[Sidenote: The attention of board called to the fact] In spite of the most excellent rules, which, we have seen, were drawn,[841] it appears the attendance problem was one which caused some masters no little worry. Proud’s manuscripts again inform us that on one occasion, after continuous aggravation due to absences, he felt called upon to send a note to the overseers concerning that serious affair. He first mentions the ends desired to be gained by such a school, and points out that they are being fallen short of, because of the laxity in attendance. Moreover, the worst offenders are the sons of the overseers. He says in particular: But the occasion of this present observation to the Board is more particularly that of the present day, viz.—the 4th instant, when out of six of these, who attend the said school (the Latin School) and ought more particularly to have been present at that time, for the example of others and their own benefit, only one of the smallest was at the school and two at the meeting. The rest, being grown and advanced in years, and learning, etc., and consequently more regarded for examples, were at that particular and important time, all absent with about the same proportion of the rest of the school.[842] There were, it seems, the usual causes at work which produced such havoc in the attendance record, and such distress in the minds of masters. A letter written by James Logan to his friend John Dickinson, in 1704, strengthens our belief that such was the case. He wrote in part: Dear Friend: I shall acquaint thee that thy two rugged boys are very lusty, love the river much better this hot weather than their masters’ countenances, and the fields and boats far before schools or books.... Thy affectionate Friend, JAMES LOGAN.[843] [Sidenote: Two extremes in discipline] We have not much information from which to judge the discipline of the school. From the rules already considered one would expect that strict discipline was observed, but of the master’s methods of enforcing it we know but little. There were doubtless two extremes. On the one hand, we might take Anthony Benezet as the very personification of mildness, and who ruled by love.[844] On the other hand, there was John Todd who would thrash a boy very severely, and who took great delight in getting his victim to admit the pain that he knew he felt.[845] [Sidenote: Premium given to most satisfactory pupils]