Powers of notary public.
Section 88
SEC. 88. Powers of notary public.—Every notary public shall have power, within his province, to administer all oaths and affirmations provided for by law, in all matters incident to his notarial office, and in the execution of affidavits, depositions, and other documents requiring an oath, and to receive the proof or acknowledgment of all writings relating to commerce or navigation, such as bills of sale, bottomries, mortgages, and hypothecations of ships, vessels, or boats, charter parties of affreightments, letters of attorney, deeds, mortgages, transfers and assignments of land or buildings, or an interest therein, and such other writings as are commonly proved or acknowledged before notaries; to act as magistrates, in writing of affidavits or depositions, and to make declarations and testify the truth thereof, under his seal of office, concerning all matters done by him by virtue of his office.