Transcription Page

1878/16 Regina vs. China Mary and Ah Flan – uttering

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Richfield British Columbia. The juror for our Lady the Queen upon their oath present that heretofore to wit on the second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight before [?] [?] one of her Majesty's justices of the Peace for the province of British Columbia a certain complaint against one Soo Lang for having as it was alleged feloniously uttered a forged promissory note was preferred and caused before the said Justice for examination upon which examination Ah [?] alias Frank alias Ah [?] appeared as a witness against the said Soo Lang and was there and there only sworn before the said Jonathan Nutt and did there and there upon his oath aforesaid falsely willfully and corruptly depose in substance and to the effect following " September 7th 1877 I go to Mary house I see Soo Lang give note back to Mary in her hand" whereas in truth the said Ah [?] alias Frank alias Ah [?] did not see the said mary pay

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