The founders said "you shouldn't go to war unless you declare it." - citation needed

[intelliot]

Paul stated that the founders said "you shouldn't go to war unless you declare it." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhbDJOT5Lnc (near the end, around 80% through the video)

Which founder(s) said this, and when/where?

 

[LibertAtOnce]

Paul stated that the founders said "you shouldn't go to war unless you declare it." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhbDJOT5Lnc (near the end, around 80% through the video)

Which founder(s) said this, and when/where?

Article 1 Section 8

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water

 

[intelliot]

Article 1 Section 8

That states "The Congress shall have Power To … declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water". That gives Congress that power. That isn't the same as "you shouldn't go to war unless you declare it." -- even though that might be implied.

 

[Napolitanic Wars]

OP's question is important and I'd like an answer too. It says congress declares war but it doesn't say Congress HAS to declare war in all situations.

 

[FrankRep]

Madison Debates - Constitutional Convention - August 17, 1787

The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.​

More on the Subject:

Congressmen Condemn Obama Attack on Congressional War Powers

 

[Liberty74]

Read the Constitution much? Did every Founder agree? Of course not.

 

[otherone]

Paul stated that the founders said "you shouldn't go to war unless you declare it."
Which founder(s) said this, and when/where?

You strain out gnats and swallow camels.
Pithy maxims from the founders are good for message boards, but have little to do with the 'point' of Dr. Paul's comment. The Constitution was written purposefully as a restraint on government's power. Congress's power to declare war was to prevent the executive branch (one guy) from having that power, by giving the ability to the people (congress). Of course, the 17th amendment meant the end of genuine representation, but that's another story.