1882/17 Ah Ton, assault, on CPR railroad construction crew
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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To Wit:
Ah Lon stands charged before the undersigned, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the Colony of British Columbia, this 4th day of November in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two on the 26th of Oct., at Yale
did unlawfully assault Augustus Carroll at the 8 Mile hill Canadian Pacific Railway Works. by striking the said Augustus Carroll on the left arm with a long handle shovel thereby breaking his arm
and the said charge being read to the said Ah Lon, and the witness for the prosecution, being severally examined in his presence, the said Ah Lon is now addressed by me as follows:-
"Having heard the evidence, do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge? You are not obliged to say anything unless you desire to do so; but whatever you say will be taken down in writing, and may be given in evidence against you upon your trial. You have nothing to hope from any promise of favour, and nothing to fear from any thread, which may have been holden out to you to induce you to make any admission or confession of your guilt, but whatever you shall now say may be given in evidence against you upon your trial, notwithstanding such promise or threat. Whereupon the said Ah Long saith as follows: - I did not strike the Complainant.
Signatures: (Guessing) M woniy Lt.
Ah Lon his (chinese? characters) mark