Neuchâtel under the Prussian Crown: The story of a principality that maintained its autonomy

For a period, the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel existed as a principality under the authority of the King of Prussia, having chosen him as its sovereign in 1707. Reports were sent directly to the Prussian king, underscoring the region's political status at the time.

An intriguing mystery surrounds the official records of Neuchâtel's State Council on June 21, 1740. On that date, several pages were left blank, abruptly interrupting the recorded proceedings. This unusual lacuna in the official minutes has long puzzled historians.

Archival documents from the Secret State Archives of Prussian Cultural Heritage in Berlin offer a potential explanation. On June 21, 1740, a severe dispute erupted between the governor, who represented the king in Neuchâtel, and the attorney general. The conflict apparently stemmed from unpaid fees, escalating to a point where the participants deemed it inappropriate to officially record the details. A missive was sent to King Frederick II, who never visited the principality, requesting his intervention.

It remains unknown how Frederick II responded to this administrative quarrel. However, the lack of a recorded royal decision suggests he may not have deigned to address the matter. The article notes that the rest of the historical account is reserved for subscribers.