Barnstorff to David A. Russell, February 21, 1865

Mr. Barnstorff to Earl Russell

My Lord: The government of the King my gracious sovereign, in conjunction with the Austrian government, has determined to grant a provisional national flag to the ships of the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg until the definitive settlement of those territories.

This flag will have the colors blue, white and red, in horizontal stripes, and will be distinguished from the Mechlenburg flag, which has the same colors, by a yellow field placed on the blue field, next the flag-staff.

I am instructed, together with the Austrian ambassador, who will at the same time address a communication to your excellency, to propose this provisional flag for recognition to the government of her Majesty the Queen, &c., and at the same time to express the hope of his Majesty’s government that the British government will grant to the ships bearing this flag the same rights which belonged to the ships of the aforesaid three duchies until their separation from Denmark, on the ground of the commerce and navigation treaties concluded by that power with England.

I have the honor to be, &c, &c, &c,