[Editor’s notes: The letters on this page derive from several sources, principally FBI Section 126 • EE-1 • Letters to Dad (G-J); 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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BB-31-a-107
Karen Harms Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
Dad
I think Tim Stoen has gone to far. I think giving him money would be showing him weakness. I think there [they’re] looking for weakness since they killed Chris.
I think Tim should be killed. I like Marie Lawrence’s [aka Exia Marie Duckett] idea about making it look like a sexual murder. We could kill him and change his clothes and dump him somewhere. I think all the traitors should be killed in time in a way that fits something about there past, like Linda Mertle. I understand she use to shoot Heroin. We could kill her with an overdose of Heroin.
I feel our first priority should be to get our family here, even if it means less food for a while and overcrowding. I don’t think that should matter to us when our family is over there in danger. It’s obvious the traitors don’t want to see our people here and if they killed once and tried to kill Mother, they’ll do it again. The money Tim is asking for could be spent on getting the rest of our family here. I’m willing to do whatever I’m asked to do in bringing down our enimies and getting our people free.
Thank you Dad
Karen Harms
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EE-1-I&J-167
Undated Confession from Ollie Harrington
To Dad:
I Ollie Harrington have got cucumber, coconut and grapefruit when other didn’t get them but I ask my superior.
But just the other day I stole some of Nevada Harris alcohol I have athletes very very. I was told alcohol and Kerosene was very good so I got it and mix it. And it work very good. Now my foot are much much better.
I am sorry dad I will not do this again. I knew it was wrong.
Thank you Dad
Ollie Harrington
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Undated Statement from Ollie Harrington
EE-1-H-4
Re; To Father
The things father talked about why we lift the United State.
The nutron bomb – kill people and leave build and was made only by the U.S.
How the capitalist are trying to do away with the socialist party
Nuclear war
Concentration camp
No water and food
Earthquicks
Entire weapon
Senate bill 1427
Racism between black and whites in America. And how U.S. made this bomb that only go tree top level.
The laser beam
Better education for our children
Freedom for all. And here we can uses all most and thing for poor.
Thank you for your love and concern for all of us. You didn’t have to do it but you did.
Ollie Harrington
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BB-31-a-290
Constance Harris Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
Dad: Sence it’s clear Tim Stoen and others had everything to do with Chris [Lewis] being killed. Now asking for money. I feel he should not be answered in no way. I am sure they think I am too dum to think along with others like me. To show up at his house at night looking for another person and just blow his head off would be the answer they all would understand. To say a word in any way when cause them to be on guard I am willing to offer myself as a date to get this answered. The way it should be done. I feel they think that they have gotten the only one of us that [is] willing to stop their mess without a word. I think they feel we are afraid due to what Grace [Stoen] know about top business in the family. And our comming here when we did and at the rate. Or better yet just let the person that offered his help do as he offered. Because to get one and leave the others would only put gas on the fire, in their favor.
Thank you Dad
Constance Harris
Dad: Sence there is a question about my work hrs. I will drop off my time each morning at the office srnce some of my work is at night. I will also check in as usually.
Thank you Dad
Constance Harris
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EE-1-H-12
Undated Statement by Dorothy Lesheene Harris
To: Father
These are the people I have attractive feelings toward:
Amondo Griffith
Tyrone Duncan – not here
Johnny Cobb
Newhuanda Walker
Tina Turner – cousin
Janice Warren
I don’t feel I could walk around without those 3 girls. At least with one of them. I have other comrad friends, but I don’t feel so attached with them, like I do with these three.
Please excuse the first one I turned in. I don’t think I were honest with it. Thank you Father
Shajhuanna Harris [Dorothy Lesheene Harris]
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EE-1-H-58
Undated Statement by Dorothy Lesheene Harris
To: Father
I feel that socialism is the way of life. Without socialism a group is no good. Socialism is when you care for someone and is really a friend to someone and not a sale-out. It’s when you love a person no matter what he or she does to you. You still love him.
My believe in socialism is when the means of production and the wealth is distributed equally among the people. Everybody has the same amout. no more, nor less. no favors, Everyone treated the same.
As far as this revolution goes. If we are able to get a silom [asylum] place. I would take it. Not just for me, but I would like to see at least one day Father you at rest. Our seniors die peacefully and our childrens grow up. So they can finish off where we left. If we can’t get a free place I rather stay here, because going back to the states is no good. Even though they may not arrest none of us. In the long run all hell is gonna break loose. Concentration camps and all. It would be worst than here. So we might as well stay here. Peace assurance or not. I am not grateful enough father and don’t deserve nothing. Thank you Father for your love.
DOTTIE Shajhuanna HARRIS
To: Father
From: Shajhuanna L. Harris
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EE-1-H-7
Statement by Josephine Harris, September 1977
[Top half of page illegible]
9-77
I am glad I am living in a free country. Free from Gennecit boms. Nuture war. Bom. I am glass I am a first class [illegible word] & can walk the streets free. Save from Earthquicks.
Living where cension [likely, “seniors”] and children can live and walk in a free country.
Josephine Harris
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EE-1-H-16
Note to Jim Jones from Lianne Harris
I talked to my dad, Sherwin Harris, earlier this week who sounded like a robot and this statement is to this robot and whoever programed him.
My name is Liane Harris. I am a 21 year old adult woman, and I understand that my dad, Sherwin Harris, wants to see me. I have absolutely no desire to see him and I want him to leave me alone He never was particularly concerned about me. He divorced my mom before I was born. My mom was the one who reared me and paid my expenses. He never paid child support or helped me financially in years.
Once when I saw him he actually was upset because I didn’t drink or smoke. He called me a goody twoshoes and that if I lived with him he’d teach me a few things. That’s coming from a man who’s got a fiance approx. my age. His former wife was mean – I didn’t visit them often. One time I visited with him and she hit me over the head with a baseball bat, she’s locked me in the closet, slammed my head against the wall, slapped me for no reasons. My dad didn’t listen or do anything about it when I told him. That woman hated me. He knew it and didn’t even care.
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EE-1-H-17
I want him to get this straight! Im happy here – happier than I’ve ever been in my life and I don’t want to see him or have anything to do with him until he is reformed! That’s all I have to say. I hope he gets my message. I don’t know how to say it any stronger. He acts so concerned now, where was he when I was growing up. The truth about this place is its fantastic. Ive never lived so well. Its really beautiful. A place where children can really grow up in a healthy natural enviornment.
As a teacher here, I’ve seen children who were troubled, nervous and into all kinds of trouble in the states – they’ve bloomed into much more mature, well-adjusted and capable kids.
Anyone who would want to lie about this community, and try to tear it down, as far as I’m concerned – is either out of their mind or has some selfish, twisted motive.
I don’t know what category my ex-father fits into, but whatever one it is, I am not interested in seeing him – Tell him not to waste his time trying to see me. I don’t trust him or his motives.
That’s all I have to say.
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EE-1-H-18
Undated Statement by Magnolia Harris
MAGNOLIA HARRIS
Look; I am going to be brief. I have written my daughter several times and have even asked her to come visit. Now she’s turned around and gotten nasty, and is joining up with people who are trying to tear down this place, trying to tear down Jim Jones.
My personal belief is that people have gotten to her and told her a lot of lies. As long as she is playing along with people who have been trying to destroy our pastor and our church, I want her to know that she can forget about me – I don’t want to see her or have any communication with her. I am happy here and have never enjoyed life so much. If my daughter vannot respect my choice to live here, I am sorry, but she will have to choose her own path in life. I won’t interfere with her. But I do want [crossed out and unreadable text added] life of my choise. I am not interested in going to the United states, I have a life here that is just wonderful. I also just want to say that I am sick and tired of hearing about the lies that are being told about Jim Jones – this is to me a conspiracy to destroy a great man, and the people involved in it are just twisted up inside [crossed out: “because they couldn’t live up to his teachings,”] they were too selfish and probably too racist. If my daughter cannot see through that, it’s too bad, [crossed out: “but she can forget about seeing me.”]
My daughter doesn’t have to worry about me on any levels of life, I am physically well, mentally well. I eat well and have a good home to live in. I feel freer then I have ever been in my entire life. I want my daughter and everyone else to know that I don’t want to leave here under any circumstances. I can’t get over Sylvia’s [crossed out: “my daughters”] attitude, as [crossed out: “a membership sister in law to have children”]
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EE-1-H-19
a person who attended
Card holder, as one who was a teacher and as one to attended the Temple. How she can feel like way. Someone is feeding her dirty lies putting fear and worry in her mind. Believe me, I am just fine and happy and I’m not leaving here. This is my home.
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BB-31-a-114
Nevada Harris Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
Dad,
I think the one who murdered Criss [Chris] Lewis should be punish for life. Dieing is to easy. They should have to remember how it fill to know wheather they will live to see another day or died like they killed Criss. That is to good. They should die slowly and be Reminded every minute of how they did Criss.
Thank You Dad.
Nevada
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EE-1-H-56
Undated Statement by Eyvonne Hayden
Eyvonne Hayden
My fillings and Belief about socialism
1 I fill very strongly that if you intin to be in a socialist movement you have to pledge your whole life to it. Part of beinging a stronger socialist is to fight for your rights until the end and the end is death or is it don’t take death, just until you win what you fill is right to not only to help yourself but to help serve the people better.
In order to have socialism you have to have a dictator of the [several unsuccessful attempts to spell “proletariat”] that is benevolet.
2 If we were to get asylum for the whole family I hope it will be a nation that have gain if independence, because if not we can just stay here and fight until the last one is down, and it is totally non-sence to think about going back to the states they would except us back.
3 If we don’t get some kind of asylum within so many hours we will be prepared to go down at any time.
4 If our people from Georgetown
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EE-1-H-57
or the states don’t get here within so many hours after arriving we should be ready to go down.
If people start disconnecting our radio so we can not communicate with our people in the states that is working with our asylum, we will also be ready.
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EE-2-a-13a
Statement of Joe Beam [Joseph Helle III], July 1978
JOSEPH BEAM:
RE: REGARDING MY LIFE IN JONESTOWN KIND OF MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS OR IDEAS ON WHERE I “STAND” AND FURTHERMORE THE FACT OF WHERE I STAND ON, OF EVER BEING A TRAITOR TO THIS MOVEMENT
Two points that I would say concern my background in the United States was that of anarchy and elitism. Because in the States, I (before I was in Peoples Temple), did my own thing whereas I went to movies and wasted money and did those kinds of things; concerning my life in Jonestown, first I must say that all I want to do is to be one of the workers for this movement. I know that I have also show chauvinism in my job at the library (that I previously have wrote to you). My thoughts or ideas on living a structured life, is just that meaning… There is no room whatsoever for elitism or chauvinism, more so there is no room for anarchists here in Jonestown. Where I stand concerning traitors, and the fact would I ever be a traitor: first I must say being that I am handicapped, (now that may mean nothing, being handicapped) but I can only say that first of all I would go against all my own thinking of everything I ‘stood for’ or believed, when I say the words (‘stood for’) (what I mean is everything I believed whereas you are my Leader. I would and will not become a traitor to this movement even in my so-called handicap state, because I have absolutely no ideas or thoughts of ever being a traitor, the only concern I have toward living, speaking of myself, in my position is the work for this movement and do the best I can. I spoke to my dad Jack Beam a few weeks ago about the situation of ‘death’ – I told him that I never really thought about committing revolutionary suicide or even of ever thinking about it. I also explained to us my so-called dad, that I was afraid of even the thought of torture and then I would not ever want to talk. Of course I know this much that from my being in hospitals most of my life, I know somewhat, what pain is. Jack explained to me that concerning revolutionary suicide, what would happen is that someone (speaking of the mercenaries) would have to shoot me, if they wanted me dead. My answer to Jack was just this: I would be relieved if I could or can have that done!
Concerning the subject of intellectualism:
I would never be an intellectual because although I am one time had an IQ so called, I only know that the knowledge I have it is in no way (even being my IQ was a high one), close in any way, to a person who is a so-called philosopher. An example of this is people like Mike Cartmell or even of Tim Stoen or Jim Cobb.
[Type marginal note: “Re: To make this short and to the point: I do not want to go back to the States whatsoever. Furthermore just thinking, I look at it this way, from all of the anarchistical people and of the people that have went against this movement, my only thought, it is to at least help to keep this movement going, because my only other thought would be to die here, for something I believe in!”]
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EE-2-a-13b
CIA: Since World War II – They have killed 6300 people
7-11-78: For test on the tape of Dad:
Re: Concerning people’s attitudes of doing one thing when they are really afraid of facing themselves; mouthing off and couples not showing socialist commitments; talking socialism, but not living it; there is one point that you spoke of concerning when someone goes with a girl or woman (whoever that might be) the “sister” may or could have children, and that the man or guy whoever it might be, “he” will totally forget the children. / You spoke of people wanted to go back to fight our enemies or go to America and help fight the revolution there, that is bullshit. There are people that want to go back to the capitalist system. Then again there are those who speak of being guerrillas and fighting in guerrilla warfare.
People talking about their relatives – back there that are on dope, you pointed out that if you were ready to fight you would be concerned about the children and the building of Jonestown. / Dad also pointed out that he has gave us 6 months of food supply, which costs $675,000, 1/3 of a million dollars. Concerning the people talking about the relatives, that are not in the cause but not considering what all you have done. Dad has gave us free medical care.
[Handwritten additional notes: “Beef 79% up the scale!
Family concepts = a reality
Our children have more love here in Jonestown. I have no concern for my so-called dad whatsoever because he always thought with my so-called mom and even left after divorcing – he didn’t and doesn’t mean anything to me; I haven’t seen him for 23 or more years. You spoke of the 17% rise in food.
California has passed Prop 13.
Jimmy Ingrahm’s plus voted for this. 800 people have lost jobs in San Francisco. Jimmy lost his job.
US is tired of supporting Blacks – Chicanos – Browns. This is the best place to be.
Dad spoke of Senator Brooke!
Dad spoke [of] his comrade = Steve Beko [Biko] – Martin L. King!
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Undated Statement by Aaron Hendricks
EE-1-H-5
So now they have come [illegible] us I knew we were going to have to die someday and now I guess the time is here and even tough I wasn’t ready before I am now. To finish my letter I would like to wright a song that came to mind one day it [illegible] we are fighting for socialism fighting for socialism fighting for a mighty cause fighting for socialism fighting for socialism fighting for the truth fighting for socialism fighting freedom together in we stand divided we fall fighting for what’s right if not for our father we would be lost fighting for the socialist cause.
Aaron Hendricks
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EE-1-H-3
Undated Statement from Osialee Hilton
Why I am here
Osialee Hilton
I am here because I want freedom. I want to be free and feel safe at night.
I want the younger generation to come up under freedom.
Love your ideas and what you stand for.
Want to do the things you say
Don’t have to be in concentration camps, nor our children in concentration camps
Get away from genicide
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Rosa Mae Hines regarding Tim Stoen
EE-2-g-2
5-19-78
Here’s what these mercenaries have done and is doing to us. Tim Stone [Stoen] is suing us for million dollars against the church. He is a hypocrite because when he left here he said he was with us, after [he] got back in the States, turned against us, told lies on Peoples Temple, just help Grace out and start working with the CIA. The Mertles they told everything went on in the Temple and added, told more lies, they stole money and was buying themselves a home or business or whatever. That’s the way I understand it. You (Father) made them bring it back. The Olivers, they was working with the CIA, they said they would get there boys dead or alive. Madlock [Wade Medlock] said he was paying someone for sending one over here to kill all of us. The Griffins tried to kill Mother [Marceline Jones], and Stone also had it set out to kill Chris [Lewis].
Rosa Mae Hines
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EE-1-I&J-84
Undated note to Jim Jones from Patricia Houston regarding death
Patricia Houston
Drill team
TO DAD
Questions
- How I feel about living?
I would prefer dieing, but I know I could help change the world because I have many years before me. I could also help the younger children to grow up and be somebody. To help them to help people change from facist or capitalist to socialists or communists. I hate running to the pavillion for white nights.
- How I feel about dieing?
I would love it. I feel no matter how much shit I go through in pain and suffering such as gun holes, torture etc. It is not as bad as the pain I went through in the past. I know after I die I never have to face responsabilities.
- Why I am going to Georgetown?
I don’t want to but I know that we are bringing and uniting people together. We would also gain friends which could stop many of our white nights. We would also be able to teach the
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EE-1-I&J-85
people about socialism through our entertainment.
Possibly join the PNC and the PPP together and form a better united country. I am one member of the drill team.
Thank you Dad
Patricia Houston
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EE-1-I&J-86
Undated note to Jim Jones from Patricia Houston regarding guilt
From Patricia Houston
To Dad
My Guilt
I feel guilty because I am too passive and don’t talk up for myself.
I waste paper and never really care about the news articles the way I should.
I have been very careless with my dad and other people’s belongings. I have wasted money. Gave money to help the capitalists kill off my opressed brothers and sisters in South Africa and in other countries.
I have wasted money on “just” stupid things like candy, jewellry (which I lost all the time anyway), clothes etc.
I haven’t worked to my ability.
I have received money from my relatives and spent it.
I took needs money from S.F. and spent it on junk when I left.
I am too narsasitic. I depend on your love too much. I always feel that you’ll take care of everything for me.
I don’t keep gratitude in my mind the way I should.
I get moody to often which means I don’t
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EE-1-I&J-87
face my guilt enough.
I don’t [illegible] myself enough.
I think more of myself than anybody else.
I don’t help my class mates in school instead I loose all interest and pay attention to something else or sleep.
I don’t keep the thought about 2 or 3 babies going to bed hungry.
Thank you
My GUILTS and questions
TO DAD
FROM Patricia Houston
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EE-1-H-8
Undated Statement by Doris Howard
Jonestown Guyana
Greetings Father
It is good to be in the freedom land with my sister and brothers and all the babies. I’m so glad to be here under your protection. I am so grateful to you for all the things you have done for me, not only the healings but keeping my son out of trouble. this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen the food is so delicious you want to eat more all the time but most of all my life have been spared from concentration camp to come.
The Nutron bomb, the nuclear bomb, and also Genocide These are just some of the things that you talked about. Earthquakes will destroy most of Los Angeles also San Francisco.
The 1427 bill was passed and gave the law permission to send any person to jail if you were ask a question and you do not tell them what they want to here they can throw you in jail.
The laser beam is used to destroy the nuclear bomb are any bomb thats to be used by one country on another country.
Thank you Father for the freedom land home.
Doris Howard.
Doris Howard
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BB-31-a-106
Denise Hunter Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
12/20/77
Dad
I think the way to get Tim Stone [Stoen] would be to set him up real good. Make an appoment to see him on some normal kind of business so no one will know where he’s gone. Take him out shoot him with smack (O.D.) and dump him in the trash ben [bin] or near one. We would also dressing up in women’s close [clothes] too. You know he was so depressed he O.D.ed. He really is a hell of a spot left the freedom land to go into Capitalist swine.
People do get shot just walking down the street in the states.
I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep our people free.
Thank you for this beautiful Freedom Land
Denise Hunter
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EE-1-H-9
Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Denise Hunter
To Dad<
From Denise Hunter
About Odell Rodes [Rhodes]
Odell approached me and ask if I’d just play around. He said we didn’t have to fuck just play He made it clear that he had no preventive protection.
That was big of him wasn’t it? Any way I didn’t say yes or no. I ask what was rong with the relationship committe? He said some people went to the committe just so they could have sex. He didn’t think that was right.
I told him I couldn’t have a relationship for a while and if I fucked with him it would be the same old mess I left in S.F. I told him I was still checking out Jonestown and learning the rules. When I did get ready for a relationship I’d do it right. No more mess for me.
This was before he went to learning crew.
Thank you Dad
For this beautiful
Land of Jonestown
Thank you Dad
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Note to Jim Jones from Denise Hunter, October 1978
EE-2-g-4b
17-10-78
To Dad
From Denise Hunter
I’m writing to thank you for saving me once again. I’m still not sure if it was appendix or kidneys, but it was bad and I was healed of any pain before I got to town.
I’m a pile of shit and a asshole. I don’t know why you keep doing so much.
I saw a lot while I was gone 1 week. Now, more than ever I appreciate what we have here. We are rich people in every way. Thanks to you. I know I don’t deserve any of it. Thank you for letting me be a part of Jonestown and the Revolution.
All I can say about people who try to leave here as they must be living in a make-believe world of fantasy because this is the only real thing (way of living there is)
Thanks Dad
From a pile of shit
Denise Hunter
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