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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

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Indictable Offences.

(01) See s. 36.

Recognizance to give Evidence

Canada Province of British Columbia District of the City of Victoria

Be it remembered, that on the thirteenth day of October in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty four, Fong Wy of Victoria City, Ah Sing, Ah Lay and William Jackson of Victoria City in the District of Victoria City, in said Province, and acknowledged thusly to owe to Our Sovereign Lady the Queen, Her heirs and successors, the sum of two hundred dollars each of good and lawful current money of Canada, to be made and levied of their goods and chattels, land and tenements, to the use of Our said Sovereign Lady the Queen, Her heirs and successors if they the said Fong Wy, Ah Sing, Ah Lay and William Jackson shall fail in the condition endorsed.

Taken and acknowledged the day and year first above mentioned, at Victoria before me.

A.F. Pemberton, P.M.

The condition of the within written Recognizance is such that whereas on Ah Keong, Ah Kow and Gay Wah Shue were this day charged before me, Police Magistrate and Justice of the Peace within mentioned, for that the said Ah Keong, Ah How and Gay Wah Shue did on Tuesday the 7th instant feloniously and unlawfully assault one Fong Wy with intent thereby wilfully feloniously and of his malice aforethought to kill and murder him the said Fong Wy.

If therefore the said Fong Wy, Ah Sing, Ah Lay & Wm Jackson shall appear at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery to be holden in and for the District of Victoria City aforesaid, in said Province and there give such evidence as he knoweth upon a Bill of Indictment to be then and there preferred against the said Ah Keong, Ah How & Gay Wah Shue for the offence aforesaid, as well to the Jurors who shall there inquire of the said offence as also to the Jurors who shall pass upon the trial of the said Ah Keong, Ah How and Gay Wah Shue if the said Bill shall be found a true Bill, then the said Recognizance to be void, or else to stand in full force and virtue.

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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