1From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Randolph, 15 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 10th. mentioning the invention of a bridle having the advantage of not going into the horse’s mouth. You know of course you can have a patent for the use of it on the terms mentioned in the patent law. in the event of the Secretary at War’s approving it, & wishing to make use of it, it would become a question whether he could give a price for permission...