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1897/6 Regina vs. Song Mun – attempted rape (New Westminster)

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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he came from Dr. Lou's place; he knocked at the door and came in; he said "you washing?" I said "yes" he then talked bad to me; I scolded him; he touched me and caught hold of me by the shoulder; I scolded him and told him to go out; he went out but I do not know where; I went on washing and then did my housework; I went to the store about 1 o'clock; Lee Sing was there and I told him what Song Mun said and did to me; he was very angry; about 6 o'clock I went back to the house; I lit the fire and made up my bedroom; Son Mun came again about half past six; he asked me if my husband was home or not; I said he would be back at 8 o'clock; after a while he went into my bedroom and asked me to have connection with him; I told him I was not willing; he wanted to try to throw me down; he caught my arm and pulled me into the bedroom; he threw me with my back against the table and pulled my clothes off; he wanted me to sleep with him; Song Mun did not take off his clothes; he heard a noise of some people coming to the gate; he ran away; I stayed in my bedroom crying; my husband came about 9 o'clock; I told him about it; on Wednesday the 17th I was at the store and went home about 6 o'clock; I lit the lamp and made the fires; Song Mun came into my house by the back door; he was dressed in Chinese clothes; he asked me if I were cooking something; I said yes; he asked; he asked me if Lee Sing had come yet; I said "no, he has something to do in the store and will be back about 9 o'clock;" he took hold of me by the shoulder and asked me to go into the bedroom; I did not want to go; I told him to go into the parlour and sit there; he asked me to go with him but I did not want to; he drew his hunting knife and scared me; he threw me against the table;

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 68 File 1897/6 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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