If a sheriff or other officer who has levied an execution or other process upon personal property permits it to remain with the? possessor, the officer may take a bond, attested by a credible witness, for the forthcoming thereof to answer the execution or process; but the officer remains, nevertheless, in all respects liable as heretofore to the plaintiff‘s claim. (1807, c. 731, s. 3, P.R.; 1828, c. 12, s. 2; R.C., c. 45, s. 21; Code, s. 463; Rev., s. 633; C.S., s. 680.)