The Gipsies' Advocate: Or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of the English Gipsies — John Shaqi
The Gipsies' Advocate: Or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of the English GipsiesCrabb, James
Religion
The Gipsies' Advocate: Or, Observations on the Origin, Character, Manners, and Habits of the English Gipsies
Crabb, James
Romanies -- England
We will conclude our remarks on the origin of these erratic sons of Adam,
by adding the testimony of Col. Herriot, read before the Royal Asiatic
Society, Sir George Staunton in the chair. That gentleman, giving an
account of the Zingaree of India, says, that this class of people are
frequently met with in that part of Hindostan which is watered by the
Ganges, as well as the Malwa, Guzerat, and the Decan: they are called
Nath, or Benia; the first term signifying a _rogue_--and the second a
_dancer_, or _tumbler_. And the same gentleman cites various authorities
in demonstration of the resemblance between these Gipsies and their
neglected brethren in Europe. Nor does he think that the English Gipsies
are so degraded as is generally supposed; in support of which he mentions
some instances of good feeling displayed by them under his own
observation, while in Hampshire.
CHAP. II. Observations on the Character, Manners, and Habits of the
English Gipsies.
The origin of this people is by no means of so much importance as the
knowledge of their present character, manners and habits, with the view
to the devising of proper plans for the improvement of their condition,
and their conversion to christianity: for to any one who desires to love
his neigbour as himself, their origin will be but a secondary
consideration.
Fifty years ago the Gipsies had their regular journeys, and often
remained one or two months in a place, when they worked at their trades.
And as access to different towns was more difficult than at the present
day, partly from the badness of the roads and partly from the paucity of
carriers, they were considered by the peasantry, and by small farmers, of
whom there were great numbers in those days, as very useful branches of
the human family; I mean the industrious and better part of them. At
that period they usually encamped in the farmers' fields, or slept in
their barns; and not being subject to the _driving system_, as they now
are, they seldom robbed hedges; for their fires were replenished with
dead-wood procured, without any risk of fines or imprisonments, from
decayed trees and wooded banks. And it is proper to suppose, that, at
such a time, their outrages and depredations were very few.
It has already been stated that the Gipsies are very numerous, amounting
to about 700,000. It is supposed that there are about 18,000 in this
kingdom. But be they less or more, we ought never to forget--that they
are branches of the same family with ourselves--that they are capable of
being fitted for all the duties and enjoyments of life--and, what is
better than all, that they are redeemed by the same Saviour, may partake
of the same salvation, and be prepared for the same state of immortal
bliss, from whence flows to the universal church of Christ, that peace
which the world cannot take from her. Their condition, therefore, at
once commands our sympathies, energies, prayers, and benevolence.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account