Alta California Cossack

1841 still Mexican owned, and sparsely populated, California. Underachieved ,over the hill, trapper/hunter Stenka Denisov, his fellow Cossacks, and non-Cossack Slavs, at the Southern Russian fort in America fort have a new boss. John Sutter is, a Swiss-born opportunist who seeks to make California his own, perhaps under the rule of the President of Mexico, or perhaps not. Many cultures are competing to control the potential agricultural and perhaps industrial paradise. They include Americans, led and personified by a powerfully armed , elusive and silver tongued outlaw. White Mexicans who are determined to insure that American expansion does not go beyond Texas. And Indians who have finally decided to unite against the Palefaces rather than quarrel amongst themselves. Enter Antonia Fernandez, high born, highly spirited, young, beautiful and idealistic runaway daughter of a governor in the civilized regions of Mexico South of the Rio Grande, who is determined to write REAL stories about how Alta California is, and should be. The discovery of gold on Sutter’s newly purchased land sets into motion a vicious war between comrades of all colors.