Joseph Lewis, the truly first Portuguese Joe No. 1

(Do Not) “Hang and draw,

And set in judgement after. "

(Henry Crease*, Lewis' lawyer)

The British Colonist, June 3, 1859, p.2

BARBAROUS MURDER-On or about Wednesday night, Johnston Cochrane, one of

the police was barbarously murdered on the road to Craig Flower, where the body

was discovered lying, having received two shots, one through the head and another,

in the mouth. A colored man is suspected, whom the deceased was in search of, for

having stolen some pigs. Yesterday he was arrested some seven miles from this

town, towards Saanitch. His name is Joseph Lewis, alias Portuguese Joe, a native

of the Cape de Verde Islands. He will be examined this morning.

On application of Sheriff Heaton, His Excellency, Gov. Douglas, has offered 100 (pounds)

for the arrest and conviction of the murderer. We sincerely hope, that no effort or

expense will be spared in bringing the perpetrator of this awful crime to speedy justice.

During the past year several murders have been committed, supposed to have been done by whitemen, but no conviction has resulted.

June 6, 1859, p. 2

THE MURDER OF JOHNSON COCHRANE--

The officers of justice have not yet succeeded

in obtaining necessary evidence of the complicity of

the colored man, “ Portuguese Joe”

in this crime . He is still in prison and

we hear that every effort is being made to

arrest the perpetrator of the foul deed.

June 13, 1859, p. 3

VICTORIA POLICE COURT

-----

BEFORE JUSTICE PEMBERTON

SATURDAY, June 11th

The Murdered Policeman, Cochrane--

A half-breed, Jollibeau, who resides

with his father on the farm of the late Dr. Kenedy,

was very closely interrogated by justice

Pemberton, to learn if he had any connection

with Joe Lewis, the party in prison.

It appeared that he had been engaged in

the early part of the year, with two colored

men, in shooting game for the market. A double barreled

gun with one rifle, and one smooth bore, together with a revolver and,

fowling-piece were produced in court ;

he swore that they had not been out of his possession on

the supposed day of the murder, and also that he had very little knowledge of the accused. His sister, who seemed to know very little of the rules of court, and gave the Judge considerable trouble, failed to connect, in any way, the parties, but distinctly swore that she had never seen Lewis. Jollibeau was set at liberty. As yet there is no evidence to implicate any party. The officers are still in pursuit of the murderers. Lewis will be brought up again on Thursday.

June 17, 1859, p.3

VICTORIA POLICE COURT

-----

BEFORE JUSTICE PEMBERTON

WEDNESDAY, 15^th June.

ACQUITTAL: Joseph Lewis, charged with

being concerned in the murder of Policeman

Cochrane, was called up for final examination.

The Crown Solicitor asked to remand him; but the prisoner's

counsel, Mr. Crease, objected. Officer Smith, being

sworn, testified that there was no prospect

of further evidence to show that the prisoner was

concerned in the murder. The court suggested

that the prisoner make a voluntary statement,

warning him not to confess anything to convict himself.

Lewis then stated that he had slept at Victoria

Brewery, the night previous to the murder;

that he started early to go to Porter's farm;

Porter considered it too late to hunt up

cattle, so he returned to the Brewery; slept

there that night with a man named Wallace.

He had no firearms; was by trade

a butcher; did not know the deceased; had

no idea of a warrant being out for his arrest

on a charge of stealing pigs; lived on

Johnson street .

Two witnesses were called, Mr. Wallace

and Mr. Steinberg; who corroborated his

statement.

Mr. Crease asked for his immediate

acquital.

The Court questioned Lewis very closely

as to his mode of life; stated that he was

suspected of killing cattle and pigs,--and

warned him if he came before him, bonds

would be required for his good behavior.

Mr. Crease hoped his Worship would not

“Hang and draw,

And set in judgement after. "

Lewis was then discharged.

ON SUSPICION--Francoise Presse

was arraigned on the charge of being concerned

in the murder of Johnson Cochrane; but

after a short examination, was remanded

till tomorrow.

In 1858 Henry Crease was the first barrister qualified to practice as a Barrister of Her Majesty's Court of Civil Justice for Vancouver Island.  He was later appointed Attorney General.

Sir Henry Pering Pellew Crease
Henry Pering Pellew Crease
Supreme Court of British Columbia
In office May 13, 1870 – January 20, 1896
Appointed by	Anthony Musgrave
Attorney General of British Columbia
In office October 15, 1861 – May 13, 1870
Appointed by	James Douglas