStockwell 
 Chapel, who said, since the above experiment, 
 several Gypsies had been admitted to a sabbath 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 175 
 
 school, under the direction of his congregation* 
 At their introduction, lie compared them to 
 birds when ii rst put into a cage, which Hew 
 against the sides of it, having no idea of re- 
 straint ; but by a steady even care over them, 
 and the inlluence of the example of other 
 children, they soon became settled, and fell 
 into the hr ranks. 
 
 With a view to reconnoitre an encampment 
 of Gypsies, the author accepted a seat in the 
 carriage of a friend, who drove him to Hainault 
 forest. This, according to historians, was of 
 vast extent in the times of the ancient Britons, 
 reaching to the Thames ; and so late as the 
 reign of Henry the 2d, it covered the northern 
 vicinity of the city. 
 
 On this forest, about two miles from the vil- 
 lage of Chigwell, Essex, and ten from London, 
 stands the far-famed oak, at which is held 
 Fairlop Fair, that great annual resort of the 
 Gypsies. 
 
 According to an account of it printed for 
 Hogg, Paternoster- row, the trunk or inainr 
 stem of this tree has been sixty-six feet, and 
 
 m 4 
 
176 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 some of the branches twelve feet, in circum- 
 ference. The age of this prodigy of the forest 
 cannot be ascertained with any degree of pre- 
 cision. The oak viewed by the present King, 
 in Oxfordshire, and some years ago felled in 
 the domains of one of the Colleges, though only 
 twenty-live feet in girth, is said to have been 
 six hundred years old. Fairlop oak having 
 been nearly thrice as large, is supposed to be 
 at least twice that age. 
 
 Phillips employed by the King, applied a 
 patent mixture to stop the progress of its decay, 
 but, last autumn, when seen by the describer, 
 its naked gigantic trunk and arms, retaining 
 not the least symptom of animation, presented 
 a ghastly spectacle of the ravages of time, as 
 contrasted with the rich verdure of the sur- 
 rounding scenery* 
 
 The circumstances which gave rise to the 
 establishment of a fair, on this spot of ground, 
 are somewhat singular. 
 
 Daniel Day, an engine, pump, and block- 
 maker, of Wapping, having a small estate in 
 the vicinity of this oak, was in the habit of 
 
OP THE GYPSIES. 
 
 17 * 
 
 annually resorting to it about a fortnight after 
 midsummer, to receive his rents, when he pro- 
 vided a dinner under the tree, and invited se- 
 veral of his friends to it. The novelty of the 
 scene exciting the attention of the neighbouring 
 inhabitants, attendance on that occasion in- 
 creased until about the year 1725, when booths 
 being erected round the stupendous oak, the 
 scene assumed the appearance of a regular fair. 
 It has continued to be held there, and it is said 
 now attracts a great number of attendants. 
 
 As this fair does not appear to be a mart for 
 horses or cattle, there is reason to fear, it is 
 kept up more for revelry and excess, than for 
 any useful purpose. The ground has been 
 cleared to some extent about the oak, which 
 stands at the head of a circular lawn, sur- 
 rounded by pailing, to protect it from the ra- 
 vages of the unthinking part of the multitude, 
 who assemble there. It is said to have been 
 the practice of the Gypsies, to kindle fires 
 against (lie trunk, by which the bulk has been 
 diminished, and perhaps the vegetation in- 
 jured. 
 
178 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 On the side of the forest, near to Dagenham, 
 Essex, was the encampment of Gypsies, of 
 which the author’s friend was in quest. The 
 construction of their tents, is well known to be 
 wooden hoops fastened into the ground, and 
 co\ ered with an awning of blankets or canvas, 
 which resembles the tilt of a waggon ; the end 
 is closed from the wind by a curtain. This 
 gang was called by the name of Corrie. It 
 consisted of an old man, his wife, a niece, and 
 their son and daughter with ten children ; said 
 to be all from Staffordshire. The men were 
 scissars’ grinders and tinkers. 
 
 Questions being asked tin 1 m respecting their 
 condition, a young woman made some obser- 
 vations upon them to an older woman, in their 
 own peculiar speech. This was the first time 
 the writer had an opportunity of ascertaining, 
 w hat the language of Gypsies in England really 
 was. With the knowledge only of Grellmann’s 
 vocabulary, he pointed out what the young 
 woman had expressed ; upon which they im- 
 mediately exclaimed, the gentleman under- 
 stands what we say ; and they gave wav to 
 
' OF THE GYPSIES/ 179 
 
 immoderate transports of joy, saying, they 
 would tell him any thing he wished to know 
 of them. 
 
 On beins: asked what £old was in their Ian- 
 guage, they replied without hesitation, sonnaka, 
 and immediately added, silver was roop. 
 
 The opinion which has been entertained, 
 that Gypsey language was composed only of 
 cant terms, or of what has been denominated 
 the slang of beggars, has probably been much 
 promoted and strengthened by the dictionary 
 contained in a pamphlet entitled, “ The Life 
 and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew.” 
 It consists for the most part of English words, 
 vamped up apparently not So much for the pur- 
 pose of concealment, as burlesque. Even if 
 used by this people at all, the introduction 
 of this cant, as the genuine language of the 
 community of Gypsies, is a gross imposition 
 on the public. 
 
 One of the women said, the education of 
 their children was to be desired, but their tra- 
 velling from place to place was against it.-^-A 
 young man among them said, there were a 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 iso 
 
 hundred of their people in Staffordshire. This 
 
 / 
 
 gang was intelligent as well as communicative, 
 and gave proof of more civility than is com- 
 monly attributed to Gypsies. 
 
 The author also visited Norwood, which was 
 formerly a principal rendezvous of the Gypsies. 
 This village, near Croydon, in Surry, is si- 
 tuated on a fine hill, and is a wildly rural spot; 
 but having been considerably inclosed of late 
 years, it is not now much frequented by the 
 Gypsies. 
 
 John Westover, deputy of James Furnell, 
 constable of Norwood, stated, that about two 
 months before, the Gypsies in that neighbour* 
 hood had been apprehended as vagrants, and 
 sent in three coaches to prison. This account 
 was confirmed by Edward Morris, the landlord 
 at the Gypsey house. It did not appear that 
 these Gypsies were committed for depredations 
 on property, but merely on the vagrant act. 
 
 Gypsies being routed , as it is termed, in this 
 manner, from various parts of the south, may 
 probably have occasioned their appearing in 
 greater numbers in the northern parts of the 
 
OF THE- GYPSIES, 
 
 181 
 
 nation. The writer of this section being at 
 Scarborough, in the bathing season of 1815, 
 had intelligence of there being, at the same 
 time, an encampment of Gypsies at Borough- 
 •bridge, another at Knaresborough, and a third at 
 Pocklington, in the east-riding of Yorkshire. 
 
 On returning from Scarborough, he was told 
 by an acquaintance at Tadcaster* that a gang 
 of about twenty Gypsies, were just gone from 
 the neighbourhood, after telling fortunes to 
 most of the people in the town. The same 
 summer, a numerous horde had been driven 
 from the township of Rotherham ; and there 
 had been two encampments in the neighbour- 
 hood of Sheffield. 
 
 The winter before the last, severe as it was, 
 a gang of about fifty or sixty, lay upon Bramley 
 Moor, three miles from Chesterfield. This 
 information was received from Joseph Storrs of 
 Chesterfield, who has been an assiduous coad- 
 jutor. From the same authority, the writer 
 learns, that a number of Gypsies usually came 
 to Buckmanton, near Chesterfield, at the feast, 
 who appear to be in pretty good reputation in 
 
182 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 their transactions. Also that there is a party 
 of Gypsies who frequent Socombe-lane, near 
 Shi rb rook, which is two miles east of Pleasley. 
 They are called Bosswell’s gang* consisting of 
 twelve, and sometimes more, who mostly come 
 once a year, and sometimes continue there for 
 most of it. A woman among them is about 
 90 years old. They support a good character ; 
 and one of them who bought a pony, had credit 
 for it, and paid honestly on his return. 
 
 After obtaining information at Norwood, of 
 
 the winter-quarters in London, to which Gyp* 
 
 sies resorted ; the author had an interview with 
 
 branches of several families of them, collected 
 
 at the house of his friend William Corder. 
 
 w 
 
 Grocer, in Broad -street, Giles’s. And in 
 justice to them, he must observe, that however 
 considerably the fear of apprehension as va- 
 grants, may dispose them, when on travel and 
 among strangers, to elude their inquiries, no 
 disposition to do so, appears in the company of 
 persons to whom they are known, and in w hom 
 they can repose confidence. 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES* 
 
 IBS 
 
 Being accustomed to lay out their money at 
 the shop of this grocer, he said they would be 
 very ready to attend upon his invitation ; and 
 accordingly, a number of them soon made their 
 appearance. They said there were about 
 twenty of the name of Lovell, who lodged in 
 Bowles’s yard, in the neighbourhood. These 
 acknowledged themselves Gypsies, and many 
 of them had the features, as well as the com- 
 plexion of Asiatics. 
 
 Their account is, that they come into lodg- 
 ings at Michaelmas, and continue till April, 
 then they set out on travel, and go into Nor- 
 folk, &c. 
 
 That some time ago, some of them had em- 
 braced an offer to educate their children at 
 St, Patrick’s charity school, which had been 
 established by the chaplain to the Portuguese 
 ambassador ; but some dissatisfaction arising 
 in consequence of the religion of the conductors 
 of that Institution, they had removed their 
 children to the school for the Irish, taught by 
 Partak I very, No. 5, George-street, 
 
184 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 Uriah Lovell, the head of one of the families, 
 made a very decent appearance; three of his 
 children have been four winters at school, and 
 learned to read and write ; their father having 
 paid sixpence per week, for each of them. — 
 Partak was sent for, and came to the house of 
 William Corder, where he confirmed the above 
 account, saying there had been six Gypsey 
 children at his school, and that when placed 
 among others, they were reducible to order. 
 
 These Gypsies, like those upon Hainault 
 forest, appeared to be greatly delighted at 
 meeting with a person, acquainted, as they 
 thought, with their language, and were re* 
 markably free in speaking it. 
 
 James Corder, son of William Corder, ob- 
 tained the following account of some of the 
 lodgers in Westminster, and in the Borough, 
 <&c. 
 
 Fames. Family . Occupation and Residence . 
 
 John Lovell, wife and 6 children, Chair-bottomer, Tunbridge-street, 
 
 James Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 6 
 
 do. 
 
 Tinker, Church-lane. 
 
 Joseph Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 3 
 
 do. 
 
 Chair-bottomer, NeW-street. 
 
 Thomas Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 2 
 
 do. 
 
 Chair-bottomer, Banbridge-strcet, 
 
 William Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 1 
 
 do. 
 
 Knife-grinder, Church-street* 
 
OF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 185 
 
 frames. 
 
 Family. 
 
 Occupation and Residence. 
 
 Liissha Cooper, 
 
 wife and 10 children, 
 
 Rat-catcher, Tottenham-court-road, 
 
 Corrie Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 5 
 
 do. 
 
 Knife-grinder, Bolton-street. 
 
 Uriah Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 6 
 
 do. 
 
 Chair-bottomer* Bolton-street. 
 
 Thomas Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 7 
 
 do. 
 
 Knife-grinder, Paddington. 
 
 Sdlomon Lovell, 
 
 do. 
 
 4 
 
 do. 
 
 Chair-bottomer, New-street. 
 
 Solomon Jones, do. 
 
 Men and Women, 22 — 
 
 2 do. Basket-maker and Wire-worker s 
 
 - — Battle-bridge. 
 
 -52 Children. 
 
 John Lee* 
 
 wife and 9 children, 
 
 Chair-bottomer, Tothil-fields, 
 
 Richard Taylor, 
 
 do. 
 
 3 
 
 do. 
 
 Wire-worker, New-street. 
 
 Betsey Lovell, 
 
 widow, 
 
 
 
 Supported by her son Joseph LovelL 
 
 Joseph Lovellj 
 
 wife 
 
 i 
 
 do. 
 
 Bellows-mender, Shore-ditch, 
 
 Diana Lee, 
 
 widow 
 
 i 
 
 do. 
 
 Sells Earthenware, Shore-ditch. 
 
 Mansfield Lee, 
 
 wife 
 
 0 
 
 do> 
 
 Tinker and Grinder, Shore-ditch. 
 
 Zachariah Lee, 
 
 do. 
 
 0 
 
 do. 
 
 Fiddler — Travels the Country. 
 
 Thomas Smith, 
 
 do; 
 
 5 
 
 do. 
 
 Chair-bottomer, Lisson-green, Pad* 
 dingtoo. 
 
 Thomas Porter, 
 
 do. 
 
 $ 
 
 do. 
 
 Works at the Canal, Paddington, 
 
 Charlotte Allen, 
 
 widow 
 
 7 
 
 do. 
 
 Sells Earthenware, Kent-street, Bo* 
 rough. 
 
 Jame3 Cole, 
 
 wife 
 
 4 
 
 do. 
 
 Lamplighter and Grinder, Kent- 
 street, Borough. 
 
 Edward Martin, 
 
 , do. 
 
 2 
 
 do. 
 
 Sells Fruit in the Street, Kent-* 
 street, Borough. 
 
 Samuel Martin, 
 
 do. 
 
 6 
 
 do. 
 
 Journeyman Saddler, White-street* 
 
 John Sinfield, 
 
 do. 
 
 0 
 
 do. 
 
 Sells Fish in the Streets, White-street 
 
 John Taylor, 
 
 do. 
 
 3 
 
 do. 
 
 Ditto. Ditto. 
 
 Men and Women, 25 44 Children. 
 
186 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 There has not been any information obtained 
 concerning who winter in Bull’s Court, Kings** 
 land Hoad, or in Cooper’s Gardens. 
 
 The older Gypsey children assist their pa- 
 rents in their trades ; a few of the younger go 
 to school during winter. Most of those who 
 have children, are desirous of their receiving 
 an education ; though but few have the means 
 of procuring it. 
 
 They complain of the scarcity of work ; and 
 in some instances appear to be distressed for 
 want of it ; the more so, as their ideas of inde- 
 pendence prevent their applying to parishes 
 for assistance. — It is much to their credit, that 
 so few instances occur of their begging in Lon- 
 don. In the minutes of evidence before the 
 Committee of the House of Commons, on men- 
 dicity, there is only one example of a Gypsey 
 girl begging in the streets. 
 
 Some of the w omen go in a morning to prin- 
 cipal houses in the squares, before the heads of 
 the families have risen, and tell fortunes to 
 the servants, from whom they obtain sixpence 
 or a shilling each. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 187 
 
 A few of the Gypsies continue all the year 
 in London, excepting their attendance of fairs 
 in the vicinity. Others, when work is scarce, 
 go out twenty or thirty miles lpund the metro- 
 polis, carrying their implements with them on 
 asses ; and support themselves by the employ- 
 ment they obtain in the towns and villages 
 through which they pass ; and assist sometimes 
 in hay- making, and plucking hops, in the 
 counties of Kent, Surry, and Sussex. 
 
 Among those who have winter-quarters in 
 London, there are a few that take circuits of 
 great extent. Some of them mentioned going 
 through Herts into Suffolk, then crossing Bed- 
 fordshire and Buckinghamshire to Hereford- 
 shire, Monmouthshire, Bristol, &c. Others 
 spoke of being at Yarmouth, Portsmouth, 
 South Wales, Wiltshire, &c. 
 
 There is reason to think, the greatest part of 
 the Island is traversed in different directions, by 
 hordes of Gypsies. 
 
 For the purpose of comparing the language 
 of English Gypsies with that of the Continental, 
 exhibited in Section VIII, the following list of 
 
 *2 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 f88 
 
 words was sent to James Corder, Broadstreefy 
 Bloomsbury. He obtained from the Gypsies 
 in his neighbourhood, the translation affixed td 
 
 Jhem. 
 
 English. 
 
 Gypsetf. 
 
 One 
 
 Yake 
 
 Two 
 
 Duee 
 
 Three 
 
 Trin 
 
 Four 
 
 Stor 
 
 Five 
 
 Pan 
 
 Ten 
 
 Dyche 
 
 Head 
 
 Charro 
 
 Eye* 
 
 Y*ock 
 
 Nose 
 
 Nack 
 
 Bread 
 
 Mor 
 
 Bread & butter 
 
 * Kil-mor 
 
 Beer 
 
 Lirnbar 
 
 Hair 
 
 Balo 
 
 Cold day 
 
 Shil-dewes 
 
 English. 
 
 Gypsey* 
 
 Hot day 
 
 Tal-dewes 
 
 Ear 
 
 Kau 
 
 Day 
 
 Dewes 
 
 Night 
 
 Raut 
 
 White 
 
 Parnau 
 
 Sheep 
 
 Boiko 
 
 Hog 
 
 Borlo 
 
 Fish 
 
 March© 
 
 House 
 
 Kare 
 
 Gold 
 
 Sonnekav 
 
 Silver 
 
 Rupe 
 
 Dog 
 
 Jukou 
 
 Horse 
 
 Grarre 
 
 When it is known that Gypsies are un- 
 acquainted with letters, and that James Cordei?, 
 who took from the mouths of those in the pa- 
 rish called St. Giles, the preceding Gypsey 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 m 
 
 •words, did not know of Grellmann’s vocabulary, 
 the coincidence appears very remarkable ; but 
 it is still more so with the Turkish Gypsey 
 specimen by Jacob Bryant, exhibited also in 
 the 8th Section. Robert Forster of f ottenhatn, 
 who has been a coadjutor in this work, trans- 
 mitted the following collection of words ob- 
 tained from Gypsies in his neighbourhood. 
 
 Gypsey . English. 
 Parnee Water 
 
 JTewcal Dog 
 
 Manrau Bread 
 Kil-maurau Bread & butter 
 Livenar Beer 
 
 Gypsey. English. 
 Shill-deues Cold day 
 Taldu Hot day 
 
 Moila Ass 
 
 Gur Horse 
 
 In the conversation a clergyman Lad with 
 the Bosswell gang, as published in the Christian 
 Guardian for 1812 and 1813, they told him 
 Chum , was the sun ; Chuu , the moon ; Kal- 
 maro , bread and butter; and Livina , drink. 
 The first two of those words almost exactly 
 accord with Grellmann’s vocabulary, and the 
 latter as nearly with Robert Forster’s and James 
 
 k 3 
 
190 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 Corder s collection from Gypsies in and about 
 London. 
 
 From the comparative views which have 
 been taken of Gypsey expressions in various 
 countries, there is reason to conclude that 
 wherever they have been scattered on the face 
 qf the earth, they have spoken and transmitted 
 the same language to their descendants. That 
 it should have been preserved by them, when 
 among people of other tongues, throughout 
 centuries, for no purpose that we are acquainted 
 with, but that of concealment, is indeed asto° 
 nishing. 
 
SECTION XL 
 
 Sentiments of various persons on the moral conditiqu 
 of the Gypsies . 
 
 .A FTE.R the extensive survey which has now 
 (been taken of the customs and habits of this 
 people, in the various countries they inhabit, 
 the reader will be prepared for the conclusions of 
 Grellmann, that Gypsies are indeed a singular 
 phenomenon in Europe, And remarkable it 
 is, that the combined influence of time, cli- 
 mate, and example, have not effected any ma- 
 terial alteration in their state. For the space of 
 three or four hundred years, they have gone 
 wandering about as pilgrims and strangers ; 
 they are found in eastern, as well as in western 
 countries; as well among the rude, as the civi- 
 lized ; among indolent and active people ; yet 
 they remain in all places, as to customs and 
 Juab its, what their fathers were. 
 
192 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 It is asserted, there are two causes to which 
 this coincidence is to be attributed ; one is the 
 country where they originate, with their con- 
 sequent train of thinking ; the other arises out 
 of the circumstances which have hitherto at- 
 tended their situation. Their peculiar notions 
 and customs, leave no doubt of their being of 
 eastern origin. In oriental countries, attach- 
 ment to habit is so strong, that what has been 
 once current among them, be it ever so per- 
 nicious or ridiculous, is persevered in ; any 
 affection w hich has once predominated, retains 
 its dominion for ages. 
 
 Mahomet knowing that the weak side of the 
 Arabians was their veneration for every thing 
 handed down from their forefathers, gave his 
 new profession the colouring of antiquity, and 
 affirmed it to be the religion of Abraham. The 
 Jesuits in China, availed themselves of similar 
 means, by referring to Confucius, in aid of 
 their doctrines, and thus they obtained ad- 
 mission for their religion among the Chinese, 
 In the eastern nations, no change is adopted 
 merely because it is an improvement. TJ^e 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 193 
 
 Chinese are acquainted with the use of glass, yet 
 their mirrors are always made of metal ; and 
 their windows of shells. — Mechanical watches 
 have been for ages used in the court of Pekin, 
 but the bulk of the nation depend upon the 
 action of fire and water ; the former, by the 
 o-radual burning of a match composed of sweet 
 smelling powder, the latter by water, somewhat 
 resembling our large hour-glasses. 
 
 If we consider the circumstances under which 
 the Gypsies have existed, we shall want nothing 
 more to make us comprehend, why they have 
 remained to the present time, what they were 
 at their first arrival in Europe. Separating 
 themselves as much as possible from all asso- 
 ciation, but with those of their own tribe, they 
 avoid every means which might give a new 
 turn to their ideas, or in the least degree con- 
 tribute to eradicate deep-rooted prejudice.— 
 Unused to reflect, and fettered by habit, they 
 arrived in our quarter of the globe 5 and it does 
 not appear that any measures have been en- 
 joined for instructing or reforming them, ex*- 
 
194 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 cept those of the Empress Theresa, which were 
 never put in execution. 
 
 The most extreme punishments failing to 
 effect a change in the habits of Gypsies, they 
 were subjected in almost all countries to ba- 
 nishment. They had been accustomed in their 
 own country, to Jive remote from cities and 
 towns; now they became more invariably in- 
 habitants of forests, and penetrated deeper into 
 deserts ; as, in consequence of the search which 
 was made after them, or, at least, threatened 
 to be made, they judged themselves more se- 
 cure in seclusion and concealment, than they 
 would have been, in frequenting places of esta- 
 blished abode, and having free intercourse with 
 the neighbouring inhabitants. Thus they be- 
 came, in a greater degree, outcasts from civi- 
 lized society; and divested of the most, and 
 
 perhaps the only, probable means, of inducing 
 
 > 
 
 a change in their manner. 
 
 Being always either persecuted, or left to 
 themselves, no other could be expected than that 
 they must ever remain in all places the same. 
 The character of people being formed by the 
 
PF THE GYPSIES. 195 
 
 instruction they receive in their early years, 
 can it be thought surprising, that Gypsies who 
 are idlers, should be also abandoned and 
 thievish ? Is it to be expected that men should 
 become diligent, who have been educated in 
 laziness ? Who can have a general idea of fair 
 dealing, that has never been taught the dis- 
 tinction between good and evil, virtue and 
 vice ? Perhaps it is reserved for our age, in 
 which so much has been attempted for the be- 
 nefit of mankind, to humanize a people, who, 
 for centuries, have wandered in error and neg- 
 lect ; and it may be hoped, that while we are 
 endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of 
 our African brethren, the civilization of Gyp- 
 sies, who form so large a portion of humanity, 
 will not be overlooked. 
 
 It cannot be denied, that considering the 
 multitude of them, their reform must be a sub- 
 ject of very serious consideration to many states. 
 The period in which banishments were gene- 
 rally pronounced on this people, were too un- 
 pliilosophical for any preferable mode of pu- 
 nishment to be suggested ; but it may be 
 
196 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 expected from a better informed age, that 
 better maxims will be adopted. We send 
 apostles to the east and west, to the most 
 distant parts of the whole earth ; and even 
 into the very country whence the Gypsies emi- 
 grated, to instruct the people who know not 
 God. Is it not inconsistent for men to be soli- 
 citous for the welfare of their fellow-creatures 
 in distant regions, and to throw off, and leave 
 to chance, those who, equally wretched, have 
 brought their errors home to us? If it be a 
 good work to teach religion and virtue to such 
 as are ignorant of their Creator, why not begin 
 with those nearest to us ? — Especially as neglect 
 in this particular, is attended with detriment 
 to the society of which we are .members. 
 
 The Gypsies have been long enough among 
 civilized people to prove, that they will not 
 be allured by the mere example of others, to 
 free themselves from the fetters of old customs 
 and vices. To accomplish that end, jnore 
 effectual means are requisite. 
 
 It would be vain to hope for any considerable 
 progress in the improvement of those who are 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 19? 
 
 grown up. Their reformation would be a dif- 
 ficult task, as the attempts made by the Em- 
 press Theresa evinced: — you must begin with 
 children, and not meddle with the old stock, 
 on whom no efforts will have effect. 
 
 Expelling the Gypsies entirely, was not 
 merely a premature step, it was a wasteful one. 
 This is indisputable, so long as the state maxim 
 holds good, that a numerous population is ad- 
 vantageous. 
 
 Care being taken to enlighten their under- 
 standings, and amend their hearts, they might 
 become useful citizens ; for observe them at 
 whatever employment you may, there always 
 appear sparks of genius. It is well known, 
 and no writer omits to remark, what artful de- 
 vices they have recourse to, in perpetrating 
 any cheat or robbery : but ‘this is not the only 
 particular in which they show capacity. The 
 following extract is from a Hungarian author, 
 who was an attentive observer of these people. 
 
 “ The Gypsies have a fertile imagination in 
 their way, and are quick and ready at expe- 
 dients • so that in many serious, doubtful cases. 
 
198 historical survey 
 
 they soon recollect how to act, in order to ex* 
 tricate themselves. We cannot indeed help 
 wondering, when we attend to, and consider 
 the skill they display in preparing and bring- 
 ing their works to perfection; which is the 
 more necessary from the scarcity of proper 
 tools and apparatus* They are very acute and 
 cunning in cheating, or thieving; and when 
 called to account for any fraud or robbery, 
 fruitful in invention, and persuasive in their 
 arguments to defend themselves .’ 5 
 
 Grcllmann * 
 
 
199 
 
 OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 ¥he recommendation of Grellmann, p. 97, 
 to begin the work of reform with child ren* 
 appears judicious ; but the events of the present 
 day justify the expectation, that benevolent 
 exertions would not prove fruitless, should 
 they afterwards be extended even to the 66 old 
 Stock” 
 
 Before the Circular introduced in the 10th 
 Section was distributed, the author did not 
 know of the correspondence on the subject of 
 Gypsies, which had appeared in the interesting 
 pages of the Christian Observer. But he 
 should now consider it an injustice to those be- 
 nevolent individuals, who had taken the lead 
 in this work of Christian charity, not to give 
 full consideration to the ideas they have sug- 
 gested. 
 
 In Yol. VII. p. 91 of that periodical pub- 
 lication, is the following letter. 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer , 
 
 As the divine spirit of Christianity deems no 
 
 . 
 
 object, however unworthy or insignificant, be- 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 260 
 
 neath her notice, I venture to apply to you oil 
 behalf of a race, the outcasts of society, of whose 
 pitiable condition, among the many forms of 
 human misery which have engaged your efforts, 
 I do not recollect to have seen any notice in the 
 pages of your excellent miscellany. I allude 
 to the deplorable state of the Gypsies, on whose 
 behalf I beg leave to solicit your good offices 
 with the public. — Lying at our very doors, 
 they seem to have a peculiar claim on our 
 compassion. 
 
 In the midst of a highly refined state of so- 
 ciety, they are but little removed from savage 
 life. In this happy country, where the light of 
 Christianity shines with its purest lustre, they 
 are still strangers to its cheering influence. 
 I have not heard even of any efforts w hich have 
 been made, either by individuals or societies, 
 for their improvement ; and so thoroughly do 
 they appear to despise the advantages of civi- 
 lized life, that perhaps nothing less than that 
 change of heart, which is the effect of the 
 blessing of God on the means employed for 
 their conversion, would prevent their con- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 201 
 
 tinuing to bo the pest of society. The great 
 Shepherd of Israel despises not these unhappy 
 wanderers from his fold ; and I am persuaded, 
 that neither you, nor those who read and prize 
 your work, will be insensible to the force of 
 His benign example* 
 
 May the Divine Spirit suggest means, by 
 which this wretched race may be reclaimed 
 from their vagrancy, and be made acquainted 
 with that Saviour, whom to know is life 
 eternal ! 
 
 Yours, &c. Nil* 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer *. 
 
 It gave me pleasure to observe in one of the 
 numbers of your miscellany, a letter on a sub- 
 ject that has frequently engaged my serious 
 attention : I mean the state of the Gypsies. 
 It is painful to reflect how many thousands of 
 these unhappy creatures, have, since the light 
 of Christianity has shone on this Island, gone 
 into eternity ignorant of the way of salvation, 
 
 * VoLtu. p. 496, 49?, 
 
 0 
 
202 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY* 
 
 and without one cheering thought of a Saviour 
 Surely, Sir, there is an awful responsibility at- 
 tached to this neglect 1 If we look back inta 
 the history of the Christian church, from the 
 earliest ages, we shall find that the introduction 
 of the gospel amongst any people, has gene- 
 rally been effected by means of Missionaries ; 
 and so numerous are the Gypsies, and so de* 
 sultory in their habits of life, that it might well 
 occupy the time of more than one zealous in- 
 dividual, to go amongst them, and by plain, 
 simple, affectionate conversation and exhorta- 
 tion, when practicable, instruct them in the 
 knowledge of their Redeemer. 
 
 Nor in this favoured land, where there 
 are sd many who zealously embrace the doc- 
 trines of Christianity, would there, I trust, be 
 wanting both one, or more persons, who would 
 devote themselves to this truly apostolic work ; 
 and benevolent individuals who would open 
 their hearts and their purses, for the support 
 and encouragement of such an undertaking. 
 This labour of love would doubtless prove less 
 arduous, than the attempts which have bee» 
 
OB' THE GVPSIES. 
 
 203 
 
 made to establish missions among the American 
 Indians ; the natives of the South-Seas 5 or the 
 inhabitants of Southern Africa. 
 
 The dread of the magistracy in this country, 
 would prove a protection from personal injury, 
 while the painful relinquishment of friends and 
 country would not be required. I will also beg 
 leave to mention another suggestion : I have 
 understood that, in different parts of the king- 
 dom, the neighbouring clergy meet at stated 
 times, for the purpose of conversing on the im- 
 portant duties of their pastoral office. At such 
 times, would it not be well to take into con- 
 sideration, the perishing condition of so large a 
 part of the community, as that, which forms 
 the subject of this letter? Some plan might 
 probably be thus devised, which, through the 
 blessing of the Lord, would prove effectual for 
 the salvation of this out-cast, and hitherto neg- 
 lected people. 
 
 I would also take the liberty of recom- 
 mending the cause of these unhappy partners 
 of our kind, to the humanity of our dissenting 
 brethren ; and most earnestly solicit Christians 
 
 o 2 
 
204 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 of all denominations, to unite in prayer to the 
 God of all grace, that he would prosper every 
 attempt which may be made, to communicate 
 to them the knowledge of His will. I trust. 
 Sir, I shall obtain your excuse for detaining 
 you on this important subject ; and as I know 
 your pages are read and valued, by real 
 Christians of various denominations, perhaps 
 they may, through the Divine Providence, be 
 the means of exciting effectual attention, to the 
 spiritual wants of this deplorable set of beings ; 
 and the same benevolence which induced you 
 to exert your talents and influence in behalf of 
 the oppressed negroes, may be again success- 
 fully employed, in ameliorating the condition 
 of a numerous class of our fellow- creatures, 
 who are second only to them in wretchedness, 
 and spiritual misery. 
 
 I am, &c. Fraternicus. 
 
pF TIIE GYPSIES, 
 
 205 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer 
 
 The insertion of the letter of u Fraternicus,” 
 on the moral and religious state of the Gypsies, 
 in a late number of your work, (August, p. 496) 
 implies, I presume, an approbation of its con? 
 tents. It is a subject that cannot fail to interest 
 the feelings of a real Christian. 
 
 The writer of this, has it in his power to con- 
 tribute some pecuniary aid towards such a truly 
 Christian undertaking, and would most gladly 
 afford it. He commiserates, equally with Fra- 
 ternicus, the wretched state of this people, and 
 hopes to see the day when the nation which 
 has, at length, done justice to the poor negroes, 
 will be equally zealous to do their duty in this 
 instance ; and attempt to raise the Gypsies 
 from their state of degradation. If any way 
 can be devised through the medium of your 
 work, to set about this labour of love, twenty 
 pounds per annum shall be regularly contri- 
 buted by the writer of this; and you are at 
 liberty to make whatever use you can of this 
 
 * Voi. vii. p. 712, 
 
 o 3 
 
200 
 
 HISTORICAL SURYEV 
 
 offer. If any good, which I pray God it may, 
 should arise from tiie present communication,, 
 the name of the writer, who is a constant 
 reader of the Christian Observer, shall be made 
 known, when thought necessary by the coin 
 ductor, II. 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer 
 I am much pleased with the interest which 
 your two correspondents, Fraternicus, and H. 
 appear to take, ip the spiritual and eternal 
 condition of that ignorant and degraded class 
 of human beings, the Gypsies. 
 
 I wish much to see appropriate and active 
 measures adopted, immediately to put into ex- 
 ecution the benevolent suggestions of your 
 worthy and sensible correspondents. I cannot 
 do a great deal in a pecuniary point of view, 
 but in counsel and influence I could do more. 
 
 I feel no hesitation in inviting your corres- 
 pondents to a meeting on the subject, with a 
 view to the formation of some plan, and the 
 
 * Vol. viii. p. 286. 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 20T 
 
 consequent commencement of active exertions. 
 One of the first objects to be aimed at, is the 
 introduction of cleanliness and decorum. — Ano- 
 ther object to be attended to, is, the teaching 
 of them, especially the young, to read ; and 
 then the supplying of them with testaments 
 and religious tracts. 
 
 There are many of the latter which would 
 fee both entertaining and useful to them ; but 
 the most direct means to do them good is, by 
 frequent intercourse with them, and plain and 
 familiar conversation, prudently conducted. 
 And if any flung fee done, it must be under- 
 taken in a patient and persevering spirit. 
 
 The soil which it is proposed to cultivate, is 
 remarkably barren and unpropitious ; of course 
 a plentiful harvest must not fee soon expected. 
 The persons to be employed in this work of 
 faith and labour of love, must not only be men 
 of prudence and discretion, but men of infor- 
 mation, and possessing clear and cool heads, 
 and warm hearts. 
 
 I have no doubt, but that in these times of 
 active benevolence and zeal, when a good plan 
 
 o 4 
 
-08 HISTORICAL SUIITE V 
 
 is laid, and funds provided, instruments will bo 
 found, who with love in their hearts, will £o 
 seek those wandering sheep in the wilderness, 
 for whom no man hath yet cared. 
 
 Many good hints, Mr. Editor, are often fruit- 
 less for want of immediate attention ; and many 
 a good work long talked of is not only sus- 
 pended, but never begun, for want of some one 
 to put forth the hand and begin. I for one, say 
 to your two correspondents, “ let us arise and 
 build ; let us begin ; there is no fear of pro- 
 gress and help,” 
 
 I remain, &c. Minimus. 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer 
 
 June 13, 1809. 
 
 t was afraid the Gypsies had been quite for- 
 gotten ; and therefore it gives me real pleasure 
 to see, by your last number, for May 1800 , 
 that another correspondent has taken up their 
 cause. If the subject was once fairly before 
 the public, I am persuaded it would interest 
 
 * Vol. ix, p. 82, 83. 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 20D 
 
 the feelings of many amongst us; and should 
 good arise from it, which with God’s help and 
 blessing, could not fail to be the case, we might 
 confidently look forward to a daily increasing 
 fund for its support. Surely when our charity 
 is (lowing in so wide a channel, conveying the 
 blessings of the gospel to the most distant 
 quarters of the globe, we shall not hesitate to 
 water this one barren and neglected Held, in 
 our own land. 
 
 My attention was first drawn to the state of 
 this miserable class of human beings, by the 
 letter of “ Fraternicus and looking upon it 
 as a reproach to our country, that amidst the 
 great light which prevails, so many of its 
 children should be walking in darkness and 
 the shadow of death, I was anxious to con- 
 tribute something out of my abundance, towards 
 their spiritual welfare. I perfectly agree with 
 your correspondent, that no time should be lost 
 in devising some plan, which may give con- 
 sistency and effect to this work of faith, and 
 labour of love. In this short and uncertain 
 life, no opportunities of usefulness should be 
 
21 % 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 neglected. It is a call which may never again 
 be repeated. I am ready and desirous, to give 
 Minimus the proposed meeting ; and the time 
 and place might be appointed through the 
 medium of the Christian Observer. 
 
 I must however premise, that the writer of 
 this is a very humble individual in all respects, 
 both in abilities, and in influence. My habits 
 are very retired, and at present, my time is oc- 
 cupied in attending to the ministerial duties of 
 a populous village. I shall most gladly adhere 
 to my first proposal, and might be induced to 
 do more, if need required. 
 
 In the meantime, it is my earnest prayer to 
 Crod, that this may not be one of those projects, 
 which are only talked of, and never begun ; 
 but that it may tend to the glory of his name, 
 and to the bringing back of those poor lost 
 fsheep to the fold of their Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 Yours, H. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 211 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer*. 
 
 As I am not in the constant habit of seeing 
 your publication, it is only lately, in meeting 
 with your number for February last, at the 
 house of a friend, that I was aware that the 
 spiritual state of the Gypsies, had excited in- 
 terest in the breasts of some of your readers. 
 
 They are a race who have long excited in- 
 terest in mine ; so much, that in the year 1801 , 
 I had written a letter upon the subject to the 
 society for bettering the condition, and in- 
 creasing the comforts of the poor; but I thought 
 on further reflection, that any attempts to civi- 
 lize a race of beings so degraded, and held in 
 so much contempt, would be considered so very 
 visionary, that I gave up the idea and did not 
 send it. A greater lapse of time, farther ob- 
 servation, and the suggestions of your corres- 
 pondents, induce me to trouble you with the 
 few following remarks ; recollecting that in 
 literary attempts and works of beneficence, it 
 is the same as in pecuniary subscriptions ; that 
 
 * Yol. ix. p. 278, 279, 280. 
 
212 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 great effects are not always produced from the 
 stores of an opulent individual, but from th$ 
 willing contributions of the many. 
 
 It does not appear to me, that a few, or even 
 many Missionaries, according to the suggestion 
 of Fra tern icus, Vol. vii. p. 496, would answer 
 the purpose of imparting religious knowledge 
 to the Gypsies ; since on account of their wan- 
 dering mode of life, and from their not tra- 
 velling in any numbers together, it would be 
 difficult to form congregations. What the 
 number of Gypsies, and of those who lead 
 vagrant lives, like them, may be in this king- 
 dom, I cannot even form a conjecture ; and 
 Mr. Colquhoun, I think does not mention them 
 in his treatise on the Police of the Metropolis, 
 Neither am I acquainted with their numbers 
 and modes of life at Norwood^, which I under- 
 stand is the chief residence of them ; what I 
 have to say, therefore, is only from observations 
 made upon those who frequent this neighbour- 
 hood, and from others seen occasionally when I 
 have been travelling. 
 
 * Since writing the above, a friend has informed me that Norwood is novr 
 inclosed, and has ceased to be a rendezvous of Gypsies, 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 213 
 
 The suggestions of Minimus, Vol. viii. p. 286, 
 appear to me to be the most practicable : and 
 1 hope that there are many Gypsies who would 
 be inclined to profit by any judicious and kind 
 exertions made on their behalf. There are 
 already several families of them within my 
 knowledge, who reside in houses during the 
 winter, and travel about only in the summer. 
 Their means of subsistence are tinkering , and 
 fiddling at feasts and fairs ; by which some, 
 I believe, make a good deal of money, which 
 helps them out in the winter, when there is less 
 work and less dancing. 
 
 A young man with a large family, whom I 
 have long observed near this place, in my 
 walks, about six years ago, when many inclo- 
 sures took place in this neighbourhood, and he 
 found it less convenient to be out in the fields, 
 or rather that the farmers were less willing to 
 let him encamp upon their grounds, took a 
 small house, with a garden annexed to it, in 
 the suburbs of this town, and has since lived 
 here constantly in the Avinter, but travels in 
 the summer. He is now about :JS years of age. 
 
214 
 
 HISTORICAL StRVfiY 
 
 He married when 20, and has 8 children, all of 
 whom have been baptized in the several pa- 
 rishes where they were born. He is a very 
 civil man, and is much respected where he is 
 known ; having a good character for honesty. 
 
 He attends church constantly on a Sunday ; 
 and though he has not any regular notion of the 
 peculiar doctrines of Christianity, he has some 
 very good general ideas of religion and morality. 
 He is no swearer ; and he would consider it 
 wicked in his wife to attempt to tell fortunes . 
 
 He is frequently employed to fiddle, at the 
 houses of respectable farmers and trades- people 
 at Christmas. His other occupation is tinker- 
 ing ; and he is ingenious at mending fiddles, 
 and making cases, &c. 
 
 Neither he, nor his wife, can read ; and none 
 of his children have been hitherto sent to school. 
 His third boy, who is about 9 years old, he has, 
 at my suggestion, promised to send to the 
 new school which has been established here on 
 Dr. BelPs and Mr. Lancaster’s plan : he ac- 
 cepted the offer with great thankfulness. The 
 boy is to come into the school at Michaelmas, 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 215 
 
 when the family return from their summer’s 
 travelling. The father would be very glad to 
 have all his children brought up to any other 
 mode of life ; and even to embrace some other 
 himself ; but he tinds a difficulty in it. 
 
 He himself, from not having been brought 
 up to work in husbandry, could not go through 
 the labour of it ; and few, if any persons, would 
 be willing to employ his children, on account 
 of the bad character which his race bears ; and 
 from the censure and ridicule which might 
 attach to taking them, where they might be 
 willing to do it from motives of lenevoience. 
 
 There is another family of Gypsies resident 
 in this place in the winter, the father of which 
 was formerly a musician in the guards. He has 
 a boy now in the school. 
 
 These circumstances lead me to think, that 
 were encouragement given to them, the Gyp- 
 sies would be inclined to live in towns and 
 villages like other people ; and would in ano- 
 ther generation or two become civilized, and 
 with th£ pains which are now taken to educate 
 the poor, and to diffuse the Scriptures and the 
 
216 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 knowledge of Jesus Christ, would become a 
 part of the regular fold : while in the mean 
 time, from personal intercourse with their pas * 4 
 tors, and from attending public worship, the 
 spiritual condition of the present generation 
 would be materially improved. It would, how- 
 ever, require much patient continuance in well 
 doing, in those who attempted it ; and they 
 must be prepared, perhaps, to meet with some 
 untowardness, and much disappointment ; but 
 in due season we could not fail to reap, if we 
 fainted not. 
 
 All Gypsies must have some parish to which 
 they belong ; and if these parishes were to pro- 
 vide habitations for them, and to hold out en- 
 couragement to them to come and settle, and 
 were to bear for the present with any ways 
 which might be different from those of the re- 
 gular inhabitants, affording them work as tin- 
 kers, &c. and providing education and work 
 for their children ; and for the present, even 
 bearing with their travelling in the summer ; 
 this now almost unprofitable race of beings 
 might be reclaimed to society. Many of them 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 217 
 
 are accustomed, in the seasons, to undertake 
 hay and harvest work. These, I think, wiih 
 proper encouragement, might be induced to 
 get their living by husbandry work throughout 
 the year. 
 
 Should these suggestions lead to any farther 
 discussion upon the subject, or to adopting 
 any measures to promote the desired object ; 
 it would give me sincere pleasure to lend my 
 assistance, either pecuniary or personal. 
 
 I am. Sir, &c. J. P~ 
 Cambridge , April 28, 1810. 
 
 P. S. I recollect having heard that the bene- 
 volent Jonas Han way took a Gypsey for his 
 servant, but I know not on what authority this 
 was said. 
 
 To the Editor of the Christian Observer^, 
 The candid acknowledgment of your bene- 
 volent correspondent, in the Christian Observer 
 for February last, that his attention had been 
 
 first drawn to the state of the Gypsies by the 
 -«<*£»>»- 
 
 * Vol. ir, p, 554, 555. 
 
 3P 
 
218 
 
 Historical survey 
 
 letter of Fraternicus, was matter of unfeigned 
 satisfaction to me ; and as it is probable there 
 may be no want of inclination in the Christian 
 world, to extend relief effectually to them, 
 permit me to solicit a place in your pages, for 
 a thought which has occurred to me in my me- 
 ditations on the subject. 
 
 It appears from a letter in your number for 
 May, that they are not totally destitute of a 
 desire for the benefit of instruction. Informa- 
 tion might easily be obtained, as to what part 
 of England they are to be found in the greatest 
 numbers; and if a free school could be in- 
 stituted, and the means of instruction provided 
 for those of their children who were willing to 
 attend, at least in the winter season ; might it 
 not be a means of conveying useful knowledge 
 to them ? 
 
 ]jy degrees, they might be brought to attend 
 divine worship regularly ; and it in the parish of 
 a pious clergyman, he would probably embrace 
 the opportunity of teaching them, more parti- 
 cularly, the way of salvation. -Much, however, 
 might be done by a pious schoolmaster, and a 
 
ttF THE GYPSIES. 219 
 
 schoolmistress, by whom the girls might be 
 instructed in different kinds of work, knitting, 
 sewing, &c. ; and if any of the parents should 
 evince a desire for instruction, they could be 
 admitted at different hours in the day* It 
 would be an interesting inquiry, what becomes 
 of orphans among them, and whether there is 
 not a possibility of at least rescuing them from 
 their present state of ignorance and misery. 
 
 Should these suggestions be deemed worthy 
 of your insertion, they might, perhaps awaken 
 the attention of some benevolent persons, whose 
 superior talents and experience in the ways of 
 beneficence, would enable them to perfect and 
 carry into execution, a plan for the effectual 
 benefit of those unhappy partners of our kind. 
 That He may grant it, from whom every good 
 thought proceeds, is the fervent prayer of 
 
 Fraternicus. 
 
.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 ... 
 
 \ 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ; 
 
 
 f, . 
 
 - . . , 
 
SECTION XII. 
 
 j Remerv of the Subject , and Suggestions for amelia 
 orating the condition of the Gypsies in the British 
 Empire, 
 
 SlNCE the commencement of the present year* 
 1816, a * friend of the author has informed 
 him, that about three weeks before, he was in 
 company with an English and a Persian gen- 
 tleman, who had lately come from Persia, 
 through Russia : the latter well understood 
 the languages of both countries, and spoke 
 them fluently. He had travelled with the 
 Persian Ambassador ; and said that he had met 
 with many hordes of Gypsies in Persia $ had 
 many times conversed with them ; and was sur- 
 prised to find their language was the true Hin* 
 dostanie. He did not then know of Grellmann’s 
 work. He further stated, that the Gypsies in 
 Russia were, in language and manners, the 
 
 —««[»»»— 
 
 Frederick Smith, of Croydon, Surry. 
 
 p 3 
 
222 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 same, and exactly corresponded with the Gyp« 
 sies of this country. Their name in Persia 
 signified Black Eyes, 
 
 From whatever part of the world we derive 
 intelligence of this people, it tends to corro- 
 borate the opinion, that they have all had one 
 peculiar origin. How little has it occupied the 
 contemplation of Britons, that there existed 
 among them, subjects of such great curiosity as 
 the poor and despised Gypsies! 
 
 The statute of Henry VIII. imposing a fine 
 of forty pounds upon the importation of a 
 Gypsey, induces the belief they were much in 
 request in England at that period. The at- 
 tention which tlieif low performances attracted 
 in those times, will not perhaps excite surprise, 
 when we see the encouragement given in our 
 flay, to their idly disposed countrymen, termed, 
 Indian Jugglers, It is remarkable, that the 
 earliest account of Gypsies in Great Britain, 
 is in a work published to expose and detect the 
 u Art of Juggling, 5 ’ &c. 
 
 The first of this people who came into 
 Europe, must have been persons of discernment 
 ftnu discrimination, to have adapted their de«* 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 223 
 
 ceptions so exactly to the genius and liabits of 
 the different people they visited, as to ensure 
 success in all countries. 
 
 The stratagem to which they had recourse 
 on entering France, evinces consummate arti- 
 fice of plan, and not a little adroitness and dex- 
 terity in the execution. The specious appear*- 
 ance of submission to papal authority, in the 
 penance of wandering seven years without lying- 
 in a bed, combined three distinct objects. 
 They could not have devised an expedient 
 more likely to recommend them to the favor 
 of Ecclesiastics ; or better concerted for taking- 
 advantage of the superstitious credulity of the 
 people, and, at the same time, for securing to 
 themselves the gratification of their own no- 
 madic propensities. So complete was the de- 
 ception they practised, that we find they wan- 
 dered up and down in France, under the eye 
 of magistracy, not for seven only, but for more 
 than a hundred years, without molestation. 
 
 In 1561, the edict of the States of Orleans 
 directed their expulsion by fire and sword ; 
 yet in 1612, they had increased to such a de«* 
 
 p 4 
 
224 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 gree, that there was another order for their 
 total extermination. Notwithstanding this se- 
 verity, in 1671 they were again spread over the 
 kingdom, as appears in the letters of the 
 Marchioness de Sevigne to her friends, and 
 the Countess Grignan, in nine volumes, tran- 
 slated from the last Paiis edition : “ Bohemiens 
 travel up and down the Provinces of France, 
 and get their living by dancing, showing pos- 
 tures, and telling fortunes; but chiefly by 
 pilfering, &c , 
 
 I is remarkable^ that in all countries, they 
 professed to be Egyptians ; but the repre- 
 sentation is not only refuted by Bellonius, but 
 by later writers, who assert, that the “ few who 
 are to be found in Egypt, wander about a£ 
 strangers there, and form a distinct people. 
 
 As historians aumit that the greatest num- 
 bers of them are to be found in Turkey, and 
 south of Constantinople, there is reason to 
 aj piehend the^ had a passage through that 
 country. If many of them dm not visit Egypt 
 previously to their arrival in Europe, they pro- 
 bably wished to avail themselves of the repu^ 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 225 
 
 tafion the Egyptians had acquired in occult 
 sciences, that they might practise with greater 
 success, the arts to which they had been pre- 
 viously accustomed, and the practice of which 
 is common in various parts of Asia. In other 
 respects the habits of Egypt were very dissi- 
 milar to theirs. 
 
 We find by the reports on the first question 
 put by the Circular, mentioned in Section IX. 
 that “ all Gypsies in this country suppose the 
 first of them came from Egypt;” and this idea 
 is confirmed by many circumstances that have 
 been brought into view in the course of this 
 work. In addition it may be observed, that 
 before the discovery of the passage to India, 
 by the Cape of Good Hope, all the productions 
 of the east, that were distributed in Europe, 
 came to Egyptian ports. Hence we have many 
 concurring testimonies, which render it highly 
 probable, if not evidently clear, that the first 
 Gypsey tribes who came into England, and 
 other parts of Europe, migrated from hordes of 
 that people who had previously found their 
 way into Egypt. 
 
226 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 The evidence appears equally strong, that 
 they were not natives of Egypt; but as the 
 Egyptians were in great repute for the prac- 
 tice of the occult sciences, common to them 
 and to the Suder caste ; we cannot be surprized 
 to bud these crafty itinerants, should avail 
 themselves of such an opportunity, as coming 
 out of that country, to profess themselves 
 Egyptians. 
 
 Continental writers exhibit a strange asserm* 
 blage of crude, and incongruous ideas on the 
 subject of Gypsey extraction. So numerous 
 are the opinions diffusely stated, that Grell- 
 niann must have exercised much patient in- 
 vestigation, to deduce from them the rational 
 and satisfactory conclusions which Ins Disser- 
 tation presents. 
 
 Our countryman Swinborne, in describing 
 the Gypsies in Calabria, is the first to remark 
 that their peculiar language bears great affinity 
 to the oriental tongues ; and that many of their 
 customs resemble those of the heathens. But 
 European ignorance of the habits and speech of 
 Asiatics may be accounted for, whilst the ricl| 
 
OF THE gypsies. 
 
 227 
 
 productions of India continued to be brought 
 to Egyptian ports, and to be conveyed thence 
 by the Lombard merchants, to be distributee! 
 pver Europe. 
 
 The Cingari , Zigetincrs, or Gypsies , had 
 been in Germany nearly a century, before the 
 Portuguese discovered the passage to India by 
 the Cape of Good Hope. The stimulus which 
 this discovery gave to improvements in the art 
 of navigation, soon opened immediate inter- 
 course with the eastern world. Vast are the 
 establishments, which have been subsequently 
 effected, in that quarter of the globe by naval 
 powers, and extraordinary have been, of late 
 years, the exertions for the acquisition of oriental 
 languages ; yet so numerous are they in those 
 w idely extended regions, that European know- 
 ledge of Asiatic etymology, is yet but in a state 
 of infancy. 
 
 The case of the Gypsies is singular ; for it 
 may fairly be questioned, whether it has a pa- 
 rallel in the history of the world. Dispersed 
 over the face of the earth, without any orga- 
 nization of their different hordes ; and all 
 
228 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 concert between them entirely precluded by 
 separations of hundreds of miles from each 
 other, in different parts of the globe, and by 
 their incapacity for literary communication; 
 they have, however, whilst speaking the lan- 
 guages of the respective countries they inhabit, 
 preserved in all places one peculiar to them- 
 selves, and have transmitted it through a lapse 
 of centuries to their descendants, almost un- 
 impaired. 
 
 Increased acquaintance with oriental customs 
 and tongues, has, at length, discovered the near 
 coincidence they have with the language of the 
 Gypsies, and has developed an origin of this 
 people, of which those of the present age were, 
 till now, entirely ignorant. It will appear 
 extraordinary, that these people should have 
 been able, by pral means alone, and under all 
 disadvantages, to retain their language, and 
 yet not to have handed down with it, any tra- 
 dition that might lead to a discovery of who 
 they were, or whence they came. But the 
 knowledge recently acquired, of their very 
 object condition in the country from which they- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 229 
 
 emigrated^ offers a reason why the first comers 
 might be anxious to conceal their pedigree, the 
 meanness of which would have but ill accorded 
 with the titles of rank assumed by some of their 
 leaders. 
 
 The regulations proposed by the Empress 
 Theresa, and the Emperor Joseph II. could 
 they have been carried into effect, would doubt- 
 less have improved the state of the Gypsies. 
 But an order for children to be torn away from 
 their parents, was so far from being dictated by 
 the study of human nature, that it did violence 
 to the tenderest sensibilities, and set at nought 
 the kindest emotions. Its tendency was to 
 produce in the minds of Gypsies, disaffection to 
 the state, and to indispose others from aiding 
 in the execution of the edict. The advantages 
 to be derived by Governments from a liberal 
 toleration, being not then so well understood 
 as in succeeding times, they were not duly 
 regarded. 
 
 Those potentates considering Zigeuners of 
 Egyptian origin, might reasonably conceive 
 agriculture well adapted to their genius and 
 
230 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEtf 
 
 inclination ; but it was a pursuit, which, mof£ 
 than any other, they disapproved. 
 
 All other Governments appear to have been 
 misled, in like manner, by the deception which 
 the first Gypsies practised ; for had they been 
 apprized of this people’s descent, and of the 
 almost unalterable pertinacity of an Indian 
 caste, they would have been sensible that an 
 attempt to change their habits by force, was a 
 measure the least likely to be attended with 
 success. 
 
 The Circular introduced in the ninth Section 
 of this work, notices Gypsies being hunted like 
 beasts of prey, from township to township in 
 England ; and it has been ascertained, that in 
 some places they are routed, as it is termed, by 
 order of magistrates, whenever they appear, 
 and sent to prison on the vagrant act, without 
 so much as a charge of depredation upon pro- 
 perty. 66 This is to make their persons, an 
 object of persecution, instead of the protection 
 of our laws.” 
 
 For the credit of our country it may be 
 hoped, that instances of this sort, respecting 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 231 
 
 Gypsies, are not very numerous ; seeing all 
 writers concur in stating, every attempt by 
 coercive means to alter the peculiar habits of 
 this people, have had a tendency to alienate 
 them still more from civil associations, and di- 
 rectly to defeat the end proposed. It is time 
 therefore that a better and a more enlightened 
 policy should he adopted in Europe, towards a 
 race of human beings, under so many here- 
 ditary disadvantages as are the helpless^ the 
 rude, the uninstructed Gypsies. 
 
 In the decision on the vagrant case, in 
 ^Crabbe’s “ Hall of Justice,” and in the treat- 
 ment of Gypsies on 'f Knoland-Green, a temper 
 is displayed so truly Christian, and so different 
 from what is just alluded to, that in consulting 
 the best feelings of human nature, it adds dig- 
 nity to magistracy. 
 
 Sir Frederick Morton Eden, in bis first vo- 
 lume on the State of the Poor, p. 306, refers to 
 an Act passed in 1714, respecting that class of 
 the poor, who are considered by the Legislature 
 
 * Vide Crabbe’s Poems, 4 See No. 104, Sunday School Tracts* 
 
532 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 as the outcasts of society, namely rogues, va* 
 gabonds, &c. ; and he remarks: “ From pe- 
 rusing the catalogue of actions which deno- 
 minate a man, a disorderly person, a vagabond, 
 or incorrigible rogue, the reader may perhaps 
 incline to think that many of the offences spe- 
 cified in this Act, and in subsequent statutes, 
 on the same subject, are of a very dubious 
 nature, and that it must require nice legal 
 acumen, to distinguish whether a person incurs 
 any, and what, penalty, under the vagrant 
 laws*” 
 
 In support of this opinion, and of the inde- 
 finite and unjustifiable latitude of those sta- 
 tutes, a late decision at Maidstone, in the 
 action of Robins, v. Boyce, affords a striking 
 demonstration. 
 
 If the statutes do not admit of any con- 
 struction in favor of Gypsies, but enjoin rigo- 
 rous treatment of them, merely for wandering, 
 it may become a question whether the peculiar 
 circumstances of their case, might not con- 
 stitute an exception to the general rule. 
 
OF TIIE GYPSIES. 
 
 233 
 
 However wholesome and salutary vagrant 
 Acts may be, to deter persons from quitting 
 their parishes in order to levy contributions, 
 by practising impositions in places where they 
 are not known, it is obvious that Gypsies, 
 having no parochial settlements, cannot come 
 under that description. Excepting a temporary 
 residence of some of them in winter, their home 
 is a whole county, and the majority of them 
 are too independent to apply to any parish for 
 assistance. 
 
 Here is a trait in their character, which, 
 were it grafted on the stock of half the paupers 
 in the kingdom, would be a national advantage. 
 
 It ought to procure some indulgence for 
 the Gypsies, that their wandering mode of life 
 does not originate in any contumacious oppo- 
 sition to judicial order; but in a scrupulous 
 regard to the Institutions of their ancestors. 
 For the advantages we possess, shall we return 
 injury to our fellow-men! If after being fully 
 introduced into a situation to taste the com- 
 forts of social order, and to acquire a knowledge 
 of mechanical professions, which would render 
 
 Q 
 
234 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 them useful and respectable, any of them, de* 
 spising these privileges, should indulge wan- 
 dering dispositions, they might then deserve all 
 the punishment which under the vagrant Actsy 
 can be inflicted. 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that in the evidence 
 respecting mendicity in London, adduced last 
 year before the Committee of the House of 
 Commons, there is only a single instance in 
 the parish called St. Giles, that noted ren- 
 dezvous of Gypsies, of one of their tribe, a girl, 
 beffffing: in the streets. 
 
 Is it not high time the people of England 
 were undeceived, respecting the motives to 
 Gypsey perseverance in their singular line of 
 conduct. Their invincible attachment to the 
 traditions they have received, is almost proof, 
 in itself, of Grellmann’s assertion, that they 
 are the descendants of an Indian caste ; in whose 
 estimation inviolable adherence to the customs 
 of their order, constitutes the highest per- 
 fection of character. 
 
 When any remark is made to them on their 
 strange mode of conduct, they are ready to 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 235 
 
 reply : “ The inhabitants of cieled houses fol- 
 low the customs of their predecessors; What 
 more do we ? Are they creatures of habit ? So 
 are we. 
 
 After this account, is it surprising that the 
 violent means pursued against them in all 
 countries, have been ineffectual to abolish their 
 peculiarities ? 
 
 Their humane and intelligent biographer,, 
 Grellmann, styles them a “ singular pheno- 
 menon in Europe and it may justly be ob- 
 served of such of them as inhabit countries 
 accounted the most enlightened, that the con- 
 trast which their destitute state presents to the 
 numerous advantages of civilized life, and to 
 the refinements of polished society, is truly 
 astonishing. If there possibly can be a single 
 Briton who is a skeptic to the benefits of edu- 
 cation, let him only take a view of the intel- 
 lectual degradation and disgusting condition of 
 the Gypsies. But if Britons have made greater 
 advancement in civilization than some other 
 nations, the Gypsies here are left at a gneater 
 
 Q2 
 
£36 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY. 
 
 distance, and furnish the more occasion for 
 their condition being improved. 
 
 It does not appear that the Pariars, or Suders, 
 from whom it is believed these swarthy iti- 
 nerants of our age are descended, were farther 
 advanced in the knowledge of moral obligations, 
 than were the Spartan people ; who, however 
 celebrated for some of their institutions, ac- 
 counted tire successful perpetration of thefts to 
 be honourable. 
 
 The Gypsies at Kirk Yetholm, as stated by 
 Baillie Smith, in this part of their conduct, are 
 an exact counterpart of the Spartans. To a 
 people of Greece, the foremost of their time in 
 legislative arrangements, who had cultivated so 
 little sense of the turpitude of injustice, surely 
 a much more criminal neglect may be imputed, 
 than to the ignorant, untutored race we have 
 been surveying! 
 
 Malcolm, in his Anecdotes of the manners 
 and customs of London, p. 350, says of the 
 English Gypsies; “ Despised, and neglected, 
 they naturally became plunderers and thieves 
 to obtain a subsistence.” But when he after- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 237 
 
 ward states, that “ They increased rapidly, 
 and at length were found in all parts of the 
 country,” we may be disposed to think that 
 British fastidiousness was not less ingenious 
 than that of the Spaniards, who considered 
 themselves contaminated by a touch of the 
 Gypsies, unless it were to have their fortunes 
 told. Venality and deception meeting with so 
 much encouragement, those propensities of the 
 human heart would be generated and fostered, 
 which at length produced flagrant impositions, 
 and the greatest enormities. 
 
 The dominion of superstition was at its 
 zenith, in what are termed the middle ages: so 
 absolute and uncontrolled was its influence, that 
 because of reputed skill in exorcism and witch- 
 craft, the deluded Germans reposed implicit con- 
 fidence in persons so ignorant as the Gypsies. 
 
 What an impeachment of British sagacity, is 
 the following observation of Sir Frederick 
 Morton Eden, in his tirst volume on the State 
 of the Poor, p. 146 : u It is mortifying to re- ^ 
 fleet, that whilst so many wise measures were* 
 ^adopted by the great Council of the Nation, 
 
 Q3 
 
238 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 neither a Coke, nor a Bacon, should oppose the 
 law suggested by royal superstition, for making 
 it felony to consult , covenant with , entertain y 
 employ, feed, or reward , any evil , or wicked 
 spirit , 2d James, 12th. — It is still more mor- 
 tifying to reflect, that the enlightened Sir M. 
 Hale left a man for execution, who was con- 
 victed on this Act, at Bury, March 10th, 1664; 
 and that even in the present (the 18th) century, 
 a British Jury should be persuaded that the 
 crime of witchcraft could exist.” 
 
 If the annual filling of prisons in England 
 may be attributed, in any degree, to the neg- 
 lect of educating the lower orders of the people, 
 it will appear extraordinary, that instances of 
 Gypsies being convicted of capital crimes, are 
 not more frequent, rather than that they some-> 
 times occur. 
 
 The Committee of the British and Foreign 
 School Society, in their Report for 1815, ex- 
 press their conviction of the advantages of 
 education, in correcting evils, which at once 
 * disgrace society, and deprive it of many, who 
 niight be its most useful and active members; 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 239 
 
 and then, they exclaim : “ Surely we may hope 
 the day is not far distant, when Statesmen and 
 Legislators of all countries, will open their 
 eyes to the awfully important truth ; and be- 
 holding in a sound and moral education, the 
 grand secret of national strength, will co-operate 
 for the prevention , rather than the punish- 
 ment of crimes !” 
 
 It was not until near the conclusion of the 
 last year, and after the author had inspected 
 some of the Gypsey families who winter in 
 London, that he was apprized of the cor- 
 respondence in the Christian Observer, which 
 forms part of the preceding Section. The po- 
 sition with which it commences, is worthy of ail 
 acceptation, as applied to beings formed for 
 immortality : ^ The Divine Spirit of Christi- 
 anity deems no object, however unworthy and 
 insignificant, beneath her notice. Gypsies 
 lying at our doors, seem to have a peculiar 
 claim on our compassion. In the midst of a 
 highly refined state of society, they are but 
 little removed from savage life.” 
 
240 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 The letters extracted from the Christian 
 Observer, are distinguished by a Christian zeal 
 and liberality, which must be cheering to every 
 one, who has felt an interest in improving the 
 condition of these greatly neglected partners of 
 his kind. On their behalf, appeals to the 
 public have been subsequently made, as we 
 have seen in Section IX, through the medium 
 of the Northampton Mercury of 1814, by two 
 correspondents ; one under the designation of 
 “A Friend to Religion the other, that of 
 “ Junius.” 
 
 Communications from a county which has 
 long been a noted rendezvous of Gypsies, may 
 be considered the result of observations actually 
 made on their state. The first of these appeals 
 is introduced in the following manner: “ Va- 
 rious are the religious and moral Institutions 
 in this country ; humanity and benevolence 
 have risen to an unprecedented height. Not 
 only for our country, are the exertions of the 
 good and great employed, but at this time the 
 greatest efforts are making on behalf of the 
 distressed Germans. The hand of charity is 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 241 # 
 
 open not only to the alleviation of present mi- 
 sery, but such an Institution as the Bible So- 
 ciety, is calculated to excite thousands to seek 
 for future happiness. Yet amidst all, one set 
 of people seems to be entirely excluded from 
 participating in any of those blessings ; I mean 
 Gypsies, who are accounted rogues and vaga- 
 bonds. When we consider that they, equally 
 with ourselves, are bought with a price, much 
 remains to be done for them. These people, 
 however wretched and depraved, certainly de- 
 mand attention ; their being overlooked with 
 indifference, is really much to be regretted. 
 
 “ Instead of being subjects of commiseration, 
 they are advertised as rogues and vagabonds ; 
 and a reward offered for their apprehension. 
 But no asylum is offered them, nothing is held 
 out to encourage a reformation in any that 
 might be disposed to abandon their accustomed 
 vices.” The same writer, in a subsequent 
 letter, dated September 8, respecting these 
 houseless wanderers, remarks : “ I was repre- 
 senting the deplorable state they are in, to a 
 person of my acquaintance ; and his reply was : 
 
242 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 They were a set of worthless and undeserving 
 wretches; and he believed they would rather 
 live as they do, than otherwise ; with many 
 other such like inconsiderate ideas ; resulting, 
 I believe, from a prejudiced mind, and from 
 not properly considering their situation ; and I 
 fear these sentiments are too prevalent.” 
 
 It will readily be admitted, that they are 
 generally prevalent : and how should it' be 
 otherwise, so long as the great mass of the po- 
 pulation of England continues to be uninformed 
 of the motives inducing the strange conduct of 
 Gypsies, who consider themselves under the 
 strongest of all obligations, strictly to observe 
 the Institutions of their ancestors. Had Britons 
 been apprized of the origin of this people, and 
 the peculiar circumstances of their case, the 
 national character would not have been stained, 
 by the abuse and mal-treatment which Gypsies 
 have received. 
 
 It is very satisfactory to find by the before 
 recited correspondence, an inhabitant of the 
 county in which the Gypsies are so numerous, 
 advocating their cause, by a public exposure of 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 213 
 
 the mistaken ideas which have so long pre- 
 vailed respecting them. 
 
 From the length of time they have continued 
 to reside in Britain, they have ceased to be- 
 come subjects of much curiosity or conversation. 
 And as they endeavour to avoid populous dis- 
 tricts, persons in large towns, who are occupied 
 in trade, seem little aware that in the county 
 they inhabit, there may be hordes of these wan- 
 derers, traversing the thinly inhabited parts of 
 it, in various directions, as was the case in 
 Yorkshire during the last summer. (1815.) 
 
 When the amelioration of the condition of 
 this people is mentioned to persons of the above 
 description, so little informed are they on the 
 subject, that it is many times treated as if the 
 existence of Gypsies was questioned ; at others, 
 as if affording any help to them, was visionary, 
 and even ludicrous. 
 
 Some places formerly frequented by Gypsey 
 gangs, having been much deserted by them of 
 late years, does not authorize any calculation 
 upon a decrease of their numbers in the na* 
 tion. 
 
244 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 In the vicinity of the metropolis, Gypsies 
 have been excluded by inciosures from various 
 situations to which they had been accustomed 
 to resort. But there is some reason to appre- 
 hend they have become more numerous, in 
 several other parts of the Island. Baillie Smith 
 of Kelso, is of opinion, they increase in Scot- 
 land, and it is by no means certain that they do 
 not in England. 
 
 Any idea that routing them will lessen their 
 numbers, may be as fallacious, and injudicious, 
 as were banishments from the German States, 
 which, without diminishing Gypsey population, 
 had the injurious effect of alienating them still 
 more from civil associations. 
 
 Junius, the other correspondent of the North- 
 ampton Mercury, in his Address of October 29, 
 writes: u I trust the time is not distant, when 
 much will be accomplished, as it respects the 
 civilization of the people whose cause we plead. 
 In the meantime, I would humbly hope all 
 those harsh and degrading measures, of pub- 
 licly in the papers, and upon placards by the 
 sides of roads, ordering their apprehension and 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 245 
 
 commitment to prison, will be suspended, until 
 some asylum is offered ; and should nothing be 
 attempted by the Legislature, for reclaiming 
 them from their present mode of life, surely 
 much may be done by the exertions of indi- 
 viduals!” 
 
 Many of the observations in the Christian 
 Observer, and in the Northampton Mercury, 
 are striking and pertinent, as they relate to the 
 present state of the Gypsies in England ; and 
 the philanthropy they inculcate is honourable 
 to the national character. Had these bene- 
 volent individuals been acquainted with the 
 history of the people, whose cause they plead, 
 they would, doubtless, have suggested plans 
 adapted to their peculiar case. For want of 
 this knowledge, it is not surprising that occu- 
 pations in husbandry should take the lead in 
 propositions for employing them. The last 
 mentioned writer, from a desire to render essen* 
 tial service to this people, suggests, that the 
 Legislature should fix upon five or six stations 
 in different parts of the kingdom, on which 
 
246 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 villages should be erected, in order that they 
 might be employed in farming. 
 
 It will have been obvious in the survey which 
 has been taken, and it has been already re- 
 marked, that of all occupations, agriculture is 
 the least adapted to their genius and incli- 
 tion. 
 
 It has appeared in Section IX, that Riley 
 Smith, a chief of the Northamptonshire Gypsies, 
 after marrying the cook out of a gentleman’s 
 family, and obtaining a farm, quitted it, to re- 
 sume musical performances. 
 
 Conformity to agricultural employments, 
 could not be effected in Gypsies, by the most 
 rigorous measures to which the Empress The-t 
 resa, and the Emperor Joseph II. resorted. — 
 Much less could it be expected that persons, 
 who, all their lives, have accustomed them- 
 selves to be in the open air, or others who have 
 lived three parts of the year in this manner, 
 should be induced, in open weather, to brook 
 the restraint of houses. 
 
 Those who have houses at Kirk Yetholm, 
 quit them in spring : men, women, and chil- 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 24T 
 
 dren, set out on their peregrinations over the 
 country, and live in a state of vagrancy, until 
 driven back to their habitations by the approach 
 of winter; and it appears, in all countries to 
 which the Gypsies have had access, that a si- 
 milar course is pursued by them. 
 
 In a dialogue between a Curate and some 
 Gypsies, as published in the Christian Guardian, 
 of March, 1812 , is the following question and 
 answer : 
 
 Curate . “ Could you not by degrees bring 
 yourselves to a more settled mode of life ? 
 
 Gypsey. I would not tell you a story, Sir ; 
 I really think I could not, having been brought 
 up to it from a child.” 
 
 Upon this conversation, the Curate makes 
 the following remark : “ In order to do good 
 among the Gypsies, we must conciliate their 
 esteem, and gain their confidence.” 
 
 The plain and simple reply to the Curate, 
 will put out of question the erection of villages, 
 or the making of establishments for adults 
 among them. In mechanical operations, to 
 which the Gypsies are most inclined, British 
 
248 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 artisans might be as averse to unite with them, 
 as they were with the Jews. The Spaniards, it 
 has appeared, are unwilling to be associated 
 with Gypsies in any kind of occupation. More- 
 over, the competition of manufacturers in 
 England, during the last fifty years, has effected 
 by artificial means, so much saving of manual 
 labour, and so much improvement in the di- 
 vision of it, that the rude operations of Gypsies, 
 would be a subject of ridicule and contempt. 
 
 J. P., in a letter from Cambridge to the 
 Christian Observer, very feelingly states the 
 case of a Gypsey family, the father of which, 
 being a travelling tinker and fiddler, intimated, 
 he would be glad to have all his children 
 brought up to some other mode of life, and 
 even to embrace some other himself ; but he 
 finds a difficulty in it. Not having been brought 
 up in husbandry, he could not go through the 
 labour of it ; and few, if any persons, would be 
 willing to ^employ his children, on account of 
 
 * The benevolent Jonas Hanway took a Gypsey boy into his family, 
 for the purpose of making an experiment, but the result has not come to the 
 knowledge of the author. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 219 
 
 the bad character which his race bears, and 
 from the censure and ridicule which would 
 attach to the taking of them*’’ 
 
 There appears so little probability of any 
 useful change being effected in the nomadic 
 habits of adult Gypsies, that it seems better to 
 bear with that propensity for some time longer, 
 than by directly counteracting it, so disturb 
 the minds of parents, as to indispose them to 
 consent to the education of their children* 
 There are thousands of other people in the 
 nation, who, more than half their time, live out 
 of doors in like manner. Were they all ob- 
 liged to take out licences, this measure might 
 operate in some degree as a check upon them ; 
 at least it would be a tacit acknowledgment of 
 a controlling power, and might admit of some 
 regulation of their conduct. At present, num- 
 bers of them resemble a lawless banditti, and 
 may not inaptly be termed, Imperium in im~ 
 perio . 
 
 It appears by J. P.’s letter from Cambridge, 
 that six years ago, he had engaged a Gypsey 
 boy to be sent to a school on the Belleian and 
 
 a 
 
HISTORICAL SUKVEr 
 
 r 
 
 Lancasterian plan. At that time, the system 
 had been but little appropriated in the country 
 
 to the instruction of girls ; and the application 
 of it to boys only, would have been doing the 
 work by halves. But the time seems now to 
 have arrived, when the minds of Gypsies have 
 generally received an impression in favor of 
 the education, both of their sons and daughters, 
 as has been manifest in various parts of this 
 Survey ; and that some of those who lodge in 
 London, have been themselves at the expense 
 of sending their children to school. But if all 
 of them could be thus taught, three months in 
 a year, would net their running wild the other 
 nine, under t e influence of dissolute and un- 
 restrained example, be likely to defeat every 
 purpose of instruction. 
 
 Were they to be educated during the whole 
 of the year, it is obvious that some establish- 
 ment would be necessary for their maintenance 
 and clothing. The author of this Survey is 
 not aware of any Institutions so much adapted 
 to their case, as the charity schools for boys and 
 girls, which are common to every part of £he 
 
OF THE GYPSIE.S# 
 
 251 
 
 kingdom. It is not probable that Gypsey po- 
 pulation would furnish more than two boys, 
 and two girls, for each of these schools. Their 
 being placed among a much greater number of 
 children, and those of settled, and in some 
 degree of civilized habits, would greatly faci* 
 litate the training of Gypsies to salutary dis- 
 cipline and subordination ; and the associations 
 it provided for them out of school hours, being 
 under the superintendence of a regular family, 
 would, in an especial manner* be favorable to 
 their domestication* 
 
 Charity schools, by admitting children so 
 early as at six years of age, and continuing them 
 to fourteen, seem particularly suited to the 
 ease of Gypsies, in supplying all that is re- 
 quisite until the boys are at an age to go out 
 apprentices, and the girls to service in families. 
 
 Gypsies being the children of a whole county, 
 if not of the nation at large, perhaps the ex- 
 pense of their maintenance might, without in- 
 consistency, be defrayed out of county rates, 
 which would prevent its being burdensome to 
 «my particular district. By a process so simple 
 
 r 2 
 
252 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 and easy, expensive establishments on the ac- 
 count of Gypsies, might be entirely avoided. 
 And many parents among them, express a 
 willingness to part with their children, for 
 education, provided they were c^red for in 
 other respects. 
 
 After several centuries, a degree of solicitude 
 being at length apparent in the Gypsies, for 
 the improvement of their children, the time 
 lias arrived when some effectual benefit may be 
 communicated to them. 
 
 The distribution proposed, would admit of 
 these itinerants seeing their children once in 
 the year. But to extirpate Gypsey habits, edu- 
 cation alone would not be sufficient. Yet as 
 there is no reason to think this people are less 
 susceptible than others, of gainful considera- 
 tions, a fund might be provided, out of which, 
 twenty pounds should be paid with each boy, 
 on his apprenticeship to some handicraft bu- 
 siness, in lieu of finding him with clothes during 
 the term. And in consideration of its being 
 faithfully served, five pounds might be allowed 
 to find the young man with tools for his trade. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 253 
 
 or otherwise setting him forward in the world. 
 This would excite an interest in civil asso- 
 ciations and order, which are necessary for the 
 successful prosecution of trade ; and probably, 
 an encouragement like this, would have a 
 greater effect in giving a new direction to 
 Gypsey pursuits, than any coercive or restrictive 
 measures which could be devised. And who 
 would not wish to contribute to the means of 
 rescuing from ignorance and vice, such a por- 
 tion of the population of their country ! Who 
 would not be desirous of emulating in some 
 degree, that best kind of patriotism, by which 
 the correspondent H. of the Christian Observer, 
 is so remarkably distinguished ! 
 
 This would be an example worthy of a great 
 nation ; and is it not probable, that the prospect 
 of so much preferment, would induce Gypsey 
 parents, to promote to the utmost of their 
 power, ^ disposition in their children to obtain 
 it ? Cooper, a Gypsey at Chingford Green, said, 
 * ( It is a pity they should be as ignorant as their 
 fathers.” This may be considered as the lan- 
 guage of “ help us” accompanied with this ac- 
 
 B 3 
 
25 4 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 knowledgment, “ for we are unable to help 
 Ourselves . and certainly there is but too much 
 reason to conclude it is strictly true, respecting 
 the instruction of this forlorn and destitute 
 race* 
 
 According to the enumeration of Gypsey 
 lodgers, given in Section X, their families ave- 
 rage 5i in number, This exceeds by one half, 
 •what is reported to be the average of England 
 in general. If we take Gypsey population at 
 18,000, their children will be 12,000. Sup* 
 posing two- thirds of these to be under twelve 
 years of age, there would be 8,000 to educate. 
 Reckoning half that number to be girls, 4,000 
 boys would be to be apprenticed after leaving 
 school. And if these, after their apprentice- 
 ship, married Gypsey girls, who had been 
 brought up to service in families, twenty thou- 
 sand useful subjects might be calculated upon, 
 as gained to the State in the first generation. 
 
 Should the efforts of individuals, require 
 assistance from the State, to render their plans 
 effectual • surely they may depend on the co- 
 operation of a British legislature, to promote thp 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 urn 
 
 'cause in which they would embark ! On this 
 point may be adduced the judicious observations 
 of Grellmann : “ If the Gypsey knows not how 
 te make use of the faculties with which nature 
 has intrusted him, let the State teach him, and 
 keep him in leading strings till the end is at- 
 tained. Care being taken to improve their 
 understandings, and to amend their hearts, 
 they might become useful citizens ; for observe 
 them at whatever employment you may, there 
 always appear sparks of genius.” 
 
 Every well-wisher to his country' must be 
 gratified in observing, that as soon as the con- 
 flictinsr tumult of nations is calmed, and the 
 precipitations attendant on military supplies 
 have subsided, the attention of the Legislature 
 is turned to the investigation -of -some of the 
 causes of human misery at home ; and to the 
 means of increasing the social comforts of a 
 considerable portion of British population in 
 the metropolis of the kingdom. This recom- 
 mencement of operations, directed to the im- 
 portant object for which Governments have 
 been instituted,— the good pf ibe people,— en- 
 
 11 4 
 
256 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 courages the hope, that the most neglected and 
 destitute of all persons in this country, whose 
 cause we have been pleading, will not be sub, 
 fered to remain much longer unnoticed and 
 disregarded. 
 
 When at length the veil that has obscured 
 them is once drawn aside, can British bene^ 
 vole nee withhold its exertions, to elevate the 
 moral tone of this degraded eastern race, and 
 to call forth the dignity of the human character, 
 in exchange for the strange torpor and vileness 
 in which this people are involved. Here an 
 occasion presents for the display of a temper 
 truly Christian, ano for the erection of a stanr 
 dard to surrounding kingdoms, in which also 
 these outcasts of society are dispersed, of that 
 philanthropy and sound policy which are worthy 
 of a great nation. 
 
 Such an experiment, though on a limited 
 scale, may furnish various data for judging 
 wnai may be effected for their countrymen, the 
 countless myriads of British subjects, inhabiting 
 the vast regions of Hindostan. 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 257 
 
 Alexander Fraser Tytler, late Assistant 
 Judge in the twenty-four Pergunnahs, Bengal 
 Establishment, in his highly important work, en- 
 titled, “ Considerations on the present Political 
 Slate of India,” after pointingout the depravity 
 which prevails to an extraordinary degree 
 among the population of India, states in the 
 3 1 3th page of the first volume, that “ Poverty, 
 or according to the definition of writers on 
 Police, Indigence may be said to be the nurse 
 of almost all crimes. To find out the causes of 
 poverty, and to attempt their removal, must 
 therefore be the chief object of a good police.” 
 
 It has been remarked, that this author drew 
 his conclusions, not only from what he under- 
 stood of human nature in general, but from 
 what he daily saw before him, in the circum- 
 stances and actions of the people whose crimes 
 he was called upon to punish. And he reasons 
 upon the subject in the following manner : 
 46 Great poverty among the lower orders in 
 every country, has an immediate effect in mul- 
 tiplying the number of petty thieves ; and 
 where the bounds of the moral principle have 
 
238 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 "been once over-stepped, however trivial the 
 first offence, the step is easy from petty theft to 
 the greater crimes of burglary and robbery . 57 
 
 May Britons in their conduct towards the 
 Gypsies, be actuated by a policy so liberal, as 
 to induce the rising generation among this 
 neglected class, to attach themselves to civil 
 society, and to enter into situations designed to 
 inculcate habits of industry, and prepare them 
 to become useful members of the community. 
 
 The successful experiments lately made by 
 the British and Foreign School Society, upon 
 persons addicted to every species of depravity, 
 leave no doubt of the practicability of ame- 
 liorating the condition of Gypsies. It is with 
 pleasure that on this subject the following 
 statement of facts is introduced, respecting two 
 schools established in the neighbourhood of the 
 metropolis. One of them at Kingsland, a si- 
 tuation which has been termed, “ A focus where 
 the most abandoned characters constantly as- 
 sembled for every species of brutal and licen- 
 tious disorder . 55 The other is at Bowyer-lane, 
 sAear Camberwell, a district inhabited by persons 
 
Otf T1IE GYPSIES* 
 
 259 
 
 of the worst description ; among whom the 
 police officers have been accustomed to look 
 for the various kinds of offenders, who have 
 infested the Borough of Southwark. 
 
 We are informed by the Committee of that 
 School, that “ in the district embraced by their 
 Society, the consequences of ignorance were 
 evident to the most superficial observer. Pa- 
 rents and children, appeared alike regardless 
 of morality and virtue ; the former indulging 
 in profligacy, and the latter exhibiting its la- 
 mentable effects. 
 
 “ Did the friends of universal education re- 
 quire a fresh illustration, they would find it in 
 the scene we are now contemplating ; and 
 they would confidently invite those who still 
 entertain a doubt on the subject, to a more 
 close and rigid examination of that scene, sa- 
 tisfied with the effect upon every candid and 
 unprejudiced mind, For, assuredly, u men do 
 not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of this- 
 tles:” and when morality, decency, and order, 
 are gradually occupying the abodes of licen- 
 tiousness, misery, and guilt, the change must 
 
260 
 
 HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 be attributed to some operating cause* and fliat 
 cause must be derived from the Source of all 
 Good. * 
 
 “ The principles of decorum* of propriety* 
 and of virtue* are instilled into the youthful 
 mind ; and by a powerful reaction* they reach 
 the heart of the parent; the moral atmosphere 
 extends — its benefits are felt and appreciated — 
 the Bible takes its proper place in the liabi^ 
 tations of poverty ; and thus in its simple* 
 natural, and certain course* the germ of in- 
 struction yields the happy fruit of moral re- 
 formation” 
 
 If as Grellmann computes* there are not 
 fewer than 700,000 of these people in Europe* 
 who do not either plough* or sow* or the greater 
 part of them contribute in any manner to the 
 improvement of the country* or the support of 
 the State, what a subject is this* for the £on- 
 temptation of Governments! 
 
 In reference to England* it is a beautiful ex- 
 clamation of the Christian Observer : “ Surely 
 when our charity is flowing in so w ide a channel* 
 conveying the blessings of the gospel to 4he 
 
OF THE GYPSIES* 
 
 261 
 
 most distant quarters of the globe, we shall not 
 hesitate to water this one barren and neglected 
 Held, in our own land.” Uniting cordially in 
 this appeal, it is a great satisfaction to be able to 
 state, there are traits of character in this people, 
 which encourage attention to Gypsey soil. Let 
 it but be cleared of weeds, and sown with good 
 seed, and the judicious cultivator may calculate 
 upon a crop to compensate his toil. 
 
 Greater proof of confidence, as to money 
 transactions, not being misplaced in Gypsies 
 need not be given, than in the testimony of the 
 landlord at Kirk Yetholm, to William Smith, 
 that his master knew he was as sure of their 
 money, as if he had it in his pocket. 
 
 In Dr. Clarke’s Travels, published in the 
 present year, Part the 2nd of Section 3rd^ 
 page 592, are the following observations re- 
 specting the Gypsies of Hungary : “ The Wal- 
 lachian Gypsies are not an idle race. They 
 might rather be described as a laborious peo- 
 ple ; and the greater part of them honestly en- 
 deavour to earn a livelihood. It is this part of 
 them who work as gold- washers.” 
 
HISTORICAL SURREY 
 
 In page 637, the Doctor remarks : “ Hi# 
 Wallachians of the Bannat, bear a very bad 
 character, and perhaps many of the offences 
 attributed to Gypsies, may be due to this peo- 
 ple, who are the least civilized, and the most 
 ferocious of all the inhabitants of Hungary*.” 
 
 Could grateful sensibility of favors received, 
 and of personal attachment, be more strikingly 
 evinced than in the promptitude of Will Faa, 
 who when he was eighty years of age, on hear- 
 ing of his landlord being unwell, undertook, at 
 the hazard of his life, a journey of a hundred 
 miles, to see him before he died ? 
 
 The attention of Gypsies to the aged and in- 
 firm of their fraternity , is not less exhibited in the 
 case of Ann Day, whose age is inserted in a work 
 on human longevity, published at Salisbury in 
 1799. She was aged 108, and had not slept in 
 a bed during seventy years. She was well 
 known in the counties of Bedford and Herts, 
 and having been a long time blind, she always 
 rode upon an ass, attended by two or three of 
 -»«<!»>**■ 
 
 * Al page 631, is a Vignette of Gypsies willing gold in Hungary, 
 
OF THE GYPSIES, 
 
 208 
 
 . the tribe. A friend of the author, a farmer 
 near Baldock, who had frequently given food 
 and straw for the old woman, says of the at- 
 tendants she had, her comfort and support 
 seemed to be their chief concern. lie consider* 
 her longevity a proof of the kindness she re- 
 ceived. Her interment, which was at Arsley^ 
 near Henlow, was attended by her son and 
 daughter, the one 82, the other 85 years of age^ 
 each having great grandchildren. 
 
 It must have been a satisfaction to every one 
 interested in the improvement of human nature, 
 to observe the number of advocates who have 
 come forward, within the last ten years, in this 
 country, to plead the cause of this despised and 
 abused people. 
 
 In bringing their case before the public, the 
 author has aimed at discharging what he 
 thought incumbent upon him to undertake on 
 their behalf. He trusts that persons much 
 more competent than himself, will be induced 
 to give effect to whatever measures may be 
 thought best adapted to promote the temporal, 
 as well as spiritual benefit of this people ; and 
 
HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 264 
 
 that as H, the correspondent of the Christiarf 
 Observer, remarks: ie amidst the great light 
 that prevails, the reproach may be wiped away 
 from our country, of so many of its children 
 walking in darkness, and in the shadow of 
 death.” 
 
 Can a nation, whose diffusive philanthropy 
 extends to the civilization of a quarter of the* 
 globe, and to the evangelization of the whole 
 world, be regardless of any of the children o( 
 her own bosom, or suffer the pious, truly pa-? 
 triotic solicitude of her King, for the instruction 
 of the meanest of his subjects to remain uip 
 accomplished. 
 
 Many persons appear zealous to send Mis- 
 sionaries to convert heathens in the most dis- 
 tant parts of the world ; when, as a late * writer 
 observes , 66 the greatest, perhaps of all heathens, 
 are at home, entirely neglected.” 
 
 Peace and tranquillity are favorable to the 
 improvement of the internal condition of a 
 country ; and can Britain more unequivocally 
 
 * Samuel Tuke, Author of a Description of the Retreat, 
 
OF THE GYPSIES. 
 
 265 
 
 testify tier gratitude for the signal favors con- 
 ferred upon her, than in promoting that ob- 
 ject for which rational beings were formed ■ 
 the glory of God, and the happiness of his 
 creatures. 
 
 In relation to the uncultivated race we have 
 been surveying, may a guarded and religious 
 education prove to them, as the voice crying in 
 the wilderness : “ Prepare ye the way of the 
 Lord, make straight in the desert an highway 
 for our God.” The subsequent declaration* 
 without doubt, is descriptive of what should be 
 effected under the gospel dispensation : “ The 
 crooked shall be made straight, and the rough 
 places plain : And the glory of the Lord shall 
 be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together $ 
 for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”-* 
 Isaiah, Chap. xl. v. 8, 4, 5, 
 
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DEATH AT A HUNDRED AND 
 ELEVEN. 
 
 A celebrated gipsy has passed away in the per- 
 son of Mrs. Williams, whose death has occurred 
 within a few days of her hundred and twelfth birth- 
 day. The old woman was born at the Quarry, 
 Leeds, on February 6th, 1794, and her last days 
 were spent at Louth, Lincolnshire. Down to the 
 
 Gipsy Williams. 
 
 (Photographed by Matthews, Louth.) 
 
 day of her death she was in full possession of her 
 faculties, and only a few days before the end came 
 she was seen walking in the streets of Louth. She 
 would have nothing to do with doctors or medicine. 
 She is said to have been married three times. Mrs. 
 Harriet Williams steadfastly refused, until a few 
 years ago, to live between brick walls. She is re- 
 ported to have been a wonderful walker. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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