The new Confederate National Flag flies for the first time over the Confederate Capitol in Richmond
The Confederate Congress had authorized a new "national flag" two weeks before. The new "Stainless Banner" incorporated the popular "battle flag" but had a large white field that had come in for some criticism as too much like a flag of surrender. It was hoisted for the first time over the Confederate Capital in Richmond, Virginia with the governor and other dignitaries in attendance and remained the national flag of the Confederacy until it was replaced with a new design in March 1865. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"The Confederate Flag," New York Times, May 17, 1863, p. 1.