1892/116 Regina vs. Ah Maw – murder, Cassiar
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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he could account for the blood being there but he would not give me any answers. In searching the burnt house I found Ah Hing's big gun that Ah Maw stated that Ah Hing had carried down to the lower bar with the stock burnt off and also the remains of a shotgun.
After I took the remains of Ah Hing out of the ashes, I called Ah Maw and showed it to him. I said there Ah Maw is Ah HIng when he made a grin and an idiotic laugh. I did arrest Ah Maw at the time but notified Robert Wilson Esq. who was residing at Dease Creek and asked him what I should do in the matter. He answered that he was sick and could not come down but to let him be at large and keep an eye on him and not let run away. On the 24th May Mr. Parks his partner in the Discovery Company came up to me and said that the chinaman had gone crazy and had come to work with a pistol in one hand and a knife in the other. I told Mr Parks he had better let him go if he did not do any harm. About two hours after Mr. Parks left, Ah Maw came up to me with a dirt knife in one hand and a pocket knife in the other, and small Demijohn hanging on his little finger demanding a quart of vinegar. I told him I would not give him anymore vinegar for him to waste as he had got a quart on the the previous Sunday. He then said I had got to give
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 46 File 1892/116 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.