[Annexation of Hanover to Prussia.]

condition of the faithful performance of their duties. Pending the introduction of the Prussian Constitution, we will exercise the legislative power ourselves.

We will maintain the Laws and Institutions of the Countries hitherto belonging to Hanover,* in so far as they are the expression of authorised peculiarities, and can remain in force without prejudice to the unity of the State, and the requirements of its interests.

Our present Governor-General is accordingly charged with the duty of taking possession.

Such is our will.

Given at the Palace of Babelsberg, 3rd October, 1866.

The King of Hanover protested against this Annexation on the 23rd September, 1866. On the 6th October following a Proclamation was addressed by the King to his Subjects releasing them from their Allegiance, but with certain reserves.

[Annexation of Hesse-Cassel to Prussia.]

No. 394.-PATENT of the King of Prussia, for taking possession of Hesse-Cassel. Babelsburg, 3rd October, 1866.

(Translation.)

WE, William, by the Grace of GoD, King of Prussia, &c., hereby proclaim to every one:

Whereas, in consequence of a War begun by Electoral Hesse in alliance with Austria, and in violation of the Federal law then in force, a War which we, in just defence, have victoriously concluded, the Territories formerly united to the Electorate of Hesse have been occupied by us, and we have determined to unite them with our Monarchy; for which purpose we have, with the assent of both Houses of the Landtag, issued and proclaimed the Law of the 20th of September last (No. 390).

We, therefore, by this Patent, take possession of the Territories which formed the late Electorate of Hesse, namely, the Landgraviate of Hesse, the Grand Duchy of Fulda, the Principalities of Hersfeld, Hanau, Fritzlar, and Isenburg, the Counties ⚫ Ziegenhain, Nidda, and Schaumburg, and the Lordship of Schmalkalden, with all their Rights of Sovereignty and Supremacy, and incorporate them with our Monarchy, including all their appurtenances and claims.

We will add the corresponding Titles to our Royal Title.

We command that the Prussian Eagles be set up on the Frontiers, to indicate our Sovereignty, that the Arms hitherto displayed be replaced by our Arms, and that the official seals be provided with the Prussian Eagle.

We command all Inhabitants of the late Electorate of Hesse, now united with our Monarchy, to acknowledge us in future as their rightful King and Sovereign, and to observe with dutiful obedience, our laws, ordinances, and commands.

We will protect every one in the possession and enjoyment of his justly acquired personal rights, and leave the officials, who are to be sworn into our service, in the enjoyment of their salaries, on condition of the faithful performance of their duties. Pending the introduction of the Prussian Constitution, we will exercise the legislative power ourselves.

We will maintain the laws and institutions of the lands

[Annexation of Hesse-Cassel to Prussia.]

hitherto belonging to the Electorate of Hesse, in so far as they are the expression of authorised peculiarities, and can remain in force without prejudice to the unity of the State, and the requirements of its interests.

Our present Governor-General is directed by us to take possession accordingly.

Such is our will.

Given at the Palace of Babelsberg, 3rd October, 1866.

[Annexation of Nassau to Prussia.]

No. 395.-PATENT of the King of Prussia, for taking possession of the Duchy of Nassau.

October, 1866.

Babelsberg, 3rd

(Translation.)

WE, William, by the Grace of GoD, King of Prussia, &c., hereby proclaim to every one:

Whereas, in consequence of a War begun by Nassau in alliance with Austria, and in violation of the Federal law then in force, a War which we, in just defence, have victoriously concluded, the Territories formerly united to the Duchy of Nassau have been occupied by us, and we have determined to unite them with our Monarchy; for which purpose we have, with the assent of both Houses of the Landtag, issued and proclaimed the law of the 20th September last (No. 390).

We, therefore, by this Patent, take possession of the Territories which formed the late Duchy of Nassau, with all Rights of Sovereignty and Supremacy, and incorporate them with our Monarchy, including all their appurtenances and claims.

We will add the corresponding Title to our Royal Title.

We command that the Prussian Eagle be set up on the Frontiers to indicate our Sovereignty; that the Arms hitherto displayed be replaced by our Arms, and that the official Seals be provided with the Prussian Eagle.

We command all inhabitants of the late Duchy of Nassau, now united with our Monarchy, to acknowledge us in future as their rightful King and Sovereign, and to observe with dutiful obedience our laws, ordinances, and commands.

We will protect every one in the possession of his justly acquired personal rights, and leave the officials, who are to be sworn into our service, in the enjoyment of their salaries, on condition of faithful performance of their duties. Pending the introduction of the Prussian Constitution, we will exercise the legislative power ourselves.

We will maintain the laws and institutions of the lands hitherto belonging to the Duchy of Nassau, in so far as they are the expression of authorised peculiarities, and can remain in force

[Annexation of Nassau to Prussia.]

without prejudice to the unity of the State, and the requirements of its interests.

Our present Civil Governor is directed by us to take posses-sion accordingly.

Such is our will.

Given at the Palace of Babelsberg, 3rd October, 1866.

(L.S.) WILLIAM.

Co. v. BISMARCK-SCHONHAUSEN. BAR. V. D. HEYDT.