[Sidenote: Middletown not in harmony with yearly meeting’s proposals] Because of very inadequate records in this regard, much is left to be surmised concerning the continuation of the schools thus early begun. The meeting was in continual touch with the desires and proposals of the yearly meeting,[387] and it does not seem justifiable to suppose that education languished, because scant records of it remain. The general tone of their minutes is one of self-satisfaction, and implies that they themselves were well pleased with their state. The elaborate recommendations of the yearly meeting in 1750[388] did not meet with their approval as they thought it quite impossible for those members living remote in the country districts.[389] That they disagreed with the plan indicates neither a lack of interest in the subject, nor a lack of schools in their locality. Rather, it may indicate the opposite. [Sidenote: Donation 1755 for a free school] [Sidenote: Under control of monthly meeting] In 1755 there was made the first donation to a permanent foundation for a free school. At a meeting in that year an extract of Adam Harker’s will was produced, where it appeared he had, given a sum of money to them with others in trust to be employed toward raising a fund for settling and maintaining a Free School under the care and direction of this meeting ... shall and will therewith purchase an annuity or yearly ground rent, or in such other manner as they may think most proper employ the said sum (£40) towards raising a fund for settling and maintaining a Free School in Middletown aforesaid, under the direction and control of the monthly Meeting of Friends there.[390] Whether there was a new school erected as a result of the bequest or whether it was turned to the use of one already existing does not appear; the latter suggestion is much the more probable. The advices of 1777 and 1778 and the years following aroused the members to the responsibilities which they must accept. In 1779 they made report as follows: Although it appears that the education of the youth has been too much neglected, we believe there is an increasing care that Friends may be more careful in that weighty concern.[391] And in 1780: We believe a good degree of care is taken by some in regard to the education of those under their care, and that an increase in that is necessary.[392] [Sidenote: All details under the care of a committee on schools] All questions in regard to schools or educational affairs whatsoever were dismissed summarily, and given to the charge of the committee on schools.[393] A committee reported in 1782 that nothing had been done more than to visit the school they already had.[394] The failure to bring forth results may have been with the committee; at any rate the meeting decided to try a new one. [Sidenote: New committee appointed]