from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OF THE UNITED STATES. There shall be appointed, in each
judicial district, a meet person, learned in the law, to act as attorney of
the United States in such district, who shall be sworn or affirmed to the
faithful execution of his office. Act of September 24, 1789, s. 35, 1
Story's Laws, 67.
2. His duty is to prosecute, in such district, all delinquents, for
crimes and offences cognizable under the authority of the United States, and
all civil actions in which the United States shall be concerned, except in
the supreme court, in the district in which that court shall be holden. Ib.
3. Their salaries vary in different districts. Vide Gordon's Dig. art.
403. By the Act of March 3, 1815, 2 Story's L. U. S. 1530, district
attorneys are authorized to appoint deputies, in certain cases, to sue in
the state courts. See Deputy District Attorney.