2. Adams got us out of the Quasi War by sending a peace mission to France under William Vans Murray with instructions to negotiate. The mission was successful and was carried out against vocal protests of the Hamilton-controlled elements of the cabinet, directly prompting Adams to sack his Secretaries of State and War.
3. By engaging in foreign policy as Vice President, Jefferson was no more guilty than Washington or Adams when they took unstated powers upon themselves as President. If Adams disapproved, it was strictly between him and Jefferson to resolve. And NOWHERE was Hamilton empowered to do anything of any sort involving the foreign policy of the United States after he resigned in disgrace from the Treasury Department.
There is NO evidence that Hamilton wanted war with France and TONS of evidence that he was desperate to avoid one. He admired the English constitution and understood the affinity between our people and the British. This is an old, hackneyed lie when, in fact, H was half French and French was his first language. He had many friends from his military days who were French, was president of the Society of the Cincinnati which allowed French officers to join and was even the refuge for LaFayette’s son when the murderers were in power in France.
He was very afraid that the French desire to conquer the world would bring the US into its sights as it did.
Adams had been trying to negotiate for years but the French would have none of it. Only after realizing that Hamilton was organizing our defense and would lead it did his wishes bear fruit. Hamilton’s opposition was not to peace but because he did not wish to see the US humiliated again as it had been when Marshall, Pickering and Gerry had been sent earlier in Adams administration.
Jefferson was playing footsie with the most deadly enemy facing the US. Much like if Biden was secretly undermining foreign policy with al Queda. Contemptible.
No competent authority believes the Constitution is limited to explicit powers and even Jefferson knew that is the case.