10 U.S.C. § 8859 — Libel and proceedings by United States attorney

(a) Upon receiving the report of the prize master directed by section 8858 of this title , the United States attorney for the district must promptly— (1) file a libel against the prize property; (2) obtain a warrant from the court directing the marshal to take custody of the prize property; and (3) proceed to obtain a condemnation of the property. (b) In connection with the condemnation proceedings the United States attorney must insure that the prize commissioners— (1) take proper preparatory evidence; and (2) take depositions de bene esse of the prize crew and of other transient persons who know any facts bearing on condemnation.