The only formal declaration of war came from the Confederacy, on May 6, 1861.
The Union never formally declared war because, like the Brits in 1775, they considered it a "rebellion" or "insurrection", etc., which do not get formal declarations of war.
But Congress was always careful to eventually approve and authorize everything Lincoln did as Commander in Chief -- raising forces, directing strategy, etc.
So, if you go back to post #279, you'll find my time-line of significant events leading to war, and the first Confederate battle death on June 10, 1861.
The key point it makes is: every step of the way, from peace in 1860 to war in 1861, Secessionists / Confederacy led while the Union slowly, ineffectively followed.
The Confederacy wanted, provoked, started and declared war.
The Union simply responded as it Constitutionally should have.
JCBreckenridge: "If you believe the Federal Government can unilaterally declare war against a state that it doesnt like then we are going to see the same from Obama."
There, you see, that's precisely why I say our O-man is the political love-child of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, not Abraham Lincoln.
In 1861 Lincoln never:
So you guys have all backwards: Obama is not the new Lincoln, he's the new Davis.
;-)
Yes, Lincoln broke laws. “Union never formally declared war.”
What do we call invasions conducted without a formal declaration of war?