Nature intended me for the pursuits of science

This is from my letter to Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, March 2, 1809:

Within a few days I retire to my family, my books, & farms & having gained the harbor myself. I shall look on my friends still buffeting the storm, with anxiety indeed, but not with envy. Never did prisoner, released from his chains, feel such relief as I shall on shaking off the shackles of power. Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.