R.S. § 523 derived from act May 15, 1862, ch. 72, § 4, 12 Stat. 388.

Section was formerly classified to section 519 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.

“Secretary of Agriculture” substituted in text for “Commissioner of Agriculture” pursuant to sections 1 and 4 of act Fespan. 9, 1889, which are classified to section 2202 of this title. See, also, section 2205 of this title.