R.S. § 963 derived from act Mar. 2, 1799, ch. 22, § 65, 1 Stat. 676.

Section was formerly classified to section 787 of Title 28 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, by act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, § 1, 62 Stat. 869.