Section was formerly classified to section 28 of title 18 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, by act June 25, 1948, ch. 645, § 1, 62 Stat. 683.

Section was derived from R.S. § 5289 (act Apr. 20, 1818, ch. 88, § 10, 3 Stat. 449), which was repealed by act Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 341, 35 Stat. 1153.