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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
A.F.P. (S.M.) 23 March/80
In the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Before Sir Matthew Begbie, Chief Justice
Calendar
General Assize
Held at Victoria on Monday the Second day of June 1879.
No.; Name of Prisoner; Indictment; Finding of Grand Jury; Plea; Verdict; Sentence
1. Ah Mow; Larceny; True Bill; Not Guilty; Guilty; Eighteen calendar months
2. Ah Mow; Larceny; True Bill; Not Guilty; Guilty; Imprisonment with hard labour
3. George Lucky; assaulting a Peace Officer in the due execution of his duty; 2. common assault; True Bill; Not Guilty; Not Guilty
4. Charles Bell; sodomy; True Bill; Not Guilty; Guilty; Imprisonment in Penitentiary for life
5. William Johns; assaulting a Peace Officer in the due execution of his duty; 2. common assault; True Bill; Not Guilty; Guilty with a recommendation to mercy; to pay costs of Trial if some not paid, 1 month further imprisonment
6. John Tod; larceny; True Bill; Not Guilty; Not Guilty
7. Gustave Scherer; illicit distilling; No Bill;
8. Willianm Steinberger; illicit distilling; True Bill; Not Guilty; Not Guilty
9. Ralph Ingham 1. Larceny 2. feloniously receiving; True Bill; Not Guilty; Not Guilty
10. William Playfair; assaulting a Peace Officer in the due execution of his duty; 2. common assault; 3. Comtempt of Court; True Bill; Not Guilty; Guilty on 1st and 3rd counts; three months imprisonment with hard labour
Victoria June 16th 1879, James C. Prevost, Registrar, S.C. Matt. B. Begbie C.J.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 19 File 1880/13 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.