1870/5 Ah Qui, abduction (wife theft and sale)*
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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with the said Lee Bing against the Peace &c &c
And the Jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do further present that the said Ah Qui on the said 30 day of June in the year aforesaid at Victoria aforesaid the said Ah You against the will of the said Ah You and without any legal warrant authority or reasonable or justifiable cause whatsoever did imprison and detain so imprisoned for a long space of time and other wrongs to the said Ah You did to the great damage of the said Ah You And against the Peace &c
And the Jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do further present that the said Ah Qui afterwards to wit on the 12 day of July in the year aforesaid at Nanaimo aforesaid the said Ah You did transfer to one Lee Bing in Consideration of a large sum of money to wit the sum of $360 for the purpose of Cohabitation and carnal connection with the said Lee Bing in Contempt of our said Lady the Queen and her laws to the Evil example of all others in the like care offending and against the Peace of our Lady the Queen her crown and dignity.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 9 File 1870/5 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.