According to Washington, Adams, Jefferson- and their Congresses- the president has been given the authority to use the military in war.
That's as clear as can be. If you think there is a better way to understand the Constitution than by taking the understanding the Founders had of it- don't bother telling me cause I'm happy with their view!
I too wish they had issued a Declaration of War ( because it gives the congress less ability to intrude on the conduct of the war), but there is no Constitutionally based reason to reject the way taken.
Enforced ignorance.
Adams proposed and signed the Alien and Sedition Act. Do you really think that would be considered constitutional today, or should?
The Congress was full of Founding Fathers, but they did not all agree with his policies on the 'Quasi-War.' Neither did his Secretary of State, Timothy Pickering, who helped frame the Constitution.
Yes, even the Founding Fathers were politicians.