In his letters, Thomas Jefferson expresses concern about a shift in American values, particularly among younger generations. He notes that these individuals lack the revolutionary spirit and principles held by those from the era of 1776. Instead of valuing democracy and the fight for independence, they appear to support the idea of a powerful government led by an elite class, potentially a form of aristocracy.

Jefferson fears that this new class relies on banking and corporations, which could exploit the working class and undermine the rights of farmers and ordinary citizens. He warns that this concentration of power and wealth would threaten the foundational ideals of America, replacing the commitment to liberty with a system that benefits the privileged at the expense of the common people.