United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 12/29/78
To: Mr. Moore
From: J. O. Ingram
Subject: RYMUR
Purpose: To advise that two samples of the poison laced Kool-Aid from Jonestown, Guyana, have been delivered to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., for chemical analysis.
Recommendation: None. For information.
Details: On 12/29/78, two samples of the poison placed Kool-Aid drink taken by Peoples Temple (PT) members at Jonestown, Guyana, were received at FBIHQ. These samples were in a crate of tape recordings sent by Assistant Legal Dwight Garretson, from Georgetown, Guyana. In accordance with prior arrangements between the Department of Justice, Department of State, and FBIHQ, as set forth in the J. O. Ingram memorandum to Mr. Moore, dated 12/27/78, the samples of Kool-Aid were to be furnished to Colonel Cowins [William Cowan], Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., for chemical analysis. On 12/29/78, Special Agents from WFO picked up four crates of the tape recordings at National Airport and delivered them to FBIHQ. These crates have been forwarded by the Brooklyn Queens Metropolitan Resident Agency en route from Georgetown, Guyana. Enclosed in one of the crates were two samples of the Kool-Aid drink. The appropriately was opened by a representative from the Technical Services Division, and the Kool-Aid samples were given to the WFO Agents to deliver to Colonel Cowins. Promptly thereafter the WFO Agents delivered the samples to Colonel William (Ray) Cowins, Room 1106, Building 54, Ramsey Complex, Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., Telephone 576-2909.
[Page 2]
Ingram to Mr. Moore Memorandum
RE: RYMUR
It is understood that Dr. Cowins had previously requested these samples for assistance in determining the cause of death of PT members for whom autopsies have been authorized.