Page:An Act of April 16, 1862 (For the Release of Certain Persons Held to Service or Labor in the District of Columbia), 04-16-1862.pdf/2

 And provided further, That no claim shall be allowed for any slave or slaves brought into said District after the passage of this act, nor for any slave claimed by any person who has borne arms against the government of the United States in the present rebellion or in any way given aid or comfort thereto; or which originates in or by virtue of any transfer heretofore made or which shall hereafter be made, by any person who has in any manner aided or sustained the rebellion against the government of the United States. . And be it further enacted, That said commissioners shall, within nine months from the passage of this act, make a full and final report of their proceedings, findings, and appraisement, and shall deliver the same to the Secretary of the Treasury, which report shall be deemed and taken to be conclusive in all reports, except as hereinafter provided; and the Secretary of the Treasury shall, with like exception, cause the amounts so apportioned to said claims to be paid from the treasury of the United States to the parties found by said report to be entitled thereto as aforesaid, and the same shall be received in full and complete compensation; Provided, That in cases where petitions may be filed presenting conflicting claims or setting up liens said commissioners shall so specify in said report, and payment shall not be made according to the award of said commissioners until a period of sixty days shall have elapsed, during which time any petitioner claiming an interest in the particular amount may file a bill in equity in the circuit court of the District of Columbia, making all other claims unto defendants thereto, setting for the proceedings in such case before said commissioners and their action therein, and praying that the party to whom payment has been awarded may be enjoined from receiving the same; and if said court shall grant such provisional order, a copy thereof may, on motion of said complainant, be served upon the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall thereupon cause the said amount of money to be paid into said court, subject to its orders and final decree, which payment shall be in full and complete compensation, as in other cases. . And be it further enacted, That said commissioners shall hold their sessions in the City of Washington, at such place and times as the President of the United States may direct, of which they shall give due and public notice. They shall have power to