Head Quarters New Windsor February 10th. 1781 Sir Mr. De Granger has represented to me that his delay in executing the experiments prescribed to him proceeded from the want of the materials requisite for making them, the composition and preparation of which, he wishes to undertake himself, as the justness of his experiments depends upon the goodness of his materials and the accuracy with which they are prepared, and as his reputation and Military existance in this country depend on the success of those experiments - He declares himself willing and desirous to execute [inserted: them] as soon as these materials are ready. As what he requires is not unreasonable, I am to desire you will immediately have him furnished with the ingredients he asks, and afford him the assistance necessary to prepare them as speedily as possible - After we have gone so far it will have an air of disingenuity not to give him a fair and decisive trial: if his pretensions are just we may employ him usefully and in a manner that will not interfere with the corps of Artillery: if they are not good, we can reject his application and put an end to all trouble. - [2] I am with great regard Sir Your Most Obed. Servant Go: Washington Brigdr. Genl. Knox [docket] From His Exy. Gen. Washington. 10 Feby 1781 -