*p1772 01 31 cg The Busy Body. ^As17720102^.*a1772 01 31 cg Harlequin Skeleton. Harlequin-Lewes; Chasseur Royal-DuBellamy (playbill; but $Reinhold= in <i>Public Advertiser</i>); Doctor-Banks; Colombine-Mrs Dyer; Merlin-Legg; Diana-Mrs Baker; Pierrot-Morris.*c1772 01 31 cg Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Afterpiece; We suppose it was reviv'd for the purpose of introducing a new scene, viz. a representation of the wonderful and surprizing feats lately performed at <i>Stockwell</i> in <i>Surrey</i>, by an invisible agent, who, we apprehend is very nearly related to the celebrated <i>Cock-Lane Ghost</i> of famous Memory. [See 28 Jan. 1762.] We cannot help considering it a lucky hit and we hope it will meet with encouragement, as the turning the transactions of the <i>Stockwell Conjurer</i> into ridicule may prevent that mysterious affair making improper impressions on the minds of the ignorant and superstitious. When considered in this light, the additional scene must be acknowledged to have merit, and, we confess, it is extremely well conducted to produce risibility (<i>Theatrical Review</i>, II, p. 85). [See notice of the additional scene 1 Feb. and see <i>An Authentic...Narrative of the Astonishing Transactions at Stockwell...on the 6th and 7th days of January, 1772, containing a series of the most surprising...events that ever happened</i> (<i>London</i>, 1772), with the cryptic comment upon it in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, Feb., p. 84, A new edition of the Cock-Lane Ghost, altered from the original of $Miss Fanny=, with additions but no amendments." The Gentleman's Magazine (Historical Chronicle for 6 Jan.) mentions the explosion of two powder-mills on <i>Hounslow Heath</i>: About the time explosion was felt at London, some families at Stockwell were terrified with the ratting and braking of their china, which they attributed to a preternatural cause. A Lady of fortune was so firmly Persuaded that some invisible agent was concerned, that she discharged her maid, whom she suspected of having an intercrouse with the wicked spirit; and when she was gone, as no mischief ensued, consoled herself that she had rid of so dangerous an intimate." See also bill for 8 Feb.] Rec'd from $Condell= on account of Fruit rent #20. Paid $Dall= on account of his salary #50 (Account Book). Receipts: #202 8s. (Account Book).