1866/3 R. vs. Kim Foo and Ah Soo, receiving stolen goods belonging to the Pemberton family
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
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Information
Colony of Vancouver Island and its Dependencies, To Wit:
The information and complaint of Harry Wilmer of Victoria in the Colony aforesaid, taken this Twenty sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six before me Augustus Pemberton Esq. one of Her majesty's Justices of the Peace for the aforesaid Colony of Vancouver Island and its Dependencies, who being sworn upon his Oath, saith
on the fourteenth day of March instant I charged the prisoner Ah Soo through an interpreter with having in his possession two pieces of silk which had been stolen from the residence of Mr. J D Pemberton. I gave him the usual caution, he told me the silk had been in his possession for three months that he was in the habit of going from place to place collecting rags and that he had picked up the silk in question outside a blacksmith shop.
(Signed) Harry Wilmer
Sworn before me the day and date first before written.
(Signed) A F Pemberton
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 5 File 1866/3 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.