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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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he sleeps in the house. I asked him why he did not put out the fire. He made no reply. John Reece told me to go and look at the blood. I then went down and look at the place where it was beaten down hard and kicked up the snow and found blood four inches deep. Then I came to Ah Maw's house and asked him were all that blood came from. He said he did not know. I then went up town with Mr Metcalf.
On the 15th May I came up to the store to get some things. I saw Ah Maw at the store. He told me that he killed Ah Hing and wanted me to call a meeting of all the chinamen to see how much money he should send to the chinaman's mother so that the chinamen should not have put in gaol. I talked to every one of the chinamen.
About two weeks ago he sent for me to see him in gaol. I went to the gaol and saw him and asked him what he wanted. He told me to see all the chinamen and take him out of gaol. I told him I could not do it I would wait till the judge come down. He told me he had plenty of money to send to Ah Hing's mother.
Signed Yip Sin
J.L. Crimp S.M.
The prisoner being asked if 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.