[faucetman]

“Our founders relied upon Blackstone and the English common law, not this Swiss person.”

George Washington’s library book returned, 221 years later

“The former president borrowed The Law of Nations by Emer de Vattel on 5 October 1789, according to the records of the New York Society Library.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/may/20/george-washington-library-book

[New Jersey Realist]

I’m sure George Washington read a lot of books. Your point being?

[faucetman]

The 1789 date proves a contemporary knowledge of this work. It doesn't mean he was unaware of this work prior to 1789. Nor does it mean that he hadn't studied or owned a French language copy prior to this date. Nor does it mean that OTHER founders referred to or drew from it's pages. Benjamin Franklin having been living in France, most assuredly knew of and had read this work.

You can't just kiss off Vattel so easily.