Section was derived from R.S. § 964, which was originally classified to section 788 of former Title 28. Following the general revision and enactment of Title 28 by act June 25, 1948, R.S. § 964 was reclassified to section 846 of Title 39. R.S. § 964 was repealed by Pub. L. 86–682, § 12(c), Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 708, (section 1 of which revised and enacted Title 39), and reenacted by section 9 thereof as section 2718 of this title.

References to Post Office Department, Postal Service, Postal Field Service, Field Postal Service, or Departmental Service or Departmental Headquarters of Post Office Department to be considered references to United States Postal Service pursuant to Pub. L. 91–375, § 6(o), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 783, set out as a Cross References note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service.

Section effective Sept. 1, 1960, see section 11 of Pub. L. 86–682, 74 Stat. 708.