The Wilmingtonian., 1824-01-08
Mr.. Adams to Mr.. Rush.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

Sir: Ihaye the honor of enclosing here I
with, an answer to the letter from Mr..
Luriottis, the agent of the Greeks, address
ed to me. and a copy OF which was trans
|mitted with your despatch, No. 295.
If, upon the receipt of this letter, Mr..
Luriottis should still be in London, it will
|be desirable that you should deliver 1t to
him in person, accompanied with such re-
marks and explanations as may satisfy
him, and those whom he represents, that,
lin declining the proposal OF giving active
aid to the cause of Grecian emancipation,
the Executive Government OF the United
States mas been governed, not by Its lncii-
nations, or a sentiment OF indifference tol
the cause, but, by its constitutional duties,
clear and unequivocal.
The United States could give assistance
to the Greeks only by the application OF
some portion of their public force, or OF
their public revenue, in their favor, and II
would constitute them in state OF war
with the Ottoman Porte, and perhaps with
all the Barbary powers. 10 make thisl
disposal either Of force or treasure, YOU
are aware, is, by our Constitution, not
within the competency of the Executive.
lit would be determined only by an act OF
Congress, which would assuredly not De
adopted, should it even be recommended
by the Executive.
1 The policy of the United States, with
reference to foreign nations. has always
been founded upon the moral principle OF
: elnatural law-Peace with all mankind.
t From whatever cause war between other
: nations, foreign or domestic, has arisen,
1.-THE unyarying laws of the United States
lhas been, peace with both belligerents
From the first war of the French Revolu-
tion, to the recent invasion of Spain, there
has been a succession of wars, national
a and civil, in almost every one OF which,
: one of the parties was contendIng Tor IL
,berty or independence. To the first re-
n evolutionary war, strong impulse OF feel
ling urged the people of the Uuited States
Ito take sides with the party which, at its
commencement, was contending apparent
lly at least, for both. Had the policy OF
1.-THE, United States not been essentially pa
= ciGe, stronger case to Claim their inter
$. Terence could hardly have been presented
,g gIThey nevertheless declared themselves
e. neutral, and the principle, then deliberate
at v settled, has been invariably adhered t.
thIever since.
sh With regard to the recognition OF sove
p reign states and the establishment wit
them of a diplomatic intercourse, the ex
j.. perience of the last thirty years has serv
\. led also to ascertain the limits proper 70
ne the application of principles, in which e,
~ cry nation must exercise some latitude
on Observation-Disclosures by their neutrs
position from interfering in the question
.es right, the United States have recognize
the the fact of foreign sovereignty, only whe
tl- it was untisputed, or disputed withol
'ch any rational prospect Of success. In tn
manner the successive changes of govern
ons ment in many of the European States, an
.rn. the revolutionary governments OF Sou'
and America, have been acknowledged. TT
OF condition of the Greeks is not yet such 1
n. will admit of the recognition upon the'
principles. !,
Yet. as we cherish the most friend
dis;;Ifeelings towards them, and are sincere
eao disposed to render them any service, whit
ted may be compatible with our neutrality,
re will give US pleasure to learn, from tin
the to time, the actual state Of their cause, p
was litical and military. Should Mr.. Lurit
tis be enabled and disposed to furnish tt
!, information, it may always be commur
tier Gated through you, and will be receiv
,it- with satisfaction here. The public q
the counts from that quarter have been.
Ia late, very scanty, and we shall be glad
nual obtain any authentic particulars viii
hich may come to your knowledge, from this,
and through any other channel.
cd am, with great respect, sir, your We
humble and obedient servant.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
les. RrcRARD RUSH,
the Envoy, &c. at London.
the
nc 4 Mr.. Adams to Mr.. Luriotts.
ond DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WAsnINGToN, 18th Aug. 1885,