jul 14, 1798 - Signs “An Act (2 Stat 597) to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States” taxing dwellings, land, and slaves. The was to be a temporary tax to raise funds for a war with France, which many believed to be coming. The administrative structure (2 Stat 578) to create lists and assess property, empowering commissioners to do the work had been signed on 07/09/1798. This tax generated widespread opposition