The Avalon Project of the Yale University Law School in New Haven, Connecticut presents an August 25, 1775 letter from future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) to John Randolph. The letter makes references to the uncomfortable relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain.

Freedom of speech was restricted during the Revolutionary War. In the great struggle for independence, those who remained loyal to the British crown were persecuted with loss of employment, eviction from their homes, heavy taxation, confiscation of property and imprisonment. Loyalist Americans from all walks of life were branded as traitors and enemies of the people. By the end of the war, 80,000 had fled their homeland to face a dismal exile from which few would return, outcasts of a new republic based on democratic values of liberty, equality and justice.

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Pleased with his action in lottery and with appointment of valuers; would not be suspected of selfishness; asks about white lead and Negro clothing; pressure of University entrances forces him to draw on Col. Peyton for $25; Raphael and Heiskil will wait for last quarter's groceries; 130 students arrived yesterday; 60 more to come; knows Jane [(Nicholas) Randolph] brought him another daughter.