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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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man about some work, I don't know what street, it was lower down than Fisgard Street towards the foundry, coming back I came up Store Street and turned up Fisgard Street, the man I went to see lived 2 or 3 street below Fisgard Street, I saw the man. When the fight commenced there was no other Chinaman that I could see round. I think the Chinaman from the voice was the one called the other a son of a bitch. I saw no weapon except the stick at first, afterwards I saw the Chinaman with another stick, I heard W. Drake was for the defense and I went and told him what I knew of the case, Drake is the first I spoke to about it, I never spoke to any of the Chinamen about it either for the prosecution or for the defense.

To the Court: I don't know the white man he was not quite my height. I think I should know the Chinaman if he was dressed the same as on the night, the Chinaman was about the size and build of Wah Shue the prisoner.

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

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