1892/116 Regina vs. Ah Maw – murder, Cassiar
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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him some more. I then took his knife from him he said that if I did not give more vinegar he would go dead before morning as there were three chinamen after him. I told him I would not give him any more vinegar and that he had better go home and go to bed as he needed rest. He said he would not go. He then caught up an axe that was by the door and said he would make me give him some more vinegar. I then took the knife from him and arrested him and put him in gaol and kept him confined to the present time. In conversation one day he said that if Ah Hing had not struck him he would not have struck Ah Hing. During his imprisonment he has acted very strangely saying that Ah Hing is all the time talking to him and that he was no good he was a son of a bitch
Signed Edward Metcalf
J.L. Crimp S.M.
The prisoner being asked whither he wished to put any questions to the witness declined
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 46 File 1892/116 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.