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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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I came out, it was not very dark, the window of the house showed light it was light enough for me to recognize the prisoners, nothing was said to me by any one when I came out. The prisoners were standing each side of the door, none in front but just as soon as I stepped out they all set on to me. I was first struck with an iron bar on the arm. I saw it was an iron bar about 18 inches long, the middle of the bar is about an inch in diameter the end was about as thick as my thumb it was octagonal, it was bright as if it had been filed down. I don't know where the next blow struck as somebody had a knife and I was watching it closely, when they raised the bar I could see it plainly. They did not rush on top of me, they never came on top of me but were all close to my body, after I was struck with the iron bar, they all commenced to strike at me. I was our dizzy after the first blow, I tried to get back to the house after getting dizzy, none of the other could get close to me. I know all the prisoners before, in the City, I know Ah Keung before by name and Ah Wah Shue, Ah Kow I know all the names before, the first person I saw when I came out of the door was Ah Kim. All struck me I saw all striking at me . I come from Canton. I don't know where the other come from in China.
To the Court
the blood came from the wound on my
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.