Transcription Page

1910/58 Rex .vs Lee Sing and Lee Lewis – carrying dangerous weapons

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q Do you know what was in those tin boxes? A Suppose opium. Sergeant Leatherdale, he took them, and searched the Shinamen. Q Have you ever seen boxes similar to these? A Yes sir. MR KENNEDY: I will put in the two boxes as "C" and "D" with the contents as they stand now. Q Did you open the revolvers? A I opened the revolvers snd brought them to the Station. Q Anything in them? A. Both loaded. Q Have you got those shells here? A Yes sir. Q What calibre were the revolvers? A Didn't pay attention to that. Q Were they shells similar to these? A Yes sir. Q What did you so with the cartridges you got out of the revolvers? A Sergeant leatherdale took them.


CROSS EXAMINATION

BY MR RUSSEL: Q Did you see anytning of the Chinaman again [?] whom you first stopped [?] on Dunlevy Avenue? A I did not. Q Have you seen anything of him since? A I would him again if I saw him? Q He came running from the direction of Water Street? A No from Westminster Avenue. Q Along what street? A Powell Street. Q Where did you meet him? A Dunlevy Avenue and Powell Street; he was running all excited. Q Who was with him? A Another man by the name of O'Brien.

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