[Editor’s notes: This page was transcribed by Alexandra Prince, a professor of religious studies at Skidmore College, with the assistance of a number of their students, including Walter Boyce, Olivia Cohen, Emily Czelusniak, Jack Denham, Edward Galvao, Sam Hort, Lily Hudner, Anjali Khanna, Grace Mahon, Callahan Mainzer, Nicolo Mazzocca, Kaleb McClain and Maddy Morton.
[The letters on this page derive from several sources, principally FBI Section 126 • EE-1 • Letters to Dad (N-Z); 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.
[These letters retain their original spelling and grammar, with corrections only for clarity and for names.]
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EE-1-R-87
Statement to Jim Jones by Rhonda Rochelle Page
Rhonda Rochelle Page
C-22
Father,
The reasons why I left the states. To get away from the neutron Bomb. The neutron Bomb can be set to kill all people, in an area, and not touch one building, or piece of papper. And the Kliometric Theory, is are [our] people of color were slaves in the begining, and should be slaves in the end. Also to be safe from Senate Bill 1427. If an officer asked you a question, and your answer was not what he thought in his mind then you could be taken to jail. To build a new world in a free and Black society where color don’t mean a thing. To be free from martial law, and concentration camps. not having to worry about a fascist state. food shortage, also water shortage. Earthquakes. Race Riots. Being put down because of color. Not having paying jobs. Cost of liveing going up. Money value going down.
Father their are more reasons but I cant think of them
—–
EE-1-P7
Note from Rhonda Page
Dad, I am willing to give up my life, as that others may live. When I go, I’d like to take Tim and Grace [Stoen] with me.
Rhonda Page
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Letter to Annie Moore from Dale Parks, October 1978
EE-2-no-1a
October 3, 1978
Comrad [Comrade] Annie [Moore],
Regarding your note concerning Lisa Layton:
Thank you for calling this important matter to my attention. The party assigned to follow up on these matters was Sylvia Sly [Grubbs], and I as a supervising nurse feel equally responsible for the lack of follow-through. As result I acted quickly and promptly to establish follow-through, and reported the neglect to Phyllis [Chaikin], and established the following:
I. Update Nursing Care Orders (on chart)
1) Supervising nurse, continue to visit patient every 2 hours to monitor nursing care
2) Vital signs every 4 hours around the clock
3) Check for bedsores, provide back and skin massage for circulation, turn patient every 2 hours around the clock
4) Intake and output, 24 hours, to be recorded by the supervising nurse
5) Assess orientation, pain, emesia, appetite and general patient care follow-through and hygiene each visit
6) Patient’s family may visit p.m.
7) Record type and # of stools daily.
8) Report abnormal or changed in vital signs and symptoms to Dr. [Larry] Schacht ASAP
Dale Parks, Supervising Nurse
II. Commuting a practitioner, doctor, supervising nurse and patient care team to update patient care plan, will occur immediately – tonight! @ 6:30 PM – and a weekly meeting will follow for the duration of Lisa’s care.
III. Insist on complete and better communication between doctor, practitioner, nurses and healthcare team, for more appropriate and timely medical care
IV. Noted lack of follow-through on and called to the attention of Joyce Parks and Larry Schacht who should both make frequent rounds and write all orders.
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EE-2-no-1b
Thank you again for information and concern regarding Lisa. I will follow-up. Please feel free to keep me informed of any areas lacking follow-through and I will make my eye more observant. It is my opinion, we expected too much of Mary and we should have been more on the ball. The assumption now is for Mary to do maintenance, and Supervising Nurses to do nursing.
Sincerely, Dale [Parks]
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EE-1-P-25a – 25b
Letter to Jim Jones from Jerry Parks
[illegible note at top of page]
Hi Father.
I guess I am the one who is [illegible word] up things on them and waiting for [illegible word] Drs. (Dr. Fisher & intestinal specialist Dr. Brotman from S.F.) to decide what they are going to do. The last test I had taken in S.F. showed that along with the Hiatal hernia the valve in the lower part of the esophagus is weak & does not work properly which allows food & acid to back up into the esophagus causing irritation so they have put me on a drug that is supposed to tone up the intestinal muscles thus strengthening the valve if this does not work then they will have to do surgery which I hope they don’t have to do. Dr. Fisher said it is a very rough surgery and this is not the only problem I have been feeling very bad. I have lost weight & the kidney & prostate problem is bad, sometimes having trouble urinating in fact everything seems to be wrong. I know I need to be around you & the family because since you have left I have gotten worse & a lot of my old symptoms I had back [illegible word] it’s getting to be very hard to work without these symptoms. I wish I could forget the whole damn thing & come on over there with you and the family but Mother said to be sure all of our medical needs were taken care of here first so I really don’t know what to do wait or come now. Sandy said to let her know when we were ready & she would schedule us to go, everyone else is waiting on me (Patty, Brenda, Tracy & Edith.)
I am sorry Father about bothering you with my stupid physical problems but I just don’t know what else to do. I talked to Clara Janara [Claire Janaro] about it & she thought I should go directly to you. I can’t see any sense going thru the surgery when everything else is wrong.
Thank you Father
I love you and the family
Jerry Parks
P.S. We have seen the films of F.L. [Freedom Land] & it makes us very thankful & grateful you loved us [illegible word] to prepare a place like this.
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Jerry Parks
EE-2-no-5a
Father
As I had 2 minutes to answer the last question on revolutionary act & dying, after some thought it was not a very good answer. [It] came from the top of my head & not my heart.
I wrote a letter about 2 weeks ago about saving money for the family but I did not turn it in to you as I didn’t know whether it was the right thing to do, but I wanted to let you know I did not fear going back to raise money even if I had to give my life. I assure you I will take some with me. I have never seen any purpose for life here & I have never thought I would live long anyway especially had I not been with you. I have never understood why we are here and why these fascist pigs are allowed to torture, kill, enslave people anyway, and now the only answer for my being here is to bring a few of these class enemies to their end by any means possible. I don’t fear dying but I do fear being imprisoned. I have always had claustrophobia. When I was a young boy, 6 people held me down and administrated ether while I was screaming, my neck swelled & I almost smothered to death. I think this is why I have this fear, but if you will allow me to do this (as written in letter attached) I assure you Tim Stoen will bother you no more. I incapable of devising a plan to get him not in secret either.
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Jerry Parks
EE-2-no-5b
I don’t like the previous statement I made about giving my life since you are the only one worthy to do that, but at least when I die, I don’t want to hide. I want to die openly known as a communist freedom fighter. I don’t want to die from some damn disease or old age. I prefer this way & I ask you to give me the privilege & I can get a few thousand dollars for here in the process.
Jerry Parks
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Jerry Parks
EE-2-no-6
From Jerry Parks
Father
I have heard you say how bad we need money for food & I would like to ask you what you would think of this idea. I have not been terminated as yet at Safeway in Ukiah. I can bring in between $900 & $1000 a month clear for us here, depending on getting my same job working on Sunday. I can make $100.00 on Sunday alone. I also can work part-time at another store since working here I know I can work a full-time job & part-time both. I can stay with Delmar & not have to pay rent just my food. Also if I can get in about 2 more months I can get my pension about $240 month. Since being here I am getting my head on straight and am really concerned about doing something for the cause. I have no fear about going back. I think you can trust me to follow thru. When I left I talked to the store manager & told me to terminate me. I was going back east. He told me not to terminate in case I wanted to come back within 2 or 3 mo I would still have my job, but I would have to keep my union dues up as of April 1st. I would feel good bringing in money for the cause, if you think this will be possible, I would be glad to do it, if not that is fine also. I also can help at the church in SF on days off & I think Delmar would pay my way back to Ukiah if I ask him.
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EE-1-P-11a – 11b
Letter from Joyce Parks
1-1-78
From Joyce Parks
Dad,
It’s hard for me to write without manipulation. You ask for us to put down hostilities and sexual feelings toward you.
Hostilities – (1) I don’t like to take orders from you. (2) I don’t like to change my bourgeois lifestyle and you demand it. (3) The thought of torture scares me. I don’t like being reminded of it.
Sexual attraction – I hate facing any sexual feeling toward you. But I do find you physically attractive and have thought many times about having sex with you. I like the look of your lips and your eyes.
I really liked the talk you had last night with the old timers. It’s nice to look back on things in the past to see how far we’ve come. I hope someday we can have our own radio station. We could have different shows, music and things for children.
Joyce Parks
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EE-1-P-22
Letter to Dad from Joyce Parks
Friday
Dear Dad,
J. Warren [Parks] & myself would like to tell you how much we appreciate you for loving us. It was very hard today to see you go through the pain of [Jones’ mother] Lynetta’s death and continuing to worry about our lives.
I wanted to thank you for showing such concern for Dale’s [Parks] whereabouts. It’s a very difficult problem with his parents because this commitment is based on his reactions. I personally do not want them to come. I think they would be nothing but trouble and say that we kept information from them about Dale etc. For myself I do not want the family’s money going out for investigation to find him. I’m sorry he’s put you in such a position.
I wanted to ask you if I will be going back to Georgetown to work? In my rush to come out I left several loose ends with immigration, insurance, and pharmaceutical contacts. I’m now working on a filing system for the above that will make it easy for anyone to follow. At a glance one can see who is and is not insured, immigration status and exspiration dates on all passports. Hopefully this will clear up the confusion of lost passports etc!
The last question I wanted to ask is about us getting an import liciense for drugs. It seems that there are very low quantities of drugs in Guyana. I cannot see any change in the near future because of the non-aline [non-aligned] policy. Being American citizens I’m pretty sure we could get cooperation with some pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. or other capitalist countries.
Thank you again Dad for your dedication and sensitivity to your children.
Joyce Parks
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EE-1-P-16
Note to Jim Jones from Joyce Parks
Thank you Father for loving us so much –
Joyce
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Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Joyce Parks
EE-2-no-2a – 2b
Dad,
Phyllis [Chaikin] and myself were talking after your announcement about physicals and other things in the office. She said at that time a talk she and I had this morning about your health had prompted the push for exams besides the fact that they needed to be done. I told Phyllis that Annie [Moore] had talked to me about some lab work and things for you and that your health was lower now than I had ever seen you. I told her that Dale [Parks] had been called a couple of nights ago and that I was making myself available if there was anything needed. I did not say I had spent time up with you – Phyllis said I did. I told her that I was really glad the Russian doctors were coming to check you because I really feel you need to go to a diagnostic center and get x-ray studies and blood analysis not available in this country.
I am very sorry that you were the subject that brought up the physical situation to a head because it’s needed badly. I am willing to work wherever I’m needed. I told Phyllis that there must be somebody to see patients that the supervising nurses can’t handle on the spot and that’s mostly my function. The special care unit to make rounds and keep things moving. Up until the table was put into x-ray we did all basic exam procedures in the office. My time is scheduled by Sylvia [Grubbs Sly] and I am willing to do physicals.
Dad again I’m sorry – I will do anything necessary to make this movement go forward. I will not allow my selfishness to stand in the way of anyone’s life.
Joyce Parks
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EE-1-P-5a
Note from Lore B. Parris
Socialism is love and trust & socialism, peace & sharing and living wherever our leader suggests, and loving one another & sticking together like one big family and not breaking one rule or link.
And my mind is made up to die for socialism.
Peace, Happiness & Love for everyone if they are to accept us all.
And we have the best leader in the world. I love him dearly. I would be willing to die for what he stands for and that is socialism.
– Lore B Parris
Jim doesn’t only love his family but he loves all of us too. If you only can believe.
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EE-1-p-39a – 39d
Letter to Tom Partak from mother
1512 Highland Ave.
Joliet, Ill.
June 6, 1978
Dear Tom:
We are having beautiful weather here. Gram & I took the camper down to Shelbyville, Ill & stayed at a lovely campground along the Kaskaskia River. Sure wish I could have stayed and relaxed a few days.
Next week Gram, Dave and I are going to New Hampshire for David Hall’s wedding. Annette is going to take the train up from DC & we’re looking forward to a good time. Unfortunately Jim has a meeting in New Mexico and can’t make it.
But enough about us. How are you doing? It is so long since we’ve received a letter that we are naturally quite concerned. Especially since you promised to write. I even called Mattie and she said she hadn’t heard either.
Did you get my envelope with the sports news? This area really did well with Lockport Boys & Joliet West girls taking first place in the state tourneys and Providence a third in Class A. There were some other firsts, like Catholic High in Class 4A football – 3 years in a row – and wrestling from Providence, etc. In fact the sports writers say they don’t remember any other area picking up so many championships in one season.
We are all fine. Susan is graduating from 8th grade Thursday & we are going to their house for a party Sunday. She and Beth are getting so tall and slim.
Dave is still working and seems to like it real well we’re taking his new car to N.H..
They have Chicago St. all dug up and they’re making a mall and the streets are such that you don’t know which ones are one-way & which not. It’s a mess!
Am enclosing a $5.00 bill. Buy something for yourself. But, please let us hear from you. If I don’t hear soon will probably write Jim Jones. Mattie says he is there too.
Love
Mom and all
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Undated Thank You Note to Jim Jones from Robert Paul
EE-2-no-4
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
From: Robert Paul to Dad
Thank you Dad for your love and concern for each and every one of us here and elsewhere. I was out burning logs with gas and diesel mix together. I had a can full of the mixed fuel. I poured the gasoline where I thought was no fire. But everything happened so fast. When I knew what was going on I was on fire. There was fire all over my body, the can was burning in my hand, all over my arm and chest. And Bruce Jackson and Joan Johnson saw this and got out of the way. Bruce saw my body on fire and almost passed out. But Dad your love saved us. The fire was all over my body but didn’t burn a hair. Thanks Dad.
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BB-31-a-297 – a-298
Lucille Payney Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
Dearest Dad:
First of all I want to thank you for our lovely candy. I had stop eating candy about 1923 as it made me fat. This is so nice, I eat it now.
I also would like to get my hands on Tim Stone, for all the grief he has put you thru. Also what happened to our Chris [Lewis].
Tim does not need no mercy of no kind, he should go like Chris & never know who did it. Please Dad, do not give him one penny. You are the only Dad I had & will ever have. Please let him learn the hard way.
I hope we can get some garlic soon, so I can get back on job.
I am now making pillows so they can be sold.
I like rice & Ettos [eddoes] better than noodles. I am on a salt-free diet now to get the swelling in legs, which are better since Lois [Breidenbach] put me on it, & before I met you, I was on it from 1952 until about 3 years ago. I gave up lunch, so you can have things you need. I am losing weight also.
Thanks Dad for everything.
Your child,
Lucille E. Payney
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EE-1-P-37
Note from Lucille E. Payney
Jonestown, Guyana
Dearest Father: I am writing you as you asked us to.
- The bomb that kills people & does not hurt anything else
- Also the bomb to send to Russia & Africa
- The United States will not sign the pack not to kill Blacks & Indians
- A police man can kill you, if you do not answer as he thinks you should
- The Supreme Court has passed a law not to let blacks, Mexicans, and other dark races go to colleges
- I hope I have given some that is important
Thanks for all my healings & blessings & bringing truth to my new home, I love it.
Your child,
Lucille E. Payney
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Note on Jim Jones’ Pain from Lucille Payney, May 1978
EE-2-no-3
26-5-78
Lucille E. Payney
CB 3
Dearest Dad:
I think the greatest pain you feel is when you have trusted one, such as Tim Stone [Stoen] & he lies to you & [is] now doing everything he can [to] hurt you.
It is enough to break anyone up. Not only him, but lots of those you have trusted here turned traitors. They have given you a lot of pain.
Everyone who gives you pain in any form is banned as a traitor.
I hate to see you in pain, & it hurts me to my heart. I feel pain as much as you & I cry inside me.
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EE-1-P-24a – 24b
Letter to Jim Jones from Janet Peeplez
Jim Jones
PO Box 893
Georgetown, Guyana
South America
Dear Jim,
I’m writing to you in appreciation for making it possible for my parents to come over, and live in our agricultural mission.
I thank you for your consideration and understanding in granting permission for my husband to be able to come. He doesn’t have a negative attitude, and I’m sure he’ll be with us when we come.
Jim, with building a hospital, I’d like to know, if there is anything that we can get, in the form of supplies, to help in stocking for the hospital? Does the children’s library need more books? I’ve been getting books for ages 5-7 yrs old, and I’m interested in any other supplies they may need. I turned in recently stationary and pens, pencils, and Deana & Gregory’s books. I’d like to teach the small children, and also the children of ages 7-8. I haven’t much Education, but am willing to get more (Education) if possible, when I come over there. Is that possible?
I’d continue to get needs for the adults, as much as I can, sheets, towels, cups, etc. It gives me such a peace of mind to know you as a leader & friend, and to know that there is a better place to live. All the credit goes to you & your unselfish love for us all, to help build a new nation.
Thank you,
Janet Peeplez
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EE-1-0-1-a – 1-d
Letter from Lenora M. Perkins
Dear Father Jones have heal me of heart troble. and heal me of a stroke.
he healed my sister Mrs. Doris Lowre who live in Portland, Ore from dieing from a Blood clot that broke in her leg it went around her heart and went in her lung the Dr give her up. she was waring one of Rev. Jones pictures around her neck she said as she was going out a voice spoke and said where is that locked [locket] she said she begain to rub her heart with the locket and to day she are fine.
and he have also heal me of many other things thank to the only one I can say I know can raise the dead I have seen meny who have realy died the Dr said thair was no life he jest walk very slow and speak sister or brother and say arise I love you and they get up thanks to one who can do all things but fail. I shall all way praise my living savior who care and take care of the little Babies and the old folks who would have been cast aide he take them in and give them a lovely home and nersie [nurses] and Dr to care for each and ever one.
I wish the whole world all over could realy know who he realy is.
Lenora M. Perkins
D 2 [Dorm 2] Bed 21
to Rev Jones
City
ATTENTION
Be sure to save this letter about her healings since the bitch is CRAZY!!
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EE-1-P-36
Note from Lenora Perkins
Dearest Father,
I believe all you stand for, for you have brought us out of capitalism into this beautiful socialism witch mean freadmor [freedom] for us all without socialism this will be no reason to live so we are hear [here] to fight or die.
Lenora M. Perkins
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EE-1-0–3
Note from Lenora M. Perkins
Sept. 5th 1977
The reason I am happy to be out of America is because of Senate Bill 1-1427 a police can tell you have not ans his questions. He have the right to shot you or send you to jail.
And the neutron bomb can kill all Blacks and never harm a pencill on a desk.
And to be free from concentration camps.
Lenora M. Perkins
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EE-1-P-14
Letter to Jim Jones from Maud Perkins
Dear Dad: I know I should have evaluated myself long ago & this is one of my many faults not willing to let anyone know exactly what I’m thinking. I’ve noticed this ever since I was called on to talk when we were in a crisis & I often have a strong & deep feeling but push it back often & I will work on this. I know I have the leadership ability & often I misuse it to my advantage & I am a asshole for doing so. I like to gossip & put others down to make up for my own insecurity & I will correct this. And as far as going into Georgetown I’m not all excited. I came to spend the rest of my life or die in Jonestown & it wouldn’t bother me at all if I never see the mosquito infected Georgetown. It really reminds me of San Francisco & what I’m trying to forget. I don’t feel I would get involved with a relationship because I’ve been that way & I know there is nothing to it thanks to you Dad. I do feel I often flirt when its not necessary but as far as going any farther I know I wouldn’t at this stage. I decided when I came over here I wanted to be a strong Socialist regardless and I feel it has started to develope. One good example is I hated Laura Johnston in the states & always felt like killing her but now it seems my life has changed & I tend to relate to people I hadn’t in the states. Also thank you for bringing all of us over here & starting a new life for us. I can see a great change in Irvin Jr. & I appreciate it so I will show appreciation through my work & again thank you Dad.
Maud Perkins
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EE-1-p-4a – 4b
Letter from Versie Connessero Perkins
Sept. 20, 1977
Hi Dad, How are you? This short note leaves me doing fine. I miss you and the family.
I am still working at the hospital. I am taking a Spanish course there now and when the class is over I will get a pay raise.
Dad, I was really surprised to see how the morale of the people has been very high. But that news just made the people keep working to get “home” (to the F.L. [Freedom Land]) People are stopping to speak and to talk to people and hear what they have to say. The people who are still here become closer to each other
I am thankful that you have prepared a place so that we can live in a better place and have a better life.
I will continue to work so everyone can get there. I think about Angela [Connessero] and think about how happy she was when she left and the reports I get about her. She is very happy, is speaking so clear she sounds like she is older than 3 yrs. I am glad she is there and not here. Tell the family I said hi.
Your daughter,
Versie
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EE-1-P-17
Cable from San Francisco to Leon Perry
15 Jan 1978
ZCZC ROA294 YBB277 VIA ITT QID196 4-049138E014
GYGX HL UINX 018
TDMT SAN FRANCISCO CA 18 14 0414P EST
LT
Leon Ferry [Perry]
PO Box 893
Georgetown
DAD
MOTHER HAD BRAIN SURGERY PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
LOVE
VERONICA
COL 893
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The Writings of the Ponts Family
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EE-1-P-6a – 6d
Letter from Mike Prokes
To – Dad
From – Prokes
Regarding the replacement of Sharon. I think this can be done without sending Terri Carter in by utilizing Karen [Layton] or Debbie Blakey in Sharon’s place (I understand you wanted Debbie used in Pr capacity anyway).
One thing significant that I notice about working in Georgetown is that presently I Don’t see anyone taking an overall or comprehensive concern for every department there. Follow up has been bad. We make promises to people and don’t always deliver. While I was there, I made note of at least four people that we messed up with or would have if it wasn’t caught by change. They are Gordon Thompson (his car was kept longer than it was supposed to have been and he wasn’t notified – resolved it with an apology and bottle of booze); Peter Fernandes (Waited for a dog to be brought in and Karen forgot … he was given gift and invited over but I’m not sure that took care of it with him; Cleo DaSilva – after he transferred fuel from one of his boats to our boat (which caused him to have hold up his boat from departing for at least a day), arrangement were not properly made to replace his fuel at Texaco. This would have been bad had it not been caught on time and rectified. He really stuck his neck out it seemed to me; Ray Fernandes – He had supplies delivered to our boat which were refused because we were loaded to capacity. So the goods (which are in short supply) were returned to his store or warehouse. They should have been taken to our garage and kept for the next boat. They are not even in our name anymore and, of course, they’re still needed. a bottle of booze resolved it with him.
It just seems like our age old problem, i.e., responsibility is only assumed in the specific area that a person is assigned – and then not always conscientiously, as the above shows.
Before I left Georgetown the time before last I said that spare tires ought to be gotten for the vans since they often go on long runs such as to the airport. When I came in last time, it still had not been done. I couldn’t believe it. We assigned the job out and the very next day, one of the vans got a flat way out in the country tying up one of our people and vehicles for over a day. Presently I don’t believe either van has a spare again. One was stolen because [Tim] Carter didn’t lock the doors. The blue van in my opinion is dangerous. It’s literally coming apart at the seams. You can see it. The white van could get that way fast if more care isn’t taken. It was carelessly driven into a pole recently, denting and scraping the side. Now the sliding load door doesn’t open (I don’t know if the accident caused it or not).
I express to you the last time I returned from Georgetown that it is hell. though I do think I’m probably more useful there than here, I feel more depressed and suicidal (in Georgetown). There is not danger of me acting on it. Everytime I get into a really bad state of mind, I come out of it by the knowledge that my pain and depression isn’t one iota of what you live with.
As far as Carter, I don’t see him past 11 or 12 at night (whether Gloria [Carter] is there or not). Nobody wants to do letters. Karen hates them and doesn’t think she’s competent enough (which I think is sincere on her part), Sharon [Amos] doesn’t have the time and needs more rest, and Tim procrastinates. Consequently the letters for the top ministers were usually delayed in getting out. I did all the main letters when I was in and made damn sure they got out the next morning – I don’t think [Guyana minister Ptolemy] Reid is reading them, however.
I remember you saying something recently about being able to give people only so much (as far as work load and responsibility). It’s true that we all set our limits. I’ve been conscious of mine. but seeing you sick and troubled the Past couple of days – it broke me up. I don’t guess, however, that any of us have ever cried for you (though I’d break my arm if I could suddenly become that sensitive). We cry for ourselves – it’s a painful reality, but I’m glad I know it because I think it makes me more trustworthy. It’s obvious that you can’t trust any man, and I’m not presumptuous enough to think that I’m some sort of mutation. I know I’m growing, however, and regression seems an impossibility. I used to wonder, as you know, how I would cope with torture. I no longer think about it – I’ve resigned myself to it. Listening to Victor Jara sing while at the same time reading a book about the tortures in Chilean concentration camps is a heavy experience. I think it would be good for everyone to read it and I can get copies of the book if you wish.
Thank for your time and concern–
Mike
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EE-1-P8
Letter from Victoria Prokes, sister of Michael Prokes
Dear Peoples Temple,
Thank you for the information you’ve been sending. I appreciate very much knowing about your progress. I have never been swayed by what the press, media, etc. might say to slander you. I was glad to see the letter of apology written to the newspaper though. Jim and People’s Temple do not deserve to be treated in the manner in which The Examiner speaks. He is truly a wonderful gift to humanity. Whenever I’ve come to the Temple the members have always treated me graciously. Thank you for being so kind.
My thoughts are on you and your progress.
Sincerely, Victoria Prokes
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EE-1-P-10a – 10b
Letter from Mary Prokes, mother of Michael
Feb 2, 1978
Dearest Mike,
How can I begin to thank you and say what it means to receive a call from S. America. The contact was very clear and midnite our time seemed right being I heard you so well. What is the difference in your time?
Do hope you received the Earth shoes and a few eatables – See’s candy and a few chews.
Mailed it early January.
The jeans got this time came in size 31-33 so I hemmed the cuffs slightly. I enclosed a few odds & ends, also needles and thread, thought they may come in handy.
Everyone is fine at home and busy.
The weather is sunny and each day improving being the trees are showing blossoms and by next week the plum tree next to kitchen window is ready to burst into pink flowers. I’m taking my time and not rushing into any quick discussions as to selling the home but know in due time I’ll want something smaller. Just taking each day as it unfolds. Perhaps when everything is settled with adjustments and changes where your [you’re] at and feel the time is right, you then can tell me. Someday I would like to come and visit you.
I’ll close for now and hope to mail this on to Peoples Temple so it could be forwarded when they ship it.
My deepest affection and love
God bless you
Mom.
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The Writings of Eva and Jim Pugh
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EE-1-0-2a – 2d
Letter to Joan Pursley from mother Marilyn
Sunday – August 28, 1977
Dear Joan,
Happy Birthday! I always get sentimental on my children’s birthday – thinking back on the excitement of the day and hearing the words, “It’s a girl!” three times out of the four.
I was thrilled to get your letter at last, though I was disappointed that you didn’t even mention Dov [Lundquist], Jamal [Patterson] and Diane [Lundquist]. Diane promised to write and perhaps she’ll elaborate a little more.
As you know, Cynthia [Pursley] will soon be joining you. She and Jenny are having a good time in S.F. She spent a week with me a couple of weeks ago.
I think I told you that I am getting together some tours to Cuba. I’m working with a friend who is a travel agent. The first one is the last week in October, and if we have enough people I will have a free trip. On the last day of the tour I will leave from Havana and fly to Georgetown. I expect to be in Guyana eight days. This time I will spend there is regulated by the days there are flights. I must get back to Havana on the day a flight leaves for Mexico since one can’t just “hang around” in Cuba, but must be with a group.
Needless to say I’m excited. If the tour business to Cuba works out, I should be able to come to Guyana two or three times a year. If that weren’t possible I don’t see how I could be so far away from the people I love most in the world. I am especially concerned about Cynthia and her future, and I’m allowing her to come there because it seems to be the very best thing I can do for her. Putting her in a mediocre or worse care home here just so I can see her frequently would be selfish.
The press barrage against P.T. continues, and I think people (at least people who think) are beginning to question the motives even without knowing anyone connected with the church. Fran Harwayne remarked that there was obviously a political narrative, and that the articles were so redundant. Many said they should now do an “exposé” on the Catholic Church.
I was sorry I didn’t go to Finn Hall the other evening to hear Ben Chavez’ sister. I came home late and tired, and Marcy [Marceline Jones] called me afterwards to say that Marcy and several people from P.T. had been there. She had a nice talk with Marcy.
Bill Pursley is back in town. He called – said he had seen Cynthia at Peter’s house. I’m glad they’re getting to spend some time with her before she leaves. Bill obviously has some reservations about her going, but I guess he mainly worries about when he’ll see her again. I told him I had complete confidence that it would be the best thing for her and he said, “I hope so” in his usual taciturn fashion.
Well, it’s almost one o’clock and I have to “get it in gear” and go to work. This seven days a week is a grind. I’ll be ready for that trip! I can’t wait to get back to Cuba to breathe a little of that “socialist air” – I’m still thinking I’d like to spend a year there working if it could be arranged – not easy.
Well, my darling, take care. Give my love to Karen (if she’s there) and to all my “loved ones”.
Hope you’ll write me a long letter soon.
Love, Marilyn
P.S. If there is something I can bring you for your birthday, let me know.
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EE-1-N-30
Note from Joan Pursley
The following people I am attracted to:
- David George
- Kevan Grubbs
- Mary Griffith Senior
- Terri Buford
- Father (I think I don’t exactly know if it is sexual, but I know I am attracted.)
From: Joan Pursley
Not necessarily in this order