CALIFORNIA'S RUSSIAN PRINCESS

By Arletta Dawdy

“Settlement Ross” 1841 by Ilya Gavrilovich Voznesensky

California’s vibrant history reflects a multitude of invasive ethnic groups long past the emigration of First Peoples coming down through Canada or other far horizons. Among the most intriguing adventurers were members of the Russian-American Company who ventured south out of Alaska to seek trade and agricultural venues. The fur trade was diminishing in early 19^th Century waters off the Pacific coast. Harsh conditions in the far north meant scarcity of foods for increasing population growth. Exploration moved south as early as 1803 and by 1812 Fortress Ross was established on what is now the Sonoma County coastline.

 Fort Ross State Park Russian Orthodox Chapel, Frank Schulinburg

The colony lasted until 1842 when John Sutter of Gold Rush fame bought the settlement; it passed to ranchers and farmers until bought by the state in 1903. The site deteriorated over the years due to fires, the 1906 earthquake, road building across it and abandoned ruins. The wooden structures were reconstructed over the years. The park is listed on various state and national registries.

What follows is a piece I wrote more than 30 years ago while living at the Russian (or Slavyanka) River. Princess Helena, her husband Alexie and M. du Mofras are real historical characters in 1841.

SPRING RETREAT

            “But Alexie, we have made a good life here. What is there for us back in Russia other than ostracism by my family? They’ll never forgive us for eloping and father will block your advancement every way he can. You can do better here or in Sitka.” It wasn’t the first time Helena made the plea to her husband.

            “My dear, I know better in these matters and you really must let me do what I think right.” He planted a brief kiss on her forehead. “Hadn’t you best see to Monsieur de Mofras’ entertainment?  The Captain and I will tend to the provisions going on board the ship for the Alaskan settlements. He already has my letter requesting my transfer and will send it on its way to St. Petersburg “ Having said his piece, Alexander Rotchev,  commandant of Russia’s southermmost possession on the North American continent, made an about face and left the room and his frustrated wife.

            With a sigh that might have been of sadness, Princess Helena of the house of Gargarin, watched their guest make his way from the rose garden. He was with the French legation in Mexico City and touring the coastal area. Alexie thought the man’s motives were innocent given his skills in the sciences but Helena had her doubts. She had grown up in the midst of household and political intrigue and was suspicious.

            Dinner last night went nicely enough when she delighted in serving her best Bordeaux. The Frenchman was genuinely surprised to see and hear her play from an original Mozart score. The distraction of an interesting guest would be more enjoyable is only Alexie would be more reasonable.

            “Ah, Madame, I am not disturbing you?”  Eugene Duflot de Mofras entered the house with the barest of knocks on the half-open door.

“Please, Monsieur, won’t you join me for tea? The samovar is always at our call.”  She enjoyed using her best Parisian French. “Perhaps you know the story of our settlement?” Last night’s conversation was all about recent events abroad.

“Wasn’t it Captain Ruskov who founded the Ross Colony?”

“Yes, he came from Sitka to establish gardens for the Alaskan communities.” She offered him tea in a delicate China cup and showed him to a seat at the window. “He went as far south as the bay the Spanish call Bodega, but he found this area more to his liking.”

Shifting his cup from one hand to the other, de Mofras said, “I suspect he found the soil and climate better for crops.”

“I’m sure you are right. He became a folk hero, traversing the wilds with one good leg and opening up new territories. He found the native Kashsaya Pomo to be friendly.”

“And did they freely give over their land?”                               

“He got a very good bargain for three blankets, three pair of britches, three horses, two axes and some beads. I am afraid it wasn’t any more honorable a price than the Dutch paid for Manhattan.”

De Mofras chuckled and added, “Perhaps those items were worth more thirty years ago!”

An hour later, a mounted party left the Fort: two Russian soldiers led Helena and her guest, the woman’s Kashaya maid, and another servant burdened with a picnic hamper and blankets. The soldiers and the Frenchman were armed against the occasional bear or wild boar known to roam the coastal mountains. The ride passed quickly and, deep into the hills, the party stopped to eat. At elena’s suggestion, Monsieur and the soldiers cont

Helena’s suggestion, one of the soldiers and Monsieur continued on, leaving Helena with her guard and her private worries. Resting against a young redwood tree near a bed of bright white trillium, she looked down on the fort, its surrounding orchards and grazing lands, out to the sea.

“Oh, Alexie, can’t you see the wealth, the beauty and the potential here! Thirty years is nothing in the march of history. We devoured the seals and the otters. Leave them be and they’ll be back. Let their Highnesses wear rabbit! The orchards are flourishing; we only need to plant more. The sea and the fog may not be right for grain, but what of the cattle and sheep that flourish. We can be a self-sufficient colony. There is little we cannot grow or build. And, we’ve only begun to explore the Slavyanka and her primal forest.”

The heady wine, the warm sun and her feelings overcame Helena. In her dream, she saw the history of Russia, past and future. Blood ran, flags and crowns passed. Through the violence, the laughter and tears, she saw one face clearly and it was Alexie’s. Her dream tried to awaken her. A gentle petting of her shoulder brought her to consciousness

“Darling, I’m here. Have you lost our guest?” teased Alexie.

Trembling and reaching for him, Helena spoke. “I was in St. Petersburg, and there was much trouble and danger but we were together. Alexie, I am so afraid.”

“Nonsense, Helena. It was nothing more than a bad afternoon’s dream. You will see. All your friends and family long for your return. I’m sure your father will forgive our elopement. You are too precious to him for us to remain in exile forever.”

Helena gave up her efforts to win him over. She missed her family and there was always the music and ballet. Perhaps he was right. She would return with him, but they must find a way to share their thoughts and feelings. She would insist.

The exuberant M. de Mofras and his guide returned to find the Rochevs restored to each other’s good graces. The party followed the sun’s path, reaching the fort just as the sun took its plunge into the reflecting mirror that was the sea.

EPILOGUE

Sometime after their return to Russia, the Rotchevs’ marriage ended in divorce. De Mofras published a book about his travels in Alta California and Oregon with reference to the couple and the Mozart score..

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I write about strong women of the Old West whom I research deeply and whose territory I travel. I find the courage, perseverance, and strength of the characters in my work inspire me to continue on the difficult path to publication.Originally an east coaster, I live in Northern California, an area rich in beauty and history. There are many stories yet to be written here but my fascination is with the American Southwest and the Rockies. Find out more about me and my books at www.arlettadawdy.com.