1880/13 Regina vs. Ah Mow – escape
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Indictable Offences
(M) See s. 29.
Depositions of Witnesses
Canada City of Victoria Province of British Columbia
The examination of Charles Todd, Supt. of Police of Victoria taken on this twenty-third day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty, at Victoria, in the Province aforesaid, before the undersigned, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said Province, in the presence and hearing of Ah Mow a Chinaman who is this day charged before me.
This deponent Charles Todd, upon his oath deposeth , saith as follows:
I have heard my information read and it is true. I produce the calendar of the prisoner of the last spring assizes held in Victoria and the name of the prisoner appears on the calendar, and I identify him as the prisoner who escaped from the chain gang
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 19 File 1880/13 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.