“The policy of the United States, with reference to foreign nations, has always been founded upon the moral principle of natural law—­Peace with all mankind.  From whatever cause war between other nations, whether foreign or domestic, has arisen, the unvarying law of the United States has been peace with both belligerents.  From the first war of the French Revolution, to the recent invasion of Spain, there has been a succession of wars, national and civil, in almost everyone of which one of the parties was contending for liberty or independence.  In the first French revolutionary war, a strong impulse of feeling urged the people of the United States to take side with the party which, at its commencement, was contending, apparently, at least, for both.  Had the policy of the United States not been essentially pacific, a stronger case to claim their interference could scarcely have been presented.  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 a diplomatic intercourse, the experience of the last thirty years has served also to ascertain the limits proper for the application of principles in which every nation must exercise some latitude of discretion.  Precluded by their neutral position from interfering in the question of right, the United States have recognized the fact of foreign sovereignty only when it was undisputed, or disputed without any rational prospect of success.  In this manner the successive changes of government in many of the European states, and the revolutionary governments of South America, have been acknowledged.  The condition of the Greeks is not yet such as will admit of their recognition, upon these principles.

“Yet, as we cherish the most friendly feelings towards them, and are sincerely disposed to render them any service which may be compatible with our neutrality, it will give us pleasure to learn, from time to time, the actual state of their cause, political and military.  Should Mr. Luriottis be enabled and disposed to furnish this information, it may always be communicated through you, and will be received with satisfaction here.  The public accounts from that quarter have been of late very scanty, and we shall be glad to obtain any authentic particulars, which may come to your knowledge from this, or through any other channel.

“I am with great respect, Sir, your very humble and obedient servant,
          
                                         John Quincy Adams.”

Mr. Adams to Mr. Luriottis.

“Department of State,
Washington, 18th August, 1823. 
“Sir:  A copy of the letter which you did me the honor of addressing to me, on the 20th of February last, has been transmitted to me by the Minister of the United States at London, and has received the deliberate consideration of the President of the United States.