1901/15 Rex vs. Wong Sing et al., murder
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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ago I pretty near got killed by him. He did not say where. I asked him about the body, he did not tell me where it was. They told me not to say anything. I slept in the room that night. One of them Leung Wah slept in my room that night. Sing Dick slept up stairs. They told me not to tell anybody. If I did tell they would kell me. Leung Wah and Sing Dick told me this. Both of them were talking and I heard them talking. I just walked in and heard them. They saw me and were talking to one another when I walked in and I asked them if they killed him. They did not tell me they killed him or where or what time of the night. They did not tell me how they killed him, just said they killed him. I was afraid when they said they would kill me but slept there that night. I did not hear anything about the fight from the time I saw them running between the houses until eleven or twelve that night. At that time I heard it and have not heard anything since. I did not tell anybody about it since that night until to-day. I was afraid to tell because they said they would kill me. The man killed was my cousin. Leung Wah and Sing Dick did not say who killed Lee Hung.
I, know Lee Sing. I saw him in the court here a week ago. The day I was brought up here charged with murder. I saw him again in the Court to-day. I saw him in the train last night at the station. I have not been in gaol since last Thursday. I was bailed out a few days ago by my brother. I don't remember what hour it was. Ah Lee came to the gaol when I got out that day. I know that I was charged with murder, but don't know who by. I know now that I am charged with murder, don't know if it is withdrawn or not. I would like to have it withdrawn if I can. I expect to have it withdrawn. I expect to get clear of it because they tell me not to tell anyone and now I have to tell in the court. I will got off. Nobody told me this. I did not have any discussion with Lee Sing about this. I went to Vancouver with my brother since I got out of gaol and with Hing Quay. My brother told me not to stay here for fear some one would kill me
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 87 File 1901/15 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.