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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

I saw two fighting at the lower end of Fisgard Street on South side of the street, close by where the fire was, I saw a Chinaman, had on one these grey blouses, I heard someone call another a son of a bitch, two men had hold of a stick one was a Chinaman the other there was a white man, I saw the same Chinaman take hold of another stick and make a hit at the white man the white man got possession of the weapon he knocked the Chinaman down with it, he hit him somewhere about the head, the Chinaman fell inside of a doorway, the whiteman jumped at him and beat him, the Chinese then seemed to rise right round, I heard some whistling the whiteman rushed off towards Store Street, I went away immediately afterwards, I don't know how the whiteman was dressed.

To Mr. Drake I know the time by when I got home I got home at 20 minutes past 8, I live on Pandora St I am a fireman of Steamer Olympian. I had come from the direction Collins store and came up that street, I had business to attend to before going home. I decline to say what business. I passed through Government street, I was walking round and do not recollect what other streets I went through, I left home I believe about 6 o'clock and went to see a

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

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

e

Image 24 of 35