Transcription Page

1870/5 Ah Qui, abduction (wife theft and sale)*

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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money to wit the sum of _______ dollars in order that he the said Lee Bing might cohabit with her the said Ah You

And the jurors aforesaid (4) upon their Oath aforesaid do further present that the said Ah Qui on the said _____ day of _____ in the year aforesaid at Victoria aforesaid the said Ah You against the will of the said Ah You and without any legal warrant authority or reasonable or justifiable cause whatsoever did imprison and detain so imprisoned for a long space of time and other wrongs to the said Ah You did to the great damage of the said Ah You

For against the Peace of the Lady our Queen her crown and dignity

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 9 File 1870/5 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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