Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-01-08
.Nr. adams 10 Mr.. Rush.
DEPARrMK>T OF STATE,

VuofstHS'oH, iotH s,ttSt, 1879.
SIR have the honor of enclosing here
with, an answer 10 the letter from Mr.. Luriot-
It's, The agent of the Greeks, addressed to me,
aud copy Of which was transmitted with
yoir despatch, No. eos.
Ii, upon the receipt of this letter, Mr. Luri-
otis should still be in London, it will be de-
sirable that you should deliver il to him in
person, accompanied with such remarks and
explanations may satisfy him, and those
whom he represents. that, in declining the pro-
pnsal of giving active aid 10 the cause Of Gre
clan emancipation, the Executive govern
ment of the United States has been governed,
not by its ncnations, or sentiment of in
difference To the cause, hut, by lis constitutions
al duties, clear and unequ,ocal.
The United States could give assistance to
the Greeks only by the application of some
portion of their public force, or of their pub
lie revenue, in their favor, and IL would con-
stitute them in state Of war with the Otto
man Porte, and perhaps with all the BarbaI v
powers. To make this disposal either of
force or of treasure, ynn are aware, is, By our
Constitution, not within the competency of the
Executive. il could be determined only by
an act of Congress, which would assuredly not
be adopted, should it even be recommended
by the Executive.
sThe policy of the United States, with re-
ference to foreign nations, has always been
founded upon the moral principle of natural
law-Pence with all mankind. From what
ever cause war between other nations, wheth-
| or foreign or domestic, has arisen, the unva-
| rylng law of the United States has been, Denc,
with both beilgerents. From the first war of
the French Revolution, To the recent invasion
Ut Spain, there has been a succession of wars
national and civil, in almost every one of which
one %: the parties was contendng for liberty
or independence. To the first Revolutionary
war, s'rnng impulse Of feeling urged the PEG
pie oil The United States To take side with the
party which, at IFS commencement. wa. con-
tending, apparently al least, for both. Had
The ro'lcy of the United States not been es-
seniiaiiy pacific, stronger case TO claim their
interference could scarcely have been present
ed. They nevertheless declared themselves
neutral, and the principle, then deliberately
settled, has been invariably adhered TO ever
| since.
| With regard to the recognition of sovereign
states, and the establishment with them Of =
diplomatic intercourse, the experience of tn,
| last thirty years has served also Ia ascertain
the limits proper for the application of princi-
| PIES, 10 when every nation must exercise
some latitude of discretion Precluded, by
their Neutral position, from interfering in the
question of right, the United States have re-
cognized the Jact of foreign sovereignty, ONLY
when il was undisputed, or disputed without
any rational prospect of success H. this man
ner, the successive changes of government in
many al the European states, and the revolu.
tionary governments of South America, hav,
been acknowledged. The condition of the
Greeks is not yet such as will admit of the
recognition upon these principles.
! Yet, as We cherish the most friendly feeling,
towards them, and are sincerely dsp osrd Il
render them any service, which may be com.
paiIhle with our neutrality, it will give u:
pleasure TO learn, from time to time, the actua
stale OF their cause, political and military
Should Mr.. Luriottis he enabled and disposed
to furnish this information, it NAV always b.
communicated through you, and will be re-
ceired with satisfaction here The public ac.
counts from that quarter have been, of late
very scanty, and we shall be glad To Obtain
any authentic particulars which may come ia
your knowledge. from this, or through an,
other channel.
am, with great respect, sir, your yer,
humble and obedient servant,
| JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
| RICHARD RUSH,
E"roy &c. a, London.