Tho’ strictly speaking from our first principle we have a common Right in them.— This Subject is treated so much at large by Grotius and Vattel that I do not think it necessary to detail Arguments which tho’ urged by People here from their feelings, you will find much better stated there.
Robert R. Livingston (1746–1813) practiced law in New York City in partnership with John Jay. He was a delegate to the third and fourth provincial congresses and helped draft the state constitution. Livingston was a delegate to the Continental and Confederation congresses and was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.