That the said custom is one of ancient and honorable origin among the Chinese, and is so considered by the plaintiff . . . and according to the religious faith entertained by the Chinese which faith the plaintiff believes is attended by suffering and misfortune after death.
. . . the plaintiff’s person was mutilated he was caused great mental anguish and solicitude, has been disgraced in his own eyes & in the eyes of his friends and relatives, and ostracized from the association of respectable members of his countrymen.
Ho Ah Kow Petition 1878
In his petition, Ho Ah Kow described the suffering he endured after the removal of his queue.
