He requested, however, that the Secretary formally notify him of the intentions of the U.S. Government concerning the question of the recognition of the North German Confederation.

On December 9, 1867, Secretary Seward approved of Bancroft's decision to attend the opening of the North German Parliament since he was the officially accredited U.S. Minister to the Prussian King Wilhelm I, who was also the hereditary President of the North German Confederation.

Furthermore, Seward informed Bancroft that he would disseminate a description of the Confederation's flag so that its ships would be welcomed in American waters.

This exchange between Seward and Bancroft implicitly signified a formal recognition of the North German Confederation by the United States.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: North German Confederation".