Transcription Page

1884/16 Ah Keong, attempted murder, big scrap in Victoria’s Chinatown

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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I saw a lot of men standing at the door with white handkerchiefs around their necks. Ah Keung was standing there, Ah Kow and Ah Shuk had an iron bar in his hands Ah Shuk had something like a big nail, Ah Kow came and struck me with the iron bar first, they all commenced and struck me I got dizzy and I tried to get inside the house, I was struck on the side of the chin and the blood ran along my shoulder I was struck with something on the shin that went through my clothes. I was also struck on the knee, I was struck on the left ear. I could not tell which struck me they were all around me the five prisoners in the dock are the persons who surrounded me and their names are Wah Shue, Ah Kow, Ah Keoug, Mong Guen, Ah Shuk. When I came to my senses I was in goal.

To Mr Drake

this was on Tuesday last between 7 and 8 at night I went to the house on Fisgard street, next door to where AH Kow was killed the second house from Store Street. This is the house I went to borrow the pipe it is a house of prostitution. I was not drunk. I was sober, There was Ah Hung his wife and two others in the house I first went to. I did not see any white persons there. I was in the house just time enough for her to let me have the pipe. I did not see any people in the street when I went in, there were more than 20 people in the street when

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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