[Editor’s notes: As former Temple member Don Beck described them in his 2010 remembrance, “Eva and Jim Pugh were both kind, industrious, no-nonsense folk who respected hard work and taught others by their example. They both migrated with the Temple from Indiana to California in the mid-1960s.” They remained loyal to the Temple throughout their lives, as their writings from Jonestown demonstrate.
[This page was transcribed by Alexandra Prince, a professor of religious studies at Skidmore College, with the assistance of Maddy Moran. The editors gratefully acknowledge their invaluable assistance.]
[These letters retain their original spelling and grammar, with corrections only for clarity and for names.]
EE-1-P-20
Quiz answer by Eva Pugh
The reason we are in Jonestown.
- To get away from the system of captiolism and before long fascism.
- To escape the concentration camps that are surely coming.
- So all races can be equal
- Also I believe the large cities will be bombed.
- The new bomb that kills people by suffering till they die
- So our children can grow up to be free in a socialist country.
- We will be here in a land of plenty specially no water shortish [shortage] which will be very soon in the States
There is so many things we have the advantages of here.
Eva Pugh
—–
EE-1-P-21
Typed letter from Jim Pugh
Father;
To begin with a wish to express gratitude to you for bringing me and my loved one to this good land, and while I full well realize my, (or our) inability to repay you for all the heartache and the many many sleepless nights this has cost you I am determined, with your gracious help, to be as faithful as is consistent with my nature, and much more also.
Realizing the crushing burden always upon your shoulders to feed such a vast multitude I feel it incumbent upon each of us to give of our very best, of physical effort or mental effort, any ideas therefore which might seem to be marketable should, I feel, be submitted to you for your perusal & acceptance or rejection.
One thing that has been upon my mind is that we might be able to exploit the bamboo [handwritten insertion “tree or plant or ?”] which I understand is available to us by simply going after it. I have heard that our brother Tom, (his name [handwritten insertion “Grubbs”] shamefully, escapes me, the teacher) dabbles a bit in bamboo, making very beautiful and serviceable cups. What I have in mind is to launch out much deeper in this subject and create a cheap and serviceable vehicle, a jungle bicycle, using as much as is possible only what is ready to hand growing wild. It would be quite hard I suppose to find a ready substitute for rubber tires. My idea would be to cut strips of rubber from old tires for this very important feature.
Knowing nothing about bamboo other than that fishing poles come from it I do not know if green bamboo can be warped to a certain curve, and having dried in that condition would so remain. Were that the case the job of making a simple frame would be child’s play.
To propel the creation on the highway one would, [handwritten insertion “like a RR handcar”] operate two opposing air pumps which would force air into a compression chamber from which it would be drawn or let out to the other side of the hub by one or the other of twin accelerators the air in it’s escaping being forced through simple turbines, a low speed one on one side and a high speed one on the other side. Hence the two accelerators.
For the creation of this rare specimen of genius, or worthless contraption whatever the case might be, first of all a lathe and a skilled lathe operator would be required. (Eva and I sent over a $400.00 wood lathe. We do not know if it went thru the jungle with all that other merchandise. I hope not.) Anyhow a lathe is needed to turn out the hubs and the turbine housings. I think the actual grooving of the turbine blades could be done by hand with a hack saw or a key hole saw or whatever.
The reason for two turbines is because I do not know how powerful it would be with only one speed, whether it would move at all, but with a large diameter turbine blade on the one side it would seem one would have that much more leverage, and therefore power.
I do not know if a wheel has ever been constructed from bamboo, but why could skillful hands not construct a wheel that would stand the strain of heavy weights and ruts and curves? A will and a skill to do so can accomplish anything.
Were we to undertake such a project and it being found successful we would be out nothing at all and whatever moneys accrued thereby would be clear velvet. Father, should you be interested in this idea or simple brainstorm, I should be greatly delighted to outline it more fully to those who would so desire to experiment with me, although I am only a dreamer and have so little skill with my hands.
[handwritten additon: “PS. If a turbine should fail a pinton? device would surely work.”]
Lovingly Jim P.
—–
EE-I-P-23a – 23b
Letter to Dad from Jim Pugh
From Jim Pugh
Dear Dad:
- To answer your request for info as to our sexual attraction to you – I have none – nor ever have had. I do confess shamefully to moments of resentment: such as for long and drawn out meetings – still I realize it is far from your fault so I snuff out such feelings. I am so full of rebellion yet – and gross ingratitude in spite of all you do and have done for me – forgive me this wrong please. I’m working to counteract it.
- And would you please rule on this problem whether people can still Claim a position in the chow line while sitting it out for various reasons, leaving willing Comrades to hold their place in line. I contest this practice Always Contending the worthily unable should have a valid excuse from the doctor to excuse them from the numbing drudgery of waiting in line. Here is a list of names I was able to extract from those who had done so, although I think one Heloise Hall had more or less mitigating circumstance. – Ruth Adkins [Atkins], Earnestine Blair, Martha Sauder [Souder], Heloise Hall, Francis [Frances] Stevenson. Some gave their names more or less willingly.
- Did you consider my suggestion of an Aluminum flue to carry the toilet sink up into the air? By use of a large diameter pipe? Alas I think an opening should be left, somehow, so a draft from the windward side could enter the cess-pool first and carry the effluvia upward.
- Concerning diarhea? – I’m not sure how to spell it and I haven’t time to look it up – the shitz, I have found can be abruptly terminated by a good stiff jolt of strong black Senior Citizen’s tea.
- Another confession of which I am deeply ashamed is I dread the Coming of Dianne Wilkerson – what a pleasure it has been these 4 months to be free from her dread ministry – and Dale Park’s also. As for him however while I like him personally, I hate his ministry. In Dianne’s case I hate her and her ministry completely without a Cause. Believe me it is a torment to me. Just like Andrews’ voice was. How I wish it were not so. Love
—–
EE-1-P-28a – 28e
Jim Pugh List of suggestions
Suggestions
All I can think of to make money for us to engage again is soliciting $ for the cause. And as greatly as I despise Georgetown I am willing to return and solicit $ from great and small on the street corners.
To save $ we could go back to the old fashioned way of doing things, and by that I mean, to empower machinery with horses or cows or humans via what the old timers knew as sweeps – a sort of cap-stan. Indeed, thresh machines, buzz saws and sorghum juicers were so motivated.
As for us, instead of dragging on the electric juice to operate stationary machines, such as shingle makers, or bean hullers, and yes, buzz saws, we could hitch our livestock to it – or ourselves.
And to save $ indirectly I suggest we rig and plant a bean arbor all the way from our toilet here on the west side clear over to the bridge going up to the cottages. Gene Chaiken declares that some beans are the most tasty bean in the tropics. Also bean leaves make excellent protein filled greens – and salad. Such an Arbor could not help [but] to supply much greatly needed food – and easily harvested. This is an excellent time to plant such an arbor, in the rainy season. By hot dry summer we could be reaping and enjoying this succulent food that would require no watering.
To save the anguish of ringworm endurers at never finding a healing I have discovered, but not on my own, that used carbide does very nicely. At least a long-term worm on my wrist (left) has disappeared since leaving Georgetown 8 3/4 mos ago.
It seems to me that eventually we will need a more adequate meeting place, and preferably one not cursed with poles to block the view. And I suggest a conical round structure somewhat like a tent, only composed of wood. Seems to me if we were to dig down, deep holes around the circumference (8 of them) about 10 feet deep and place large butt ends of hard wood, well seasoned and creosoted extending 8 feet up from ground level, large butt cuts 3 ft. in dia.[meter] at the lower end, they would support the lodge poles which need no other support at the center of the round structure than the support given from the other poles as they meet at a high angle. The building completed bleachers could be erected round about a revolving stage in the Center. I well realize you could never use such a system, therefore other arrangements would have to be made to accommodate the need of security. But for plays and concerts this would be ideal. I think.
I liked your suggestion for us to use our lives to plead for the freedom of others. I am willing therefore, for my part, that you negotiate on whatever basis you deem desirable, and whether single or collectively. But if you should ever declare that any given prisoner or prisoners must be loosed or we will die one a day – then let me be the first one.
My formal suggestion
To kill a capitalist – That a gun small enough to hide in a ciggarrette might be made to fire a very small dart, say 3/32 in. dia. by 1/4 in long. Were it possible to create such a weapon, powering it with Compressed air, an assassin could get right up on a dictator and deliver coup de grace. The filter could contain a poison capsule for the assassins own protection – suicide.
Is anyone clever enough to create such a weapon? I hereby volunteer to fire it.
Lovingly, Jim Pugh
—–
EE-1-P-40-a
Answers to news quiz by Jim Pugh
Jim Pugh
- Trotskyism 2. Revisionism 3. Social Democracy 4. Anarchism
- Prop 13 is a tax movement sparked by Jarvis a fascist to cut taxes [several illegible words] deprive the Blacks, Chicanos of much needed help.
- Armed struggle is, according to Mao, the only way bring change – out of the barrel of a gun. Many people get hurt thereby and many die. The [illegible word] were critical of the Red Brigade’s very effective way of bringing the establishment to reasoning. [illegible sentence] I think terrorism is an act unrelated to the times or the need of the times. Or just wanton cruelty – like leaving a bomb on a bus of women & children
- Leafletting 2. [illegible word] new laws 3. Lying to IRS or any other bureau or federal employee 4. Communicating with a foreigner 5. Picketing in front of courthouse 6. Giving information about government crimes to newspapers
- [blank]
- “You can kiss my black ass”
- By taking their minds off the need to struggle for freedom. Also by taking their money.
- Greed was like US today in their apathy and great lack of concern. And in the way they reacted to truth.
- Because there was a conspiracy among them to murder him
- Patriotic Front – Zaire
- Because Russia refused to withdraw from Africa
- It was a disagreement over boundaries and because Vietnam follows USSR and Kampuchie [Kampuchea] follows China
- The Esmaralda was a torture chamber in which thousands were tortured from whose decks many were flung to the sharks & 1000 women raped. [illegible sentence] with open arms
- Carter wants Russia to leave Africa so NATO can have a free hand to exploit denude and murder the inhabitants thereof
- [answer missing]
- China is threatening war with Russia
- Tell nothing. Ask to contact Peoples Temple. Be polite. But firm. And quiet.
- [answer missing]
- Sadat – Egypt. Begin – Israel. Castro – Cuba, Ian Smith – Zaire, Vorster-S. Africa
- Look
- He is Alive
- A black man condemned to die for a murder he was not guilty
- Joan Little was a young black woman in No Carolina who killer her jailor who attempted to rape her. – She broke out of jail and went to N.Y. where her boyfriend an Uncle Tom ass kisser turned her in. She is to be extradited back to No Carolina. Poor Joan.
—–
EE-1-P-18a – 18j
Answers to test on news by Jim Pugh
Jim Pugh
News
- To start with the Red Brigade seems most fitting as it is so outstanding as an activist organization. They believe, as Mao contended, that power grows out of the barrel of a gun. They accordingly have used the gun to good advantage, but always against the people’s enemies, killing only when necessary as they did to 5 of Aldo Moro’s guards while taking him alive. Other times, putatively, they shot evildoers in the legs in the case of such as the owners of Fiat. [Inserted: “80 or more instances”] This Moro, one might say the number 1 Capitalist of Italy, elected to the Office of Prime Minister 5 times was taken and held as a hostage pending the release of 15 socialists. Failing in that negotiation, the Capitalists being never faithful even to their own kind, the demand was reduced to one. Still no sale. So, in spite of the weeping, repentant appeals to his former Comrades for succor, he was to be executed. And perhaps is dead now. Failing in their first stated purpose, they nevertheless Have infected a note of fear into the hearts of every gov’t leader, manufacturing mogul or bullying police chief. Too, the gov’t itself may come shattering down. The Red Brigade indicts every other socialist system in the light of nuclear confrontation, certain to come, declaring that new parties – not social imperialistic – must be formed. This would be very much after their image; but in spite of their sweeping indictment open doors of refuge have been offered from various Communistic nations.
- In Afghanistan the communistic leader was killed which so angered the people that with the aid of the Air Force they rose up against their Fascist overlords and put them to rout within a 24-hour Revolution which place the Nation solidly in their hands. Within 2 hours they got in touch with the Warsaw Pact. And then they drafted a new Constitution patterned after the one of the Soviet Union. [Marginal note illegible]
- Iran is in trouble, Surrounded as they are by the socialist, Communistic Camps of Afghanistan, Iraq and Soviet Russia, their breath (as to quote an old Iowa saying) comes in short pants of apprehension. The Shaw [Shah] has lived high on the hog, reducing his people to the most dredging poverty. But they, reflecting the glint of freedom from across the border, skip across the border to prepare for the downfall of the Shaw and his evil cohorts.
- The President of Nigeria is very disillusioned with Pres. Carter. Carter was there on a good will tour during which he made a statement on behalf of freedom. Good. But his real purpose was soon unmasked in the Hilton Hotel where he was heard to make double dealing statements in the ears of oil men, which would sell Nigeria out. The Pres. of Nigeria then referred to Carter as a hypocrite and said the deals are all off. He also declared in favor of guerilla war.
Bungling stockfeed mixers accidentally mixed poison with the vast bulk of nutrients. Nevertheless Stock was fed upon it and rather than destroy the meat it was sold for 15¢ a lb to restaurants, berger joints and even baby food manufacturers. 20 years will not see the end of the tragedy – loss of memory, headaches, loss of tools, tractors and jobs – with loss of memory.
- The Ureka [Eureka] Research Ass’n, a front for the CIA, has been Contracted by Timothy O. Stoen to engage in reconnaissance with the end in mind to kill or kidnap our beloved leader – then finish us off. If I understand it right it seems that the downfall of a socialist nation was premeditated. Guyana?
- The difference between expropriation and nationalism is that the former means to take over property in the interests and for the benefit of the people while the latter being only a subterfuge; the property is seized by the Goiv’t, but only for the purpose of bailing it out of debt, which having been accomplished, the property is happily returned once again into the hands of its rich owners.
- Prime Minister [Forbes] Burnham continues his tour of friendly socialist nations – USSR, Korea and East Germany. Joyfully, he was received with honor and brotherhood wherever he went. Accords were agreed upon and friendships pledged & sealed.
- For reasons known only to China, she is now at war with Vietnam, having aligned herself with that noted brigand Gt. Britain. With friends like China, who needs enemies?
—–
The Day of the Jackall
This was a very intriguing movie. He, the Jackall, the hit man was certainly no slouch. He was very clever and equal to every occasion. When he needed lover for the night, he either sought the Company of a lady or the bosom of a male friend. His calling forced him to operate in a cold blooded ruthless fashion. He was well prepared for this phase having the ability to kill with his bare hands. He was mechanically inclined and he traveled equipped to repaint his car. (This seemed far-fetched to me.) He set an excellent example of forethought making provision for every eventuality, an extra passport, Clairall [Clairol] knowing his hair would have to be darkened in order for his appearance to match the stolen passport, a bleach to apply to face and hair so he could pose as an old war veteran with medals to match which he purchased at a used goods counter. He was so in Command of the situation and so dedicated to his calling that even a screaming near fatal automobile wreck failed to deter him; even though a vicious dog barred his entry at the driver’s seat. Too bad he was defeated by a fluke of ill luck after such a well planned and executed campaign. – If only DeGaulle had had the good sense to cooperate!
- Another news item concerns Belease [Belize] finding herself in a territorial dispute with Nicaragua. Backed by US Fascists who no doubt smell oil, they desired to wrest that strip of ground from Belease. Mexico who had patiently held her own territorial demands in abeyance, threatened to press her claims if Nicaragua’s demands were yielded to. Cuba and Guyana are standing up on Belease’s behalf.
Chili’s Prisoners of War – Rolando Coroso
I was appalled at the raw Cruelty exhibited in the text of the book. Fiends right out of the pit of hell the soldiers were utterly insensorte [insensitive] to the feelings and needs of their prisoners. Most brutal perhaps was their repeated act of bashing in a man’s genitals. Abhorrent also however, was their manner of securing their captives for a long and painful march, tying them so closely together that the breath of the following person was a stench to the one in the lead. I pitied them in their brutal beatings endured and the wearying, fatiguing skipping was literally without reason other than as it further seemed to humiliate the oppressed. And the “prince” who was Completely without any semblance of compassion. We can only hope meets an unkind fate Commensurate with his deeds. One and all, I’m sure, we [were] thrilled with the account of the 50-yr-old man who struck out at his foe, Waking from slumber. Too bad we Mortals are so easily Cowed – but so were the Warsaw dwellers up to the moment when having a belly full they struck out against their tormentors. He died, the 50-yr-old man, but he left an indelible mark on the annals of Courage and may we do so too. And who could not admire that one, who sizing up the situation realized things would get no better till they got much much worse, mounted the railing, shouted “Viva La Chile” and plunged to peaceful repose? We, and all prospective revolutionaries can profit by this doleful account and pledge to repeat none of the mistakes. There was one good suggestion also we can pay heed to, and that is to masticate thoroughly any address or printed item which would in any manner compromise a comrade or the cause and swallow same.
The prime mover in this incident, that is, the downfall of Chile and the death of her great and duly elected president Allende was the greed of the US multi-nationalists, Kissinger being the ugly American who bore the blood money to Chile – $9 million dollars to pay off the local Fascists for bringing down the gov’t. (And blame the CIA! )
Victor Jara is a beacon light of courage shining out and above the gloom of this sorrowful recital. One is caused to wonder what a majestic reserve of self-Command And Tranquility that could tide him over such bitter and painful experiences as having his face slashed and lacerated to say nothing at all about his fingers being cut off and he being taunted, “Now play your guitar, if you can.” But he continued to sing – and never ceased to smile – and may each of us partake of just such commanding victory!
I have Already communicated as to my guilt, and as for my dedication I volunteer for any 100% “forlorn hope” expedition, kill dictator, blow up traitors – draw the enemies fire as the “point man” or wherever by my death I can save some youth who has a life to live and still get the job done.
Jim Pugh
About the Russian films, lumping them together. They were tremendous pictures. The people looked so different than our erstwhile arrogant fellow citizens – and so very very few Cigarette suckers! I was impressed by the immensity of the country and the massive scale of her works such as turbines of (I thot [thought] they said billions of kilowatts). I would like to have seen more of that iron works over 100 yr old from whence workers rushed out to storm the winter palace. I’d liked more close up or on board shots of that famous ship that played such a part in the Revolution.
It was indeed interesting to see women playing such a major part in all phases of life, making the wheels go round as well as taking a big hand in govt – and all so humble too. Well it has been abundantly proved that with men in the saddle of rulership the world is a cold barren place devoid of compassion – with no heart but in Russia I sensed concern, compassion and camaraderie. I was impressed greatly with that great patriot who gave her 5 sons to protect their land.
Also the woman who brought water to the dry and barren desert is so symptomatic of what Russia is doing for the whole world. And may she ever continue to follow such a star as would rain blessings on many people.
And now, to end this treatise, with the dismal tortures of Chile in mind. I am wondering if it would be possible to [illegible word] our native poison as a supply, to separate it somehow and encapsule it so that each of us might be so equipped As to cheat our tormentors did we ever fall in their hands. Were the capsule small enough it might be worked into the cuffs of our shirts and chewed when capture was imminent.
—–
EE-1-P-19
Typed Tribute to Jonestown by Jim Pugh
Why I am in Jonestown
What a wonderful experience it is to be here! Pity the poor insensitive dolt that does not appreciate the wonder of your investment in it. Enumerating the assets of the venture should void all dissatisfaction and every backward look. We indeed have very much to be grateful for. Why am I here? The following itemization is the totting up of my answers.
- To follow the Light that effectually dispells all darkness, and removes every mental aberration.
- To escape the coming holocaust.
- To escape coming concentration camps and Hitler-style extermination chambers and cremation chimneys.
- To evade the coming reign of terror imposed by Senate Bill 1427 [1437].
- To assist with whatever be in my power the defense and propagation of this blessed truth of Brotherhood of all humankind.
- To lend my weight to every instrument of service available to me the better to feed the hungry of this world.
- To serve only, and never to be served.
To that end that I might be a faithful pebble in the mighty wall against the rising tides of fascism I pledge myself anew to give of the best that I have that this cause should triumph and if I might borrow anything at all from a militant organization let “Death before dishonor” be my eternal watchword.
Lovingly,
/s/ Jim P.
Jim p.
[Handwritten addition] To continue the above:
- The oil situation – world shortage or monopoly of same
- King Alfred Plan
- Cleometric Theory
- New bombs. 1. Neutron 2. Plutonium 3. Buzz bomb?