1884/16 Ah Keong, attempted murder, big scrap in Victoria’s Chinatown
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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and another one under the jaw, also on the leg near the shin, I discovered no other injuries they were incised cuts no bruises at all no such marks of violence as would be caused by a beating with a stick the wounds were inflicted with some sharp instrument the face of the wounds were about 1/8th of an inch deep the one on the shin hardly as deep.
To W Drake ; I saw no bruised wounds above the knee they were all cuts the wound on the chin was about 1/2 an inch long, they could not have been made with the sharp end of a lath, I did not see any cut in his trousers or his stocking, I think he wore socks they were below the wound.
To the Court he could make any of the wounds himself the bruise above the knee I think will wash off he did not show it to me at the time, the wound on the right leg is an old sore.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.