doi:10.7916/2y72-7116Document, 1780 January 21correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829Although Washington had given his permission over a year ago, Sir James never had leisure to do the artillery experiments when opportunities arose. Now he must go to Albany for the meeting of the legislature. Sir James attempted again to proceed, but General Heath was averse to anything being done at the present time, lest the report of the cannons alarm the militia, who were told to hold themselves in readiness. Sir James is inclined to think Heath's aversion ill-founded, and would like Washington's opinion on the matter. Major Beaumont of the Artillery is also interested in the experiments. They would reduce firing to a plain easy system, which would include some points on the doctrine of projectiles.