Event Comment: 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
Stockwell in
Surrey, by an invisible agent, who, we apprehend is very nearly related to the celebrated
Cock-Lane Ghost 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
Stockwell Conjurer 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 (
Theatrical Review, II, p. 85). [See notice of the additional scene 1 Feb.
and see
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 (
London, 1772), with the cryptic comment upon it in the
Gentleman's Magazine, 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
Hounslow Heath: 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)