When the garnishee in any action of foreign attachment has removed from this state prior to the issuing of the execution in such action, so that no demand can be made of him in person by the officer serving the same, the clerk of the court issuing such execution shall, at the request of the creditor or his attorney, endorse thereon an order signed by such clerk, requiring the officer to whom such execution is directed to make such demand by letter forwarded by mail, postage paid, addressed to such garnishee, or in such other manner as such clerk directs; and such demand, when so made, shall be as effectual as if made of the garnishee personally; but if such garnishee has lodged with the clerk of such court a written notice, under his hand, of the appointment of an agent or attorney on whom such demand may be made, such officer shall make the like demand of such agent or attorney, if within his precincts, and make return thereof on such execution.