ADAMS TO MR.

RUSH.
"Department of State, Washington, 18th August, 1823.
"SIR:--I have the honor of inclosing, herewith, an answer to the letter from Mr.Luriottis, the Agent of the Greeks addressed to me, and a copy of which was transmitted with your dispatch No.

295.
"If, upon the receipt of this letter, Mr.Luriottis should still be in London, it will be desirable that you should deliver it to him in person, accompanied with such remarks and explanations as may satisfy him, and those whom he represents, that, in declining the proposal of giving active aid to the cause of Grecian emancipation, the Executive Government of the United States has been governed not by its inclinations, or a sentiment of indifference to 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 forces or of their public revenue in their favor, which would constitute them in a state of war with the Ottoman Porte, and perhaps with all the Barbary powers.

To make this disposal either of force or of treasure, you are aware is, by our constitution, not within the competency of the Executive.

It could be determined only by an act of Congress, which would assuredly not be adopted, should it even be recommended by the Executive.
"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.