R.S. § 203 derived from acts July 27, 1789, ch. 4, §§ 2, 4, 1 Stat. 29; Sept. 15, 1789, ch. 14, § 7, 1 Stat. 69.

Section was formerly classified to section 158 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Puspan. L. 89–554, § 1, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.