[Editor’s notes: The letters on this page derive from several sources, principally FBI Section 126 • EE-1 • Letters to Dad (K-M); FBI Section 130 • EE-2 • Letters to Jim Jones; and FBI Sections 121-123 • BB-31 – BB-32 • Tim Stoen, D Touchette.
[Insofar as possible, these letters have been arranged in alphabetical order of the writer’s last name. Unless otherwise noted, the letters retain their original spelling and grammar.
[Peoples Temple member often used old reports and documents as scratch paper, using the reverse side of these pages for their letters. We have labeled and transcribed those scratch pages which include information about Jonestown.]
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EE-1-L-62
Affidavit from Phillip Lacy, December 15, 1975
My name is Phillip Lacy. For the past several months I have lack in my possession an am, fm tuner (Realistic Brand). The tuner was bought for church use, with church funds, and I had the job of making sure it was available for church use, and in good repair. I last saw it on November 28, 1975. When I returned from thanksgiving hollidays on or about december first I found it missing. A thorough search was made, but it still wasn’t found. about a week later at school I saw a guy named steve matte carrying what appeared to be the tuner. I later found out that a few days before he had gone to the church to pick up some personal stuff and was seen leaving with the tuner. I do not know where he lives.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Phillip Lacy
12/15/1975
[Editor’s note: Official Seal, Grace L Stoen, Notary Public California, Principal Office in Mendocino County. My commission expires on April 13, 1977.]
Grace L. Stoen
Notary Public
Dec 15, 1975
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EE-1-L-10
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Lossie Mae Lang.
I Lossie Lang feel that socialism is the only way and the greatest life to live in the world. I don’t want no other life. It teaches me to be my brother’s keeper and share with my fellowman it teaches the truth and love that what the [illegible words] off make me want to do [illegible word] for others give me a new look on life I never Been so happy in all of my life
thank you father
I what ever for you are for me
Father I do love this. It is so Beautifull has everything a [illegible word] could want it could be made into a Parisdite right here we last this first Parasdite and could be Rebuilt it right here if we are aloud the chance But we Dont want nothing at [illegible word] to you for with you we all are Dead
We no that I am [illegible words] life is over anytime for a [illegible words] ever [illegible words] go only where [illegible words] any where you are and all in peace I hate to see you hurt you are so wonderfull and my life what you plan is fine for me all ways.
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EE-1-L-34
Undated note from Lossie Lang.
[Editor’s note: Lack of punctuation marks, misspelled words, and other errors have been retained.]
Why we left the united states
Because we wanted to get out off a caplisted state where we might be Put in a concentration camp Be Kill at any time and we wanted to be a free Peoples Knowing that they have change so many laws.
You spoke about a Bome that the united state had made which would kill a hole city of Peoples and not harm a Paper or Pincle it only kill Peoples. you also told us about a law [illegible word] they pass saying that you could be ask a question by a Police man if you Didint give him the answer he wanted he Put you in jail keep you as long as he wanted to nothing you could do about it. and there Been a law Pass where no Blacks or indians are a loud to be Doctors or lawyers. and there be earth quicks foot shortes on here Peoples starve to Death. They poison the water to Kill Blacks and not harm the White you also told us about a misel carring a Boms flying tree level could hit a [illegible word] Kill all the Peoples in united state said the Police would go throw your house without a Permit nothing be Dont about that
Lossie Lang
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Undated Thank You to Jim Jones from Zuretti Langston
EE-2-k-15
Dad there is no words to express the love, you give to all of us. I can say thank you again and again, and that’s still not enough. But I’ll say it again. Thank you Dad for saving Marianita [Langston] life again.
Zuretti Langston
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EE-1-L-32 – L-33
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Marie Lawrence
To: Dad
From: Marie Lawrence
Dad I am proud to have been asked by you to become a member of such a community as Peoples Temple here in Jonestown and the United States. I am glad that my offspring are here as I really think about I could be dead, but they could be do some of the things that sent me to jail & prison so many times in my youth. As I look at the things that are here in Guyana in Jonestown that will make a beautiful future for my/our children I sincerely thank you for asking us here.
My daughter Dee Dee who is in the Jonestown drill team and who represents us in the P.N.C. [People’s National Congress] could be a tamp or whored [tramp or whore] lost in some big city now as so many other young girls are. She would not have all the advantages of this group to protect and love her, to fight her battles. The fact is I have 4 children but looking at Dee Dee today dancing for the guest and remembering how I wanted to dance and be an important representative for something as a youth and never got any place – and how I went from man to man looking for purpose through sexual activity which never got me any place – I thank you Dad that Dee Dee has a chance to be excepted here as a whole women with talents and the ability to be productive because of her abilities not because of any sexual knowledge she may or may not pick up when the times come for that. Thank you for the opportunity you allow me to study with our engineer and develop my ideas to help myself & others as I’ve always dreamed I wanted to do, but because of my role in Amerikaka as a third class black female citizen I was never allowed the chances you are giving all females here. Thank you also for being my Dad in such an individual way, to meet all my needs whatever they are even though I really don’t deserve anything. Thank you for loving all of us and living to teach us how to be true humans & socialist. Thank you for loving Vickie-Wabley & Jameel also and seeing to it that they get the right training to bring them in to the right projection necessary to become tried socialist representatives in the third world.
Thank you, Dad
Marie
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EE-1-L-1
Photocopy of Carolyn Layton’s passport.
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EE-1-L-127 – L-128
Letter to Jim Jones from Karen Layton, June 6, 1978
to Jim
from Karen
Tues., June 6
I talked to Lisa for a long time tonight. I asked her if she was going to stay home tonight since she wasn’t feeling well and she said no, she hated to stay home alone as she got to thinking about Debbie, and she got tears in her eyes. Said she’s really been thinking about it all the time recently, and it is getting worse. Said she just can’t deal with deceivers and liers, and I asked her who she was talking about, and she said Debbie. Then she said that it’s effected her ability to trust anybody anymore. Said she hardly believed a word anyone said to her. Said she knew that was bad and she would overcome it, but right now she couldn’t help it. I thought she was really talking about you, so I asked her point out if she had doubts about what she was told about Debbie. She said that even I had told her fibs, and that anything is suppose to be ok as long as it’s “for the cause.” She said the only thing she could deal with about Debbie is that she took $15,000, but then she wondered if we had counted right or if there was some mistake. I looked her right in the eyes and spoke firmly but lovingly. I said that you nor no one had told her anything about Debbie that wasn’t true. I wished it wasn’t true, but it was. I said about the money, that money had been in my closet, that there were stacks of American dollars in there, stacks and stacks filling up a whole box, and she took every last dollar and only left the American change. I swore it all was true on your life. She said well that was just unforgiveable for her to have done that. She said she wondered still if she was pregnant. I said she had gained weight in town but I didn’t think she was pregnant.
Then she brought up Annalisa. Said when she first got upset over Debbie (like she is now) was when she was called in the radio room about calling Annalisa [Valentine, Debbie’s sister. Lisa’s other daughter]. Said she was upset because she had never gotten any letter from Annalisa saying she was coming, and that that was the first she had heard of it. Said in fact she had only gotten a couple of letters from her since she’s been here. I said that Annalisa had written Debbie in town (several letters) and that I thought Debbie had passed them on to her and had communicated to Lisa about Annalisa, though I said I did find the letters (a couple of them) in G-town after Debbie left.) I said I wondered why Debbie had not told Lisa. Lisa said she was upset because the thought of seeing or talking to Annalisa was disturbing because she didn’t know what to say to her. She was afraid Annalisa had said something to her in a letter which she hadn’t gotten and she wouldn’t know the reference if Annalisa asked her about it. Said she couldn’t see Annalisa in Matthews Ridge as what could she tell her. If she said the roads were bad, too bad to go to Jonestown, then Annalisa would say “Then how did you get here?” Said she didn’t see why Annalisa couldn’t come in here, as she couldn’t help but like it here. I said to remember that Ray [Valentine, Annalisa’s husband] would be with her, that she wouldn’t come without Ray, and that Ray was hostile and would be looking for anything wrong#. I said to us it’s beautiful, but to people who are looking for something, this place would be “muddy” and “crowded” (housing crowded) considering how bourquoise they are. Lisa said that was true, that we couldn’t have Ray come in here, that she definitely wouldn’t want him here. She said she just couldn’t believe that Annalisa would be working for anyone like the CIA. I said for her not to forget that since Debbie was telling her all these lies – police state, etc. – that Annalisa would think she was doing Lisa a favor to go to Stoen or whoever and try her best to get Lisa out of here. (She didn’t come back on that one.)
Then she said she’s just been feeling so much more sure – you have to learn the news, you have to go to the meeting, and that meeting, etc. I said that you had told her several times for her not to feel pressured to go to them all. She said you had never told her yourself that, that Debbie had given her messages from you, but now she doesn’t know if anything Debbie told her was true or if she was just saying that. I said well you had told me to tell her she didn’t have to go or stay at all the meetings, and you had sent her home from meetings yourself. She said that was true. Said she doesn’t feel right not going, but it would help for her not to always feel she had to stay to the end. Said she had been working harder lately and not getting as much rest as she did, and she’s been very very tired. She’s trying to get some medical lists done.
Said she got diahrea last night and has been feeling especially bad, so things are getting to her more. Said she ate some sour cereal yesterday at noon time. Doesn’t know if that caused her to have diahrea or not. But she was upset with the incident. She got the cereal and it tasted sour and she told Eva [Pugh], and Eva replied, “Dad # said to eat the sour food, that it won’t hurt you.” So Lisa ate it, but she was pissed at Eva, and wanted to know if you really said that – she couldn’t believe you would have said “that.” (I had taken Monique’s cereal back to the kitchen (the same batch) and Mary Tschetter said it was “spoiled” as it smelled horrible, and she said that you had said to serve the food anyway, even if it was starting to go bad, as it wouldn’t hurt people.) I told Lisa this, only because she said she was going to go confront Eva about using your name when she didn’t think you said it. I said I thought they had both misinterrupted you, that certainly I thought you meant if food is just starting to turn it would be ok, but I was sure you would have never had anyone eat that cereal – no way. (and I don’t believe you would have.) (Paula [Adams] first told me the cereal was spoiled, as she noticed Monique wouldn’t eat it, then Paula tasted it, and told me.)
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EE-1-L-129
Undated note from Karen Layton
2) No one here knowns this, so please never breathe this to a soul. I have sexual compulsion towards several children here, and I have sexually molested 3 little girls and 2 boys. They have not told on me, but I am scared to death they will. I threatened to kill them if they told. I know because of your past, you will understand. I’m glad I have no guilt about this, as I hate to feel guilty. I really believe as you do in the philosophy, “If it feels good, do it!’
Well, I’ll write again soon.
Always, Karen Layton
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EE-1-L-130
Undated note from Karen Layton
2) I know that I’m at odds with Peoples Temple, because they are totally in support of the PNC, the government party in this country, and I hate it. I think the Peoples National Congress stinks, and Burnham is a rotten leader. He’s greedy and takes all the wealth of this country for himself and lets the people live in poverty.
All Jim Jones does is praise the Prime Minister (Burnham) so I don’t see how I can continue to stay here. I hate Burnham and his government so bad, I’d like to see overthrown, and I’ve begun meeting with some people in the hopes of accomplishing this mission. Of
3) Course, neither Jim or any of the people here know of my activities yet, because if they did, they’d turn me in as being a traitor to the country. So I sneak out at night to go to my meetings when everyone else is asleep. Overthrowing this government seems to be the most important thought in my mind these days. My secret friends and I are presently in the process of purchasing some explosives which we intend to use.
Well, I’ll write you again when I have some more definite plans. I miss you.
Love,
Karen Layton
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EE-1-L-131 – L-134
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Karen Layton
from Karen Layton
Jim:
I have always had a strong physical attraction for you and still do, but all my sexual experiences with you were so painful emotionally that I hardly even fantasize about you anymore. I felt humiliated and rejected after each experience, and just wanted to kick myself for having allowed myself to get involved again. I really have no fond or sentimental feelings about being with you because I always knew that you never really desired or trusted me, and I always felt totally insecure and unsure of myself around you.
I know you wanted only to help me, and I’m sure it did in the long run. I’m sure the reason I never got involved with anyone else sexually (over the yrs.) was because of you.
There are several men here who aren’t bad looking but none of them are really attractive to me. Bruce Turner is the only man in the group that I can think of whom I’ve had any attraction for. I know he’s retarded and an intellectual dud, so I don’t know what the interest is.
I only met about two men in town who were attractive to me, and I had nothing to do with either one. One (don’t remember his name) is a man who’s the secretary for the National Sports Council. He & his wife took Paula & I home one day, & she commented also on how nice looking he was; The other guy I had less attraction for, tho some – His name is Rudy Collins & he’s the permanent secretary and works across from Fred Wills office.
There are several women who are attractive to me. Shirley Robinson, Loretta Chavis, Shanda Oliver, Teri Carter, Kim Barnett, Carolyn L. & Paula Adams somewhat. I don’t think my attractions are as much towards young girls as it is for petite women, as I am always hung up on weight – my own narcissism.
I’m sorry I have failed you so many times, and especially this last time – and particularly since you have personally spent so much effort in trying to help me & instill principle in me. I can hardly fear the reality of having talked to Gene [Chaikin].
P.S. I don’t want any relationship with anyone & don’t need one.
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Karen Layton note to Jim Jones, Spring 1978
BB-3-hh-1
To: Jim
Fr: Karen [Layton]
Thursday
Terri Carter – I overheard Terri telling Debbie Blakey that there was a lot of pressure on people in Jonestown. She said there were meetings practically every night that you had to go to. First she said there was a meeting every night, and then as she went over each meeting every night, she said she guessed that we had two nights off each week. She said to Debbie B., “It’s really bad.” Debbie B.’s response was “Barf.”
Terri told Debbie B. and myself that there was a lot of pressure to know the news all the time. She said you were constantly tested and people were asked at random in public meetings to answer questions, and you were quite embarrassed if you didn’t know the news. I just said that I really wanted to know the news, because in town we hardly heard any except what we read in the Chronicle. Terri said once she was asked and she didn’t know the answer.
I felt Terri was just mouthing off like a lot of people do who come in from Jonestown. People like to tell us in town what is going on with the discipline out in Jonestown, but they rarely tell us all the really great things that are going on too. Jack is great for telling disciplines too. Patty C. [Cartmell] started telling about some people in trouble and I stopped her and said I was tired of people in town always getting one side, and not the positive, because the one side is really put into perspective, and I didn’t know who it might effect. So Patty stopped and started telling about some good things happening. (Not that discipline isn’t good, when I think you know what I mean.)
I find Terri Carter emotional and somewhat hard to deal with. She gets quite bitchy at times, and responded to things at times like Debbie Blakey. I guess that’s another reason why I didn’t note Debbie B.’s attitude so much, because Terri Carter didn’t seem that different to me. Although Terri does have a concern about things, which Debbie seemed to show disinterest in in the end.
I caught Linda Mitchell in a couple of lies the other day. She had gotten the chicken I had bought for the guests out of the kitchen and was on her way downstairs with it when Joan [Pursley] asked her what she was doing with it. She said, “Karen asked me to bring it to her.” Joan told me about it and I asked Linda about it and she lied. (She did bring it to me because she had no other choice.) That was when Dr. Thain was there. Then recently Rhonda [Forston] told me that Linda said to her then I included for them all to go to the beach because I wanted to go myself since I had not gotten to go the night before. (This was a ridiculous lie – I never said any such thing.) Also, Daisy [Lee] told me that Linda told her that I had cleared it for them to go procure show tickets so they could go to the show. So I confronted Linda the other day about all of these things. She said all 3 people were lying on her. I said I didn’t believe they were. She had tried to say that Erin [Eichler] that said I said I wanted to go to the beach, and Erin was there and said that wasn’t true too. Rhonda was right there and said “you did say that Linda,” and I was sure Rhonda and Erin were not lying. Then Terri, who had been sitting there listening and saying nothing, blasted at me and said that I had no business, or something like that, using Joan’s name since Joan
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BB-3-hh-2
was not even there. I said yes, but I had discussed it with Joan before and Linda before and Linda knew what I was talking about. But Terri continued, instead of giving support to what I was trying to say, to confront me about Joan. So I dropped it. Then Linda came in the hall and said it was true what Joan had said, but that Rhonda and Daisy were not telling the truth. I just said I didn’t wish to discuss it with her privately. I called Terri in to talk to her privately, and said that I didn’t appreciate her confronting me when I was trying to confront someone who was obviously trying to manipulate situations by using my name. She was somewhat pissy at first, and said that she had seen the situation with Daisy and Linda had only been teasing her by using my name. (However, if she was teasing as Terri said, Daisy believed it and went and got dressed to go.) I said that I knew that Rhonda and Joan had not been lying, and it was obvious to anyone that Linda was out of line. Finally she said half heartedly that she could see what I was trying to say. I told her when she disagreed with me, she should tell me privately and not confront me when I am trying to straighten up situations in the house.
Another situation came up over Jimmy [Jim Jones Jr.] that I should probably mention, as you might have heard about it. I happened to hear that Jimmy was going around town by himself making contacts with bands and places to perform. I had understood he was going to be doing this with Tim, and when I heard he had been by himself, I thought it was greatly unwise. 1) I felt Jimmy was not safe to be anywhere by himself considering mercenaries and enemies. 2) I felt if someone verbally attacked him or whatever, they might give him upset to violence which could get him hurt or cause problems for him and us, since there are people around who are hostile to us. 3) I felt anything he said – being your son – could be used against us, even more than what some other PR people might say. 4) We have been told to go in 2’s and not make PR contacts by ourselves. 5) I felt he was quite young and inexperienced.
I had no problems with Jimmy in town, and his attitude was helpful and cooperative. So when I brought this up in a meeting that I felt he shouldn’t be going out by himself, I was just trying to make a point. I was not attacking him or even confronting him really. I said I didn’t feel I should have been told that he was going out alone, but I felt this was Tim’s fault too that I had not known. I got no support from anyone in the room on this point. When I asked Sharon her opinion later, she said that she didn’t think Jimmy would make any more mistakes than I would make (referring I’m sure to my blunder with Blackman’s son which I know she already told you about.) I thought she did say I might have a point about the danger. She said you praised Jimmy on the radio for doing so good getting places to play for the band. I said I wished I had been told so that perhaps I would not have made a big deal about Jimmy not being by himself (though I still was not convinced that you would want him by himself.)
Anyway, I wanted you to know my reasoning for it, and it wasn’t because I was trying to put Jimmy down. Jimmy was actually helpful and I enjoyed him being there. Also, the next day I dropped him off alone downtown to pick up some printing for us. He asked me to so I did, and I wasn’t about to say anything about it at that point.
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BB-3-hh-3
Jack Beam – I feel Jack is extremely negative, though I believe he always has been. I think he likely prefers it in town and will probably try to stay in. He makes little remarks all the time which show me he’s not in agreement with what is happening. I can’t even remember all of his remarks but for instance, I was reading a news article the other day and he walked by and said something to the effect that I must be worried I am going to get tested on it like we do in Jonestown.
When Richard [Janaro] and Jack were put off on the boat and told to wait till Terri B. [Buford] came in, Jack was so hostile he said ‘I feel Like Killing Someone.’ Of course he was just mouthing off, but I’m not so sure he didn’t mean it, and his hostilities certainly were not directed at our enemies. He was constantly making remarks about the boat – being put on stand by, that we had to have everything cleared by Harriet [Tropp] and Gene [Chaikin], etc. The night they were told Terri was coming in, Richard came to me and said he was wondering if he could take Jack out somewhere because he was so upset he was just pacing the floor – take him out to get something to drink like a coke, and that frankly, he (Richard) was upset too. I told Richard the next day that I thought he and Jack fed each other’s negativity, and that I felt it was up to Richard to show principle and not fall into Jack’s negative bag. Richard agreed.
I went one day with Jack and Richard to meet the man who owns the boat and tell him that we were waiting on our secretary to come in from the interior. They kissed this guy’s ass so bad I was really surprised. They kept saying how sorry they were, how great a man he was, how they couldn’t remember when they had done business with anyone nicer, that he was so patient with us, etc. I tried to tell them later when they were complaining to me that we shouldn’t be putting this man off because he had gone so far out of his way for us by giving us the crew and the insurance, etc., I told them that they sounded like the guy was a humanitarian instead of a business man, and that the reason he had gone so far out of his way for us was because he wanted our money, our American money. They disagreed, and said he could have gotten §170,000 if he had wanted, but he liked us and wanted to help us. I continued to disagree with them, but finally dropped the conversation when they continued to argue.
I basically like Richard in terms of liking to work with him because he is consistent, dependable and follows through on things. He pushes and gets things done. I don’t know who could possible replace him if he were brought in. I felt he was very dependable with the books also and seemed to be on top of everything as far as I could tell. However, Debbie T. [Touchette] told me just before I left that the bank had called her 3 times about overdrawn checks, and she wondered what Richard was doing.
I frankly think Debbie is threatened by Richard’s efficiency, and there’s something in her that would like to see Richard look bad. However, she might be right about the checks – I don’t know. I only heard this the day I left and I didn’t have time to look in to it.
One thing I can say about Richard is that he cleared things with me before he did them; he always was accountable as far as I know for his time. He and Jack and Ujara [Don Sly] went to the show a few times, but Richard always asked if they could go out and procure tickets to go. They never paid for tickets that I know of. I never let anyone go to the show the time I was there and pay for it other than for the guests, and Helen [Swinney] when she was there. I never went to a show myself, nor did Tim Carter or Debbie T. and some of the PR people.
Jack continually makes his sexual jokes which really piss me off. I simply can’t stand him. He makes remarks to Erin about Gregg all the time, and he really likes to put her down. Also, he started on Terri Jones about how she was ‘dancing’ with Lew and got her baby. Whenever myself or anyone else has tried to confront him, he’s gotten hostile and then later made digs at us in terms of hostile joking.
Jack and Debbie Blakey were always joking around together, and they really pissed me off because I could never get a meeting through at night without them making alot of jokes and interrupting what I was trying to do. They also liked to play around together like they were doing karate, playing and sometimes even wrestling. Also, one day when I said something about Jack on the radio – I said he acted like he was an authority on something – Debbie jumped down my throat real hostile and nasty and told me I was being so two-faced and why hadn’t I confronted Jack to his face if I thought that. What it was is that we had gotten an order for 54 barrels, but when I gave it to Jack and Richard, he said they did not need them because our new shipment just out of Customs had barrels in them, so forget the order. The next morning Paula gave me the same order over the radio, and I told her that Jack had said we didn’t need them and why, so she went and checked and came back and said we did need them, so I said that Jack had acted like he was an authority on it.
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BB-3-hh-5
Continued on Jack
Jack never asked directly where Debbie B. was, but he did ask me what was going on. I just said I thought Stoen had stirred up some shit, and that Debbie Blakey had gone to England and that Terri Buford and Maria were going to join her there. I said I thought it had something to do with finances (this was the message Tim C. gave me to say from the radio, tho Paula told me out here it was the wrong place – it was supposed to be Europe instead of England.) Anyway, Jack seemed to buy the story and didn’t say any more.
Rhonda asked me about Debbie. She and Debbie B. seemed close. When I got up that first morning and asked where Debbie was, Rhonda is the one who said she saw Debbie out at the airport. That day we told her later she was over with Mrs. DeCosta who was sick. That next night she woke me up late at night after coming home, from the airport to ask me where Debbie was. I told her the same story about, going to England. She said had been worried because when she had asked if some of them could go to the beach, Debbie T. told her that Jim didn’t want anyone going anywhere away from the house. I just told her I didn’t know anything about that message – which I didn’t at the time – and that it wasn’t even related to Debbie I was .sure, because I knew nothing of it. The next day I talked to Rhonda again and she seemed to be ok. I told her with the mercenaries and enemies coming over, that actually all of us should be much more careful. I don’t know if this was right to tell her, because this is the 1st I think she had heard of the mercenaries. (I didn’t realize she didn’t know.)
Gladys Boyer, told me she missed Debbie B, and that she had cried all day from missing her. I never said a word to her about it, and didn’t try to explain. Debbie B. spent a lot of time with Gladys, and rubbed her back for her alot and talked to her alot. She always talked about how “pretty and beautiful” Gladys was.
(By the way, Gladys is a very dear lady and we all grew to love her. If we ever do take in a Guyanese family, I would think she would fit right in. She is a fantastic cook, helped in the house all the time, etc.) She went home on our boat this time, and said she might come Sunday to visit.)
I made a statement to Debbie Blakey which I had no business making. I never talked anymore about Sharon to anyone after you confronted me except this one time, and I said something to Debbie B. about her. I had gotten a package with a few clothes in it from my mom, but I was embarrassed to tell anyone because Sharon A. had confronted me over asking for clothes. She had read a letter to Richard from Claire [Janaro] which said that since I had asked for some clothes for PR, she had made sure Sandy [Bradshaw] sent some down (or Alice [Ingram].) Sharon asked me about this, why I had asked for clothes when I had a whole closet of Paula’s clothes in my closet. I said first of all all I asked for where some tops, and hair conditioner, and 2nd of all I couldn’t even wear the clothes Paula had because they were too small, and Paula had taken alot of her stuff with her anyway. Sharon didn’t act like she bought my explanation and it pissed me off because she constantly asked Sandy for clothes, and every time some new people came down (most times) there was a package in there for Sharon personally. I know I wasn’t doing the heavy PR like Sharon, but I still had to go out at times in town. Anyway, when I got this package from my mom, I didn’t tell anyone, though Sharon saw me walk through the front room with it and asked me what it was and I said “a package.” Then I got embarrassed that I had gotten a couple of things that people could wear for PR and I wanted to share them, so I told Debbie I had gotten some things from my mom, and I showed her what they were and said she could wear them. Then I went on to tell her, which I shouldn’t have, that I hadn’t told anyone I had gotten these clothes because Sharon had confronted me about asking for clothes from Claire, though she had gotten things herself from states. Though I did say I knew she did do alot more PR of course, and did need things (or something like that.)
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BB-3-hh-6
That’s all I can really remember saying negative to Debbie, as I could never relate to her. When I said, this about the clothes, she said not one word, and I knew I had opened my big mouth again and made another mistake.
I heard Debbie Blakey and Terri Carter talked pretty bad about Sharon the night we had some seniors come in, and Debbie told Sharon she should be out of her room to give it to the seniors. She was leaving for Jonestown the next day anyway Debbie said and should have already been out of the room. Sharon said she had planned to stay in the room and type and continue packing after the seniors got there – which was late from the airport about 2 AM, and Debbie really started yelling at Sharon and said she knew she should have been out of there. Debbie got real nasty with Sharon. However, I did think Sharon should have had her stuff out, because it would have been a bit inconsiderate to stay in the room and type after they got here. I felt both of them were wrong. I didn’t say anything, but then I heard Debbie come in the room and start talking to Terri Carter about how selfish Sharon was to want to put those seniors out like that, and that she should have had the room cleared. Terri agreed, and both talked about her, though I don’t remember now what all was said, if I even heard it all. Later, Sharon told me about it and said Terri C. had come down and talked to her and kind of apologized for Debbie’s behavior. I said that was good, and didn’t say anymore. But I wondered if Terri Carter wasn’t being a bit two-faced about this too (I would certainly notice it since I was two-faced with Sharon myself and talked about her before I was confronted.)
It seemed to me that Terri Carter and Debbie were closer than the rest of us. Debbie B. seemed to relate best to Rhonda and Terri Carter, though before Terri Carter came in Debbie told me she really wasn’t close to Terri. Terri Carter told me after Debbie left that Debbie had talked about me to her, so I imagine that Terri was at least open to the talk or contributed to it.
I was wrong for not having reported the 1st conversation I heard about Terri Carter saying how much pressure there was in Jonestown. I thought it was just another stupid remark made unwittingly by someone not knowing how they might effect others, but I intended to tell you and just never got around to it. I was surprised by Terri saying this.
CRL [Christine Lucientes] told me today she hopes she never has to go back to G-town. She started the conversation on this note. Then she told me how paranoid she got in G-town, especially when Joan came in from Jonestown and told her about the Learning Crew where people walk and guard you with guns. She said she about shit, and thought my god, it must have turned into a fascist state out there. Said after she got home she saw it in perspective, but at the time in G-town she knew she had fucked up, and she was really upset and paranoid. She said Joan wasn’t being critical, but we discussed how people make stupid remarks and only give one side.
She brought up the subject of Patricia – or maybe I did. Anyway, she said that PJ really wants to go into town to work. Then she said that Patrlcia had told her recently that YOU HAD SAID YOU HAD TOLD PATRICIA THAT YOU HAD TO FUCK CHRISTINE AFTER PATRICIA LEFT TO KEEP HER IN THE CHURCH AND THAT IF CHRISTINE LEFT IT WOULD BE PATRICIA’S FAULT. (l wrote you before what I felt about PJ going into town – I’m against it. I trust Joan alot, but I don’t trust PJ.)
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Page 6
I did have an argument with Debbie Blakey when she 1st came into town. She said that there was more pressure in Jonestown than in Georgetown. This really made me mad, and I argued with her. She said that the pressure in Jonestown had increased since I had left even. I continued to say that there was free time in Jonestown, etc. that you didn’t get in Georgetown. She disagreed and said that there was always something going on that you had to go to. We never resolved the argument and I was pissed and so was she. Paula heard part of this argument. I had forgotten I had discussed this with her, and of course should have reported it at the time.
Terri Carter did tell me that there was alot of pressure in Jonestown and in Georgetown, but if she had a choice, she’d rather be in Jonestown.
One remark I remember Jack saying was he was telling several of us the other night that he had heard they had started “Men’s Classes”. Jack said he asked what they talked about at them, and someone told him they talked about how all the men were homosexual. He laughed and made a joke of some kind.
One night Debbie Blakey got very pissed and very upset because she got confronted by Paula over the telephone. Paula said to Debbie that Debbie had caused a “White Night” because Debbie had given a wrong message. Debbie had misunderstood a name given over the radio, and so we had thought that some dignatary was working against us or something. I can’t remember the details now._ I was surprised at the time that Debbie wasn’t humble, but rather just hostile and upset. Said it wasn’t her fault, she couldn’t help it if Paula had given a name and she misunderstood, and that Paula should have clarified it, and spelled the name.
Everyone in Jonestown has a thing against Paula really bad. Everyone talks about her. Finally I just told everyone that it had gone on too long and too far, and Paula had done a lot of great things for this cause, certainly more than I, and had taken a lot of risks, and she was just trying to do her job. Sharon Amos agreed with me at that point, as Donnie had overheard Debbie and everyone talking about Paula so much that he started mouthing off about her all the time. I said something about her self-righteousness on the radio once and I said I should not have said it. (Paula is very condescending alot of times on the radio and is short tempered, and it pisses everyone off.) Anyway, Terri Carter, Debbie Blakey and I guess Sharon and Tim, and Mike really don’t like Paula. Jack puts her down all the time since Paula is the one who gives out the messages. I think really a lot of hostility is directed at her that really people might feel for you though different ones has different complaints with her. I certainly have had my conflicts with her.
Terri Carter seemed not to be able to stop talking about Paula. She talked about her fat ass, her narcissism, how she told Terri her ass wasn’t that big, etc. She told me that when she got ready to come in to town, Paula pulled her aside and warned her about all the people in Georgetown, and had something negative to watch out for regarding each one including me. I asked her what Paula said and Terri said she couldn’t remember. (I know this is the same kind of thing I did with Paula and Sharon which stirred up trouble, only I told specifics which was really bad.)
I talked to Lisa this evening. She said there were bugs swarming in her cottage. Then she said Alice had moved in and left all her stuff in the floor and she hoped they come get organised tonight. Then she said after the nuclear war we wouldn’t be getting any more supplies. Then she said, “Oh well, then maybe we won’t be having any more white nights so it will be worth it.”
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BB-3-hh-8
7)
Tim Carter told me on the phone last night that he wanted to know about Malcolm’s registration. He said he had heard that Gloria was going to do SOMETHING WITH ODELL RHODES CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION (SOMEONE HAD TOLD HIM ABOUT IT) and he wanted to know what was going on. I think Paula mentioned to me she wondered if Terri had told him??
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EE-1-L-11
Undated note from Lisa Layton
I feel that during classes no tapes should be played. It makes it very difficult for teachers to teach and more so for students to listen. They are getting two messages at the same time and consequently they may get nothing. It amounts to noise pollution and is self defeating. It also makes people tense and nervous. I feel that even music should not be played during class-time, because if songs are played one tries to listen to the words.
Lisa L.
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EE-1-L-12
Undated note from Lisa Layton
It is essential for our survival that we have a good water supply. I don’t like our complete dependence on generators. Parts or fuel may not be available one of these days. For that reason I feel that we should shift to the use of windmills which would pump water directly into storage tanks without the use of generators.
Lisa
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EE-1-L-41 – L-42
Undated note from Lisa Layton
Self criticism – Lisa Layton
Like to make good impression. Too much dependent on creature comforts. Was upset about bad publicity in the States and had doubts creep into my mind, which only happens to a person with weak character. (Doubts were dispelled after talking to strong believers) Too easily take a dislike to people. Also I am a poor hater. A potential coward, even tho I have not acted like a coward since joining P.T.
Think of myself as pretty nice at times and as an idiot at other times which is unballanced. Have tendency to talk before I think, and usually talk too much.
Hostility:
I have no hostilities toward Jim and never had any. The one thing that slightly bothers me I do not want to write down.
sex
I don’t think I have sex feelings toward him more than that I would like to hug him at times and it is the way I like to hug my children at times.
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BB-3-ll-1
Letter to Debbie Layton from Lisa Layton
April 27, 1978
Debs – all is fine with Lenora and me. We moved from Tr.5 [troolie 5] to the one Clara and Kay are in because we need our former one for guests. We surely are having our share of guests, as you know. The Troolie we are in now stays cooler during the day than our former one. Everyone is congenial. In a way I feel more comfortable now that there are several of us instead of just Lenora and me, because people always ask about just 2 of us being in the old Troolie and I felt uncomfortable about that. The walking is good for me! Here are some of the new things we will be doing. Don Fitch is going to look into building a shithouse structure on wheels. That way we can roll it off and burn what’s in the pit and then roll it back, instead of building a new toilet. Also we have started to grow wing beans which are as high in protein as soybeans. They grow here and some of the humid climates elsewhere and are little-known. J. read us a research and scientific reports from US universities on the subject. It would mean a meat substitute and a great boost to feeding hungry people in the underdeveloped countries. The wing bean is a legume and puts nitrogen back into the soil – therefore acts as a fertilizer at the same time.
Paula is also in our cottage but she is hardly ever there. When we had the journalist visiting us I did some translating for his wife who spoke no English and just a little high school German. I went along on the tour of the premises to the piggery and tried to translate to her what J. said to her husband. He spoke English and understood it well. Our socialist classes are getting really good. Harriet [Tropp] and Vernetta [Christian] are my teachers. Harriet is excellent. J. gives us the news now every day and we will have
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BB-3-ll-2
tests. He repeats them many times which gives most everyone a chance to get the news at one time or another. Everyone – old and young are taking notes. We all had to turn in a 2-page report on the news last socialist class and high schoolers a 3-page report. We have maps of Africa, South America, Guyana – in short the world hanging in the pavilion and everyone is studying. It really is a great thing how everyone is studying and learning. J. is such a great teacher. It’s really wonderful to see all the seniors taking notes and discussing the news. Guess I am repeating myself – I was writing and trying to listen to news at the same time!
Looks like you will have to boiling your drinking water or use bleach in Georgetown or maybe I got the wrong impression? Someone said that you had problems with your water; if that is the case you are responsible to see to it that it is boiled.
Be sure to write to the old asshole!
I wrote to Larry and comrades on the 3rd and 4th floor.
Last night all of Jonestown had a test on world events. There were 15 questions. One set for under 65 years and the other 15 for over 65. I did okay. Dad read the questions to us.
So long – hard to share & other comrades.
Peace and love, Lisa
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Statement of Lisa Layton following Debbie Blakey defection
BB-3-d-1
This is a short explanation of what happened to me after I found out that my daughter Debbie Blakey had left us (for good I suppose). An the circumstances under which she left. – When Jim first told me, I was shocked and could hardly believe that this was really true. For the longest time I rationalized, trying to understand her behavior, but as time went on and statements were published about us in the States, which she had made, I slowly realized that she was committing an evil act against us.
It was a terrible realization and as much as I tried not to let it get me down, and as loving and understanding Jim Jones was, trying to comfort me, it had its bad effects. My health, which was good after a serious cancer operation in the States last September started to go down. I lost weight, started to feel weak and developed several physical complaints that I hadn’t had up to that point. I worried constantly, and Debbie’s leaving us became an obsession. – I have heard about people
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BB-3-d-2
dying of grief or a broken heart and I suppose that this was what was happening to me to a lesser degree in the sense that I was not dying. –
Jim requested that Dr. Schacht give me a complete physical, and I had x-rays and just about every test imaginable. All of them were negative. Anyway, I was put in our hospital for complete rest, special foods and vitamins, and I am recovering. –
Debbie is the youngest of 4 children. When she was 7 years old her oldest brother left for college, followed by her sister and another brother, all within 3 years. They all left for UC at Davis. During the same time I decided to take a job, and my mother-in-law came to take care of Debbie. It was during this period Debbie became a problem. First her grades became poor. As she got older she began to associate with the delinquent element
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BB-3-d-3
in her classes. We moved her from Garfield Junior High to “Bentley’s” (a private school) and back to public school, all in Berkeley. Then we enrolled her in El Cerrito High and next at the High school in Davis, California, where she stayed with friends of ours. As a last resort center to a Quaker boarding school in Ackworth, England.
Even there she continued to be a problem. She did meet a fine young man in her school, whom she later married and who was a member of our group here now and has been for many years. – The reason I am giving her background is to explain her personality. – She underwent a complete change when she became a member of Peoples Temple some 10 years ago after her older brother (who was also with us) introduced her to the group. She became dependable, and very capable and efficient. Besides working for the church she completed training as an operating room
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BB-3-d-4
technician.
After my right lung was removed at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California, she and another young friend cared for me at the Temple. It was during this period that I became very attached to her.
The care I received was beautiful – but that is beside the point, even though it may explain in part why I became so attached to Debbie.
I have heard of people having split personalities, but never normally have had an experience with such a person. I am wondering at this point if this is Debbie’s problem.
Lisa P. Layton
July 2, 1978
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Letter to Debbie Layton from Lisa Layton
BB-3-e-1
Dear Debbie – I have been in extensive care for [illegible word] now. I got sick after I heard that you left and how you left. It was a terrible shock to me and somehow I have not been able to get over it. I am receiving the best of medical care. Even though, I cannot get rid of the feeling of a great [illegible word]. It is with me at all times. Actually what you have done is worrying me into the grave. This is pretty strong language but it is true. – I had the worst guilt feelings thinking back to the time when you were little and how I failed you by keeping things confidential that you trustingly told me and I discussed these matters with your Dad. Also I did not support a strongly enough when Wanda [illegible name] became hysterical because you told one of her children the babies were not born through the navel. However all of that is just history now.
You know that we are socialists and making
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BB-3-e-2
a beginning in a new land. You also know that what we have done with our agriculture is spectacular, and could not have happened without cooperation. It looks to me that you really did not understand socialism in its beginning stages. You gave up 3/4 up the hill – and that is a shame – Right now we are planning to build 100 more houses. Phil [Blakey] keeps at picking up lumber for us. Larry is working 1/2 time with x-rays and the rest of his time with the Alaskan sawmills. Also we are getting another sawmill to speed up production. There are constant changes and improvements –
The best thing that could happen to me personally is your return. Others have left in the past and come back. You
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BB-3-e-3
know how forgiving Jim is. – What I cannot understand is that after leaving as you turned around and told lies and twisted stories. I read copies of the paperwork that were sent to us by either you or [Tim] Stoen. Why did you participate in their evil efforts? Were you afraid that something might happen to you if you had asked Stoen not to bother you? I wish you would stop harming us. And I wish you would come back. People have left before and returned and were lovingly received by Jim and all the rest of us. I surely hope you will go back to your old pattern, because you won’t make it this time.
I love you –
Mom
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EE-1-L-21 – L-22
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Evelyn LeRoy
Father,
This is my list of men and women who I am sexually attracted to.
women
Cynthia Davis – because she has an understanding of homosexuality that I don’t have yet and she isn’t afraid, she is dominating
Leslie Wagner – she is like a mom figure and we can talk
Maurine Tally [Maureen Talley Fitch] – she knows alot about sex & how to make you feel good even though we never had sex.
Renee Geig [Gieg] – she has a sexy way about her & a beautiful face.
Joan Pursley – we used to sit on the bus & give each other foot massage & she talked a lot of principle to me.
Karen Layton – because she has a way about her that seems sexy but I like her motherly attitude she gave me in town.
Deb Touchette – she is so beautiful and I love her pretty smile & she has a small waist and big hips.
men
Danny Moten – he doesn’t really physically attract me but he is very kind & considerate and because of my narcissism I know he likes me alot & I want someone who will stay with me & not fool around.
Ronnie James – he doesn’t act chauvinistic & he physically attracts me.
Sebastian McMurry – we used to go together & I never stopped liking him, we had sex and of all the people I had sex with he was pretty good.
Jimmy Jones Jr. – I am physically attracted because he is very handsome & tall & shows a lot of principle for a young man.
Johnny Jones – He seems like a dad image & has a strength about him whenever he speaks plus he’s very good looking.
Tony Walker – I liked him before I went with Danny, he physically attracts me.
Lew Jones – he physically attracts me because of the way he acts and he’s funny to talk to and I admire his care for his child & other children.
Albert Touchette – he has a good physic and he seems shy.
Thank you Father & Mother for helping me to face my homosexual feelings more which makes me feel more secure and cared for. Thank you Father for being my real dad & showing me true love I’ve never had. Sincerely, Evelyn Leroy
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EE-1-L-35
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Evelyn LeRoy
Father
Thank you for bringing me into this beautiful free socialist country to live. I want to tell you my feelings and reactions from when I first came.
When I first set foot on Guyanese soil after the plane landed I felt such a thrill. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing for joy. The ride home from the airport was nice. It started raining, and blew in my face which felt great. After reaching home was the best part, seeing you and the rest of the family we hadn’t seen in so long. Sleep came easy on the roof. The next morning I went out with Pattie & John to procure vegetables and run errands. It was so wonderful to see so many brown & black faces and when an occational white face was seen the wern’t the racial tentions felt like in the U.S. The people are so friendly and very hospitable. This is a place where I know I fit in. All of the troubles my so called dad caused and the tentions and burdens of having an outside job I gratefully left behind. I realize that I need improvement in many areas. I need to organize myself and do the job that has been assigned to me here. The best way to work is in freedom, so I’m getting aboard.
Thank you so much again! Everything is just as you told us it would be, and I know Jonestown is even better.
Thank you Father,
Evelyn LeRoy
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EE-1-L-49
Undated note about Doris Lewis from an unnamed resident
Doris Lewis
sounds desperate
wants to leave for FL [Freedom Land] w/ children
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EE-1-L-50 – L-53
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Doris Lewis
Peace Father,
I’ve been depressed about not having my children over there with you & the family. I’m ready to come also, but would be glad to stay back & work if needed. I’m told my husband Fred Lewis was holding us back. The children are ready to leave him & so am I. I feel no guilt about taking children, because he has never been a Dad to them. I’m not the best moms either, but I know they’ll be 100% better with you. Their Dad might talk for a little while, but I believe if his sister Fairy Norwood and his mom Julia Gales come over. He’ll either want to come or shut up. I had to apply for welfare while he’s in the house, would not give me or children money. I lived in fear of being arrested anytime. That didn’t change, he still doesn’t bring his check home. I’m no longer on welfare. He never takes his children anywhere. Never takes responsibility for anything
When I was working for Post Office & even now, he will not help with the children. When I yell at them or try to discipline them, he never support me, instead, he takes their side. Never wants to pay any bill on time. He said all kind of demeaning things about me in front of children. I in turn defend myself & the house become a three ring circus – Don’t Bathe, never clean up after himself. But when kids are sloppy or show disrespect he blames it on me or PT. Father this man, don’t drink – but he’s so ignorant you’d think his brains has fermented.
He tell the boys to marry someone white because they’ll make it. Calls me Sapphire. Thinks its funny. Told Diane Louie she should pass for white.
He lost his business because he gamble funds or gave away merchandise. He personally stood up & asked for your help. You showed so much compassion for him. You had warned him before that he had better stay close to you. I haven’t slept with this man for several years now, of course he blame that on PT too.
I’m ready to come over and work & enjoy working. Once I surrounded myself with weapons, because I was ready to kill him, because I’ve asked him to leave this house. Naturally he has not left, but I thought I’d only go to prison & the kids may never get over there. And I deplore fighting senselessly.
Father I feel like I can no longer stand this situation. I hated to write this letter because I know other people with their children are still here, but I just can’t stand to think that a person who thinks like my husband can keep somebody back. I’m ready to leave now or at least after school is out.
I want my children to be free, to really live as I’ve never done. Thank you for this opportunity to write you. And thank you for letting Karen [Lewis] come over. I hear she has lost so much weight. She is so glad. Thank you again. I appreciate you.
Doris Lewis
These children are being ruined. Freddie Jr. never wants to go to school. He teases his sisters at home & disrupt classes by capping on teachers & children. Barry just wants to watch TV 24 hrs a day. His Dad encourages him.
Lisa has been depressed.
I feel we have felled them as parents, but you & the rest of the family will surely help them & me too.
Doris Lewis
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EE-1-L-58
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Lue Ester Lewis
Dear Dad,
Thank you for Jonestown. I do appreciate all your blessing’s, Every day I can hear your voice saying to all of us, I love you or much love. There is no one like you. Thank you, Thank you. I am just greatful to you. Lue Ester Lewis
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Note by Lue Ester Lewis on Jim Jones’ Pain, May 1978
EE-2-k-8a
May 27, 1978
Dear Dad,
I feel that your most pains come from people that you love, who work against your stand [on] freedom. People that could be helpful and refuse after seeing your examples. I realize now that pain never stops, I thank you for strength and love.
You are my source of life. I’ve never had a Father like you. I do care and appreciate all blessings.
Thank you Dad
Lue Ester [Lewis]
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EE-1-L-23
Letter to Jim Jones from Beverly Livingston, October 19, 1977
Father
As far as sex is concerned, when I first came here I was like a Bitch in heat. Jerry [Livingston] and I fucked for 2 or 3 weeks and got it out of my system. Now I don’t even want a hug. In the States I was attracted to Jim McElvaine and still am. as for women Im attracted to Karen Layton.
Beverly Livingston
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EE-1-L-27
Undated note from Jerry Dwight Livingston
I am a Marxist-Leninist and I completely believe in Communism I believe that the government of the United States should be violently overthrown. I would be willing to kill Nelson Rockefeller and in fact I will kill him and anybody else to make this happen.
Jerry Dwight Livingston
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EE-1-L-46
Undated note from Jerry Livingston
I Jerry Livingston on 19. Give my resignation as a member of People’s Temple. I know Jim Jones to be a man of the highest esteem and he portrays great principle and character. But I wish to do my own thing and not dedicate my life to this humanitarian work.
Jerry Livingston
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EE-1-L-63
Undated note from an unnamed resident, clearing note for letter addressed to Love Life Lowe
Love Life
Read to Lovelife already
RT [likely Ruth Tupper, on Letters Committee]
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EE-1-L-64 – L-65
A letter to Love Life Lowe, August 13, 1977, written by “Bonnie”
08/13/1977
Dearest Love Life,
You really surprised me! I decided to come or spend the day with you & Marcie only to discover you have become a pioneer!
Will you find someone to whom you can dictate a letter & communicate with me? You are in my thoughts daily – I contrive to hold you close to my heart & love you dearly & deeply.
How do you like Guyana? What is the weather like there? Are you happy there? I think of you & speak to Father about you constantly.
Stephan & I are fine.
I have now become the sales manager for the City of San Jose with the insurance co. I work for.
I have a lovely person who I had hoped for you to meet. He has become a beautiful friend to me & may become morethan a friend in the future. His name is Anthony Jonathan. I’ll tell you more later.
Stephan is ten in September. He’s almost so tall as I am & his hair is turning dark like [illegible name]. He sends his love. So does Anthony, my friend.
I love you sweetheart. Let your heart & mind be at peace. Your love, Bonnie
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Thank You Note to Jim Jones from Helen Love, June 1978
EE-2-k-7a – 7b
Sat June 3 – 78
Have been wanting to write you a long time, but I know you know all things. I wrote telling you of trying to make a quilt, to make money for the cause, as you asked us. Thank you for trying to take the test you gave us. I’m trying, please help me, the eyes bother me, a lot of falling set me back a couple of days from the news, when I cracked a rib & had to go to the health stat. I help on rice, so I will be looking at the quilt crochet so long. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, I couldn’t be in a better place. Only someone steals everything I’m using, no matter my back is turned, my soap from over my head, a good watch I had to repair, and only a piece of plastic to use in case of rain, they took that, a little manicure scissors to cut my work with, & I got so angry I said if I caught them I’d cut them with my knife, so I thought they were just waiting for me to move in to start stealing from me, and to think I would never take anything from anyone.
Thank you to please forgive me for being so angry, for as you know I never cut anyone before when I was so angry I could not think. I want so much to be kind like you, but I’m so far from it. I have no security for they won’t give me one. I used to be with Jeffrey down by your house & when they came here, Alma [Thomas] put her in over me but I thank you for you know why, though I was never late. I thank you for everything Dear, and I love you so much.
Your Helen Love
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EE-1-L-36
Letter to Jim Jones from Ruth Whiteside Lowery, December 20, 1977
Dear Dad,
Thank you for being such a wonderful dad. I truefully do appreciate being in Jonestown, and I also like any job with the medical Team.
However, I realize there is a job that need to be done concerning Tim Stone [Stoen]. I feel that I should be killed if I can’t do the job, I would be more than glad to do it, that way I would know that I have been of service to this great cause.
Peace and Love
Comrade Lowery
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EE-1-L-39
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Ruth Whiteside Lowery
Dear Dad;
Thank you for accepting me as a part of this great movement. With your help, I do hope to be a [illegible words].
I now realize that in order to become a good communism one has to become very crittical of one selve that I have not done.
Here are some of my fauts: I like to be prized to much, I am to critical of others, I am to sensitive, I am always thinking that someone is talking about me.
Please, make me what you want me to be.
Peace and Love
Commrade Lowery
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EE-1-L-2
Undated note from Jean Lucas
in Workers
South Carolina
Responsible Media
Gays
Joyce – Charley – Johnnie & Ava
Lovie Jean Lucas
[Scribbled on the side: Harassment Carolyn Lom [Looman] affidavits who called]
Minority Struggle
Mercenaries
Commentary on S. Africa
Handicap Problems
Native Americans
Nursing Care for Seniors
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EE-1-L-3 – L-4
Undated letter from Lovie Jean Lucas to Joyce Touchette
Dear Joyce,
I wonder if you, Charley [Charlie Touchette], Johnnie [Johnny Brown Jones], and Ava [Ava Cobb], could help out without bothering Father?
I have many problems, so to start with I have been here six weeks already and have been expecting my luggage to arrive, but after a conversation with Anita Kelly yesterday, I glean that she repacked my things at the temple on S.F. and sent me only what she wanted to, this is the way I understand it now. If this is the case, then I have no luggage coming, which means all of my personal belongings are destroyed. I wonder if the four of you can get the real understanding from her because I can’t & do not understand at all. What I have in this one piece of luggage is rags, and things that are too small for me, I brought them to share with someone but my personal things are not in this case, and it was not well packed, all I have is, well I will ask Ava to come and see, make a list.
Next I would like to know if it is true that Father said to bring two dogs, the reason for this is that is what she told me and I had the dogs processed here; the bill, and I have heard no more.
My records
~ Banjo
~ Guitar
My Clothes
~ Cameras
~ Radio
~ Personals etc.
I do thank you,
Lovie Jean Lucas
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EE-1-L-126
Undated note to Terri Buford from Chris Kice
TO: Terry Buford
FROM: Chris Kice
RE: Lovie Jean Lucas
Gene Chaikin suggested you recieve this info. & that perhaps it be conveyed to Jim in the event that Lovie may decide to come back to the U.S.
She left fo the P.L. [Promised Land] about one month ago, & left behind:
– Gas, phone, & utility & rent bills
– She was being paid by Social Services to take care of an older man, did a very poor job of it & the agency wants to sue.
– She put the old man’s money in her own bank account, ($700./mo.) took it all with her, he has nothing, & his niece wants to sue.
– It is suspected, she left other people holding the bag; one man showed up at the church demanding to see her regarding a property settlement.
Considering all this, Lovie would do very well to stay put.
—–
EE-1-L-26
Letter of October 28, addressed to Christine [likely Lucientes]
Oct. 28,
Dear Christine,
Thanks for the letter, you express yourself quite well. Maybe I never told you, so, you might doubt, I have always known of your fine mind, and creative abilities. There were many times that my head would swell with pride over one of your successes, even in prison, when I heard of your fine academic acomplishments, I felt a little better knowing that you were taking care of yourself well.
From the time I was 14 to the time I was 35, I was an atheist for the most part also a stuck up Republican capitalist. Twenty one years to find a little peace, and each year seems to be better. I think I’m pretty happy, but maybe I haven’t really experienced so how can I know.
I approve of your desire to be of help in a world that can use it, I believe that life is experience. The more experience one has, the more chance for gro when you stop growing you are dying. I’m sure that the things you are doing now, will influence you very much in [illegible word] ways. Christine I applaud you.
good luck!
love [illegible word]
—–
EE-1-L-43
Note from Christine Lucientes, January 2, 1978
At People’s Rally you asked for a showing of hands of those who couldn’t muster any sexual feelings during this crisis time. Like a fool I raised my hand and lyingly took the popular position. I cannot say that I am aflame with sexuality but I have had fleeting fantasies of companionship. However if push came to shove death would have more appeal or I’d rather fight than fuck! Christine
Christine Lucientes
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EE-1-L-44
Undated note written on envelope addressed to Jim Jones from Christine Lucientes
TO: Jim Jones
FR: Christine
RE: Update
Jack Barron: Uses to many words that leave the class dumbfounded. He should define or come to a more simple way of teaching
Com. Minsin: The coe-teacher gets off the subject to much
Lois P. [Ponts] No one in the back of the class can her the lesson she is trying to get they said they have told her this complaint but she does not comply
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Memo from Christine Lucientes on Debbie Blakey, Spring 1978
BB-3-bb
To: JJ
Fr: CRL [Christine Lucientes]
Re: Clarification
If it makes any difference, Debbie never told me anything negative about not living with Phillip [Blakey]. She merely stated that she felt you did not want her to live with him as she was in a position of handling money and should not be involved in a relationship. She never said anything negative or hostile, I just got the impression that she wasn’t happy about the situation.
I do not want you to think that I was father about what PJ said because I was not. I merely told KL [Karen Layton] what PJ Ed told me about Debbie, and because I wondered if she had said the same thing to Debbie, as she liked Debbie a lot and used to spend time with her, especially on Sunday. She stated that she missed Debbie a lot and that is why I told you that I was worried about how she would take her defection. When PJ told me this she was unhappy. I think she was just telling me things that had piled up on her because she was emotional at the time. I don’t think she was being divisive, she just wanted me to assure her that she was not to blame. She also in the conversation said that she was to blame in many ways for Mike leaving, because of the 3 days that she left. This is not to say that I have not been guilty of not reporting negatively between PJ and I, or unhealthy alliances that we have formed over the years. I did not report many things because I do not want to cross Patty, who is in my mind, relentless, mean and extremely vindictive. PJ is her alter ego, she lives thru her and woe be unto anyone who casts aspersions on her. I can honestly say that I have never met anyone so mean except someone who has left the cause and become evil. That may be purely my bias but that is how I feel and I don’t want to cross her. I am not afraid of dying, but crossing Patty is not that simple nor easy, it just makes dying all the more desirable.
—–
Memo from Christine Lucientes on Blakey defection, May 1978
BB-3-ii
JJ:
From: CRL
I am not fishing for verification but I think it is Debbie B. and she expressed conflict – she wanted to live with Phillip but felt that you disapproved and backed up with what I thought was conflict. She also has conflict about being exposed for being helped sexually and was interested to know that you had told me that I could become what someone if I wanted to. I feel that she (if it is her) maybe alienated because when in G/T [Georgetown] it became difficult not to be paranoid with you here, and knowing you are trepidatious of people there.
That they are not taking $ could indicate that the relative is funding them and would mean they are far more dependent on the relative (in her case a vicious dad). It would almost seem better if they had stolen a large sum to make them independent of the family.
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Self-Evaluation by Christine Lucientes, July 1978
EE-2-k-9a
July 10, 1978
To: JJ
Fr: CRL [Christine Lucientes]
Re: Requested evaluation
I am not sure what specifically you wanted. I assume it is a self-evaluation. However I am reluctant to express what I feel you will not like hearing, because when I had done it in the past, it has angered you tremendously, i.e. when I expressed that I did not believe that we killed a man and he was eaten. You expressed that indicated a reserve for treason. I feel like I am in a double bind – I need to express where I am at, but I am reluctant to anger you. So I will proceed gingerly…
Faults:
(A) I, like Dick, have always maintained a place of sanction in my thoughts. Whenever I have been most pressured and distraught by what I interpreted as perpetual violations of normal limits of privacy – i.e. crowding – noise – etc. I consoled myself that there is a part of me that no one can touch. I feel that it is a defense against insanity and can see how it could be a reserve for treason, but I don’t know how to dispense with this reserve without becoming a babbling maniac. I don’t really know if it is possible to dispense with this reserve. At this point in time I’m not at a bad spot – it is cyclical and will pass but I am feeling pressured and I get hostile when I am pressured. I am more flexible when I am not pressured and I am more humble. I feel I am capable of being very honest when I don’t have something over my head that can be used against me. I do not feel free because I know if what I say hits you at a bad time, I risk public exposure for my two worst crimes. 1. Sex 2. Money. I would be more honest if I didn’t feel I had something to protect.
(B) Betrayal. I have no desire to be in a position to betray. I don’t want to be outside the borders of Jonestown and I don’t ever expect to. When I came in from G/town [Georgetown] I viewed myself as coming in to fulfill a life sentence. I resolved to myself that I would refuse to go to G/town for any reason whatsoever. I don’t feel that I will betray. As hostile as I have gotten, as skeptical as I am – I know you are getting nothing from this. I am convinced of that
—–
EE-2-k-9b
and I feel that anyone who betrays feels that you are getting something out of leading. I can say that I have disagreements with you that I view some things differently than you but no way can I be convinced that you are getting anything but overall pain and that has convinced me when I have had my questions about policies.
(C) Family. They offer nothing that attracts me. José, in fact, wrote me that all his life he has wanted to be in the position that he is in now – free to do what he wants, go where he wants, work where, when and how he wants … and he can’t get started – he is doing nothing. He said that he never thought it would be like that. I know that boredom – totally doing your own thing and how oppressively boring and unfulfilling that is. I never want to go back to that. After 10 years of divorce, I still am too sentimental about my family. I have feelings and pain about them but I don’t want to go down to their level. I wish that they would come up to the level of Socialism. I don’t believe it would be possible unless it came thru “the barrel of a gun.” Unless they were trapped here – I hate to admit it but I wish they were forced to be here and they would have to change. But there are several billion people of them who deserve that opportunity. So – I admit feelings for the Lucientes’ but no desire to join them.
—–
Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Christine Lucientes
EE-2-k-11
To: JJ
Fr: CRL [Christine Lucientes]
A PROBLEM
Let me begin with a simple clarification; this note is not intended to provoke a response of reassurance in any form. In fact, I would be eternally grateful if I’m ignored from here on out go to the trouble I foresee. Anyone who approaches me in the near future will be immediately suspect. This note is inspired out of an admission of ambivalence, guilt, confusion and concern.
As you may know, I am not really close to many people. In the past I used to talk to Ron Talley and I have been friends with Patricia [Cartmell] out of necessity, the need to escape and habit. Please keep in mind that as alienated as I am I get nothing on the reporting PJ, believe me. It is very hard to do.
I feel that PJ is quite negative about J/T structure, I am too and I am inclined to share her views and see them as benign. However I felt responsible for two reasons. 1) she is out in the community. 2) more than anything – I interpreted that she deliberately attempted to be divisive and alienate me from you by telling me things that people had said about me. It didn’t make me hostile to them, tho she doesn’t realize it, it may be hostile to her. She has always asked me if I have heard anything negative about her – present or past and I would not shake her confidence by saying such things and I never have. She also told me that Guyanese will never trust us and we will never be accepted and we are not liked. (I can see this, tho in the total picture of the situation ou conversation the comment took on more negative connotations).
After she talked to me in a negative way about JT she begged me not to tell – she said that she would kill herself if I did. I assured her that I would not. The worst thing that I told her wasn’t after Debbie [Blakey] left you told me that Lew [Jones] and I are responsible for Debbie’s treason because we had stolen. I told PJ that I was not the one that had told her. I also told her that I was very upset when you thought I had told DB that it was a prison camp here.
I know what you think of me and I’d just as soon be dead than not. I hope this doesn’t hit the floor. I know people don’t like me and I don’t think I can live without some image. Manipulative? I think it is true anyway.
—–
Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Christine Lucientes
EE-2-k-12
Mary Lou [Clancey], Mike Prokes, or whomever
Please relay info to Jim that I had no intentions of demanding to talk to him. I really didn’t. I was upset because all I have is my image and it is totally gone. I committed myself to not talking to PJ or Ron anymore and all of a sudden I felt overwhelmed because I have an unusual need to express myself. I didn’t feel I could cope with my feelings without giving them some vent. After I went to the radio room and expressed this – it was all over. I was ready to go to bed. KL [Karen Layton] insisted that I go to SCU [Special Care Unit] to “sleep it off.” I resisted because I felt I would be made into a drugged zombie. I was promised it would be for one night. When I got up for a shower, I wanted to sit on the front porch which agitated the nurse who assisted I was to be on bed rest. I went by the radio room & told Mike who told me to go to KL’s house and talk to her. I was not trying to escape at all and I do not intend to. I am sorry 2 security are on me because I am doing nothing.
Mary Lou – could you bring my toothbrush & brush?
CRL [Christine Lucientes]
—–
EE-1-L-47 – L-48
Undated letter from Chris Lund [Rozynko]
Concerning Head of GDF [Guyanese Defense Forces]
Wining and dining him is a good idea and getting him interested in someone is also good.
Perhaps he can be invited to spend his time here, vacation or whatever. Make him an honorary town citizen and have a house of his own here offer our Doctor as a personal health aid. Does he have children? DO something for them. Offer to spend time with them and or even bring them here later
In [illegible words] make accusations about what a [illegible words] saying he is too good. [illegible word] his ego.
Perhaps suggest we respect him so much that we wish to have some of our people go to his army. Perhaps we can do the same for the [illegible word] local garrison.
—–
EE-1-L-13 – L-15
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Joyce Lund [Rozynko]
Dear Dad,
When I first came to Peoples Temple, you were so kind, I was flattered and took it personally It took me some time to realize that personally I meant nothing to you, I was just another soul sucking help. But you are very good-looking too, and I was very sexually attracted to you for both reasons.
My hostility started when I began to realize that it wasn’t enough to just be a member in the cause There were responsibilities too, and I didn’t like having to face them just as I haven’t wanted the responsibilities a nurse has. And never hope for anyone to say “you did a good job today” just pray you I didn’t make a mistake or fail in the responsibilities and get ass chewed.
It’s a difficult thing to deal with to realize that you can receive all the help you need, but no personal “for you only” kind. That you are cared for but only on a detached basis. I was accustomed to the selfish manipulative “love” of capitalism, that you’d put yourself out on a limb & cut it off for any one of us, but still impersonally, I found difficult to accept. I wonder how you’ve so successfully escaped “traps” set for you by women more manipulative and subtle than I, and retained your integrity, that’s really a wonder!
I suppose this shows more than anything how vain I must have been – “Elitism?” And to never even hope for anything different so I became like the fox who couldn’t get the grapes as told by Aesop, and became very negative. It was hard to work that through I hope I’ve come out the other side a somewhat better person, and I really hope I’ve come out the other side.
I enjoyed your chat last night. I wish you’d have more of them. You praised Patty C [Patty Cartmell] for her retentive memory – and she indeed had a very good memory for details. She remembered all about that 400 lb woman who became pg [pregnant] by a preacher, about the woman who was warned she’d die after the last of the 12 lights lights on her mirror burned out. Also about some else who was warned they’d die in the Spring.
You spoke of the man who thought he was J.C. & you were God? – and he kept you in a constant state of anxiety because he came to R.V. [Redwood Valley] when you came and stayed sometime, before he left & went to Florida? Couldn’t hear you well?
You spoke of the accidents you had in which all the young people were involved – got hit by a drunken driver, and the one in which Jimmy Jr. [Jim Jones Jr., adopted son of Jim and Marceline Jones] was almost killed & ruptured his spleen. (Incidentally I worked @ Ukiah Gen. Hosp at that time. I was on duty when the first accident occurred and I remember you standing in the hallway after you’d seen the young people – those you could – and you watched me run up & down the hall getting things and calling the x-ray tech & surgery crew. I didn’t get home until after 1 am that night. One girl had glass in her hair & I tried to lift the hair to brush it out & her whole scalp came with it!
The drunk got sick & tired of getting no attention I suppose for all of a sudden she slid off the chair to the floor getting in everyone’s way and so another aide & I picked her up like a bag of flour by feet & shoulders and tossed her on a gurney privately hoping she’d fall off & break her damn neck. I hadn’t remembered it was New Year’s Eve – what a nite for you!). Alas Kathy Stahl had amnesia & after a week it suddenly came back, and the whole staff thought she’d been faking – but it was you who did it.
I enjoy hearing you talk, but so rarely can. Perhaps others have told you, perhaps not. Many times your voice is lost in the movement & whispering or outright talking by others In the nurses’ office it’s very exasperating. Everyone under the dining tent ignores you & chatter on @ a great rate unless you specifically tell them to be quieter. They might quiet down a little if someone else tells them but only you can make them stop talking.
Also the speakers front & behind the Comm Bldg cause an echoe so allot of what you say is so confusing, I cannot understand & many others complain of this too. Could we someday have a speaker in the C.B.? Even in my own house last nite the people young & older talked, played tape records & I had to ask them several times to be quiet – it really makes me angry.
I loved your discussion of the communist manifesto and I think I finally heard it all when you played it at nite.
Thank you of approving of my new name. How I hope “Joyce Rozynko” will die. I know we don’t become new people overnite just because one changes their name. But perhaps it will create good enough vibrations so I’ll be able to be a better person.
Thank you
Joyce Lund
Also thank you for the Good Music – I taped over a month of classical selections from Radio in March-April & May last Spring – it’s so nice to hear it now. Thanks. JL
—–
EE-1-L-9
Test answers written by Rita Tupper, as dictated by Pearl Lund
Why We Left the U.S.
Written by Rita Tupper as she gave he answers.
Senate Bill 1427
Didn’t want the Black man to have an education.
Planned Genocide –
Put the Blacks in concentration camps. Plan to hurt Black people & whites go free
When the police asked you questions, you had to answer the way he wanted you too, or you will be hurt.
To live in a country of Socialism to feed the poor, get people out of jail.
Pearl Lund
—–
EE-1-L-24
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Magaline Lyles
Dear Dad I know I am hostile at the children which I Supervisor also at time I get very hostile at different one when they tell me something also at time the children talk to me & instead of me listen at them I wont hear them out also Dad you spoke on the Pass about how long Eva Pue [Pugh] had been with you 25 yr & also Patty [Cartmell] Joyce [Touchette] & Ester [Esther Mueller] 25 yr Revina [Rheavianna Beam] 25 yr & Bro & Sis Archie Ames [Archie and Rosie Ijames] 25 or 30 yr
Does not Have any Sexual toward you & thank you Dad
Sign Magaline Lyles
—–
EE-1-L-25
Letter to Jim Jones from Magaline Lyles, February 17, 1978
Dear Dad about the suide death my thought were I did not do enough
The only guilty which I face it were I could not take any of the Capitalist with me
Sign Magaline Lyles
—–
EE-1-L-59
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Magaline Lyles
Dear Dad I am writing you about I stole some soap from Lula Ruben which I know it were wrong to do this…at the time I stole this soap I did not Have any & the warehouse wouldn’t give any soap out to me I would be willing to go on learning experience for 2 wks also Dad I been beaten shot at by my husband & has been put out door been in jail It doesn’t matter what Happen to my life now I don’t care anymore. I am glad I met someone who like you who care also my children were hungry sign Magaline Lyles
—–
EE-1-L-60
Undated note from Magaline Lyles
I were heal of a heart attack on the 5-19-73 in LA. Temple when I came to for the first time in my life, I were so happy that I met a man like Jim Jones I were overjoyed & I thank him for the healing
Thank you very much
Dorm 4
Sign Magaline Lyles
—–
EE-1-L-61
Undated note from Magaline Lyles
My chest were hurting me very much & he call me out & heal me from this pain which were hurting me so badly
I am heal & thank to Jim Jones
—–