inhumanly driven from
their resting places; but, said they, _We were obliged to do our duty_.
To the credit of these men, thirteen in number, it should be mentioned,
that, with only one exception, they returned the fines to the people; and
one of them, who is a carpenter, offered a coffin for the unburied child,
should the parish be unwilling to bury it.

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

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

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