In 1762 Bradford’s minutes refer to settling the affairs and providing for the support and the education of the children.[596] It was proposed that application be made to the next court that those under indenture to ⸺ might be bound out so as to have a Christian education, and to enable them “to acquire a livelihood with reputation.”[597] It is implied that the Mr. ⸺ had not provided for them properly in those respects. In 1765 fourteen epistles were received and directed to be read in each of the preparative meetings (Bradford and Caln).[598] Though no school is mentioned at these early dates, there seems to be no doubt that schools were in operation, perhaps a sort of family school. This brief extract would indicate that the above assumption is not without foundation: Two of the Friends appointed report they had an opportunity with Benjamin Faris respecting schooling of Isaac Few, and that he informed them that he would undertake to school him for the term of one year, for the sum of £25, which proposal the meeting complies with and agrees to pay the half.[599] The cost of this schooling was paid by the two preparative meetings which produced their quotas four months later.[600] Thenceforward, till 1778, nothing of note is recorded, save occasional notices of the education of the youth. The year 1778 produced the following minute: The extracts of last Yearly Meeting were produced here and read, containing much seasonable advice and instruction which is recommended to the solid consideration and observation of individuals; in particular, that of encouragement of proper schools for the instruction of youth in useful learning.[601] Like an electric current suddenly shunted into the circuit, these extracts of 1777 and 1778 seemed to increase the voltage in the wires of the organization, producing a general hum of activity. A committee, immediately appointed, reported in 1779 they had considered the situation,[602] and in 1780 produced the report which is given below. As will be noted, their report mentions the “Union School” of Goshen, East Bradford and Birmingham, which has already received some consideration in the case of Goshen.[603] [Sidenote: Three schools established; a committee to assist in establishing others]