Lee Sam
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, we’ve digitized a small selection of inquests and inquiries from 1872 to 1934, found in series GR-0431. These were chosen to reflect the experiences of early Chinese immigrants to B.C. – their living and working conditions, and their unfortunate accidental or unusual deaths. They range from a woman working in a brothel in Barkerville who died of natural causes to three sawmill workers who died from malnutrition. Learn more.
*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.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 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.
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going at a big speed. We were about a mile from shore in our abandoned [side]. There is a bay on what was our port side. I around say hors from (?) [/strikethrough] We were about 500 yards from land on to the port side. The enterprise could go within 60 yards of Jones Island. She could've gone 450 yards nearer shore than she did. The two tides meet where the collision returned. The enterprise was about ten ships lengths from us when i noticed her port her return. There was plenty of room for us to pass to starboard. By the yosemite I had the wheel. The captain mate gave the order but never touched the wheel. One of them was always there. I never had change of the steamer except for a few minutes.
Before and after I blew the whistle the mate was near enough to give orders if needed
I understand the use of chart and compass. Can take a boat anywhere round these islands.
Harry Rawnell (signed)
The above depositions of Asbury Inslet and Harry Rawnell were severally taken upon oath and acknowledged at the place first above mentioned on the fifth day of August 1885 before me
Armin Pharson [?] Coroner (signature)
The deposition was then further ad-