[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-k-20
Letter to Jones from Rosa Keaton, September 1977
Troolie #2
Jonestown, Guyana, SA
9/5/77
Dear Father:
I thank you for this opportunity to write this letter to you.
You have taught me Truth. You have saved my life more times than I know about. You have healed me of kidney and bladder trouble, throat condition, heart condition, arthritis in my right hand and shoulder and other conditions of which I am not aware. I thank you for all of these. You restored my eyesight since I have been in the Promised Land to the extent that I can read, write and thread needles without the aid of glasses. Thank you, Father.
I thank you for bringing me out of Fascist USA to the Promised Land where I will be free from concentration camps, racism, the neutron bomb, Buzz bomb, Ku Klux Klan, Kleometric [cliometric] systems, the Bakke decision, earthquakes, water, food and fuel shortages, Senate Bill 1427, Senate Bill 1, capital punishment, and capitalism – with all its terrors.
I am happy here and I am willing to do anything and I can do to help build our Socialist Society here.
Thank You Father,
Rosa L. Keaton
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EE-1-K-64
Letter to Jim Jones from Tommie Keaton, September 5, 1977.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors and missing punctuation marks have been retained.]
Sept. 5th 1977
Jonestown Guyana
South America
Dear Father
I thank Father you for saving me from concentration camps an the neutron bomb, food shortage, racism, Klu Klux Klan, Buzz bomb, fuel shortage, Kleo metric system, water shortage on Bacche Decision [Bakke] an the King Alfred Plan
Senate Bill 1427, an capitalism,
I thank you for saving me from Heart truble, an thank you for Healing my mind, thank you Father, thank you for saving us from the ethnic weapon. Thank you for saving me from prostate cancer
Thank you for saving us from a car accident, thank you Father
Yours truly,
Tommie S. Keaton
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EE-1-k-3
Tommie Keaton note to Jim Jones, October 1977
10/19/77
Dear Father:
My sex interest is in Rosa Keaton. The teachings of the principles of Socialism have almost dispelled my sexual desires.
Thanks, Father,
Tommy S. Keaton Sr.
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EE-1-k-4 – k-5
Note of Condolence from Tommie & Rosa Keaton
Jonestown, Guyana
12/9/77
Dear Dad:
We met Comrade Lynetta Jones when she was in Mt. Zion Hospital this year.
She greeted us with love, and she told us to be sure to come back to see her. We visited her regularly while she was there. After she went back home in the Temple, we continued to visit her regularly until we left for the Promised Land.
After Comrade Lynetta arrived here, we began visiting her again and we did so regularly until it was announced that no visitors were allowed until further notice, as she was very ill. We would ask about her well-being when we would see those who were closely connected and allowed to visit her.
She always enjoyed our telling of the many miracles which were performed by you. She never wanted us to leave when we would visit, but we would tell her that we must not impose on her and that we would come back.
We enjoyed her telling about your childhood days, and also about how she never gave in to the union bosses when it came to the rights of the working class.
We shall always be grateful to her for her courage and steadfastness when she was confronted by the FBI for seven hours concerning you and your activities with the oppressed people. Her firm stand for right and Justice made it possible for us to have a home of Freedom.
We shall remember Comrade Lynetta for her first stand for Justice for the oppressed and for the beautiful things she told us.
We shall ever be thankful to her for you and Dad. With sincere sympathy, we remain,
Your Comrades,
Tommie & Rosa Keaton
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BB-31-a-205
Rosa Keaton Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
12/17/77
Dear Dad:
Several years ago there were some persons against Peoples Temple and you told us to meditate on them at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM every day and repeat the following: “Father, vengeance is yours, you will repay.” We did according to your instruction and the results were positive.
I suggest that we, as a group here, do as I have stated above, in regards to the ones who killed our Comrade, Chris Lewis, and I positively believe that his killers will get what they deserve for their crime.
Thanks, Dad,
Rosa Keaton
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EE-1-k-15
Letter to Jones from Rosa Keaton, December 1977
12/20/77
Dear Dad:
I think that we should get the balance of our people out of the States as soon as possible, and after they are all here, then you give the signal to the ones who are waiting for the signal to take care of all of the enemies, killers, blackmailers, and all, including Tim Stone [Stoen].
Thank You Dad,
Rosa Keaton
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EE-1-K-52 – K-53
Letter to Jim Jones from Rosa Keaton, January 20, 1978.
[Editor’s note: A spelling error has been retained.]
Dear Dad:
Thanks to you for the victory which was won yesterday.
I did not speak in the meeting either day, but I noted each time you called for a vote. I would rather stay here and fight for our own freedom home than to go some other place because we all have sacrificed for this home of freedom, and I don’t think it would be right to allow the enemy to benefit from our labor and struggle without our putting up a fight to keep it. If the crisis would reach the point that mass suicide would be the only way we would have out, I am for it. I am also for taking care of the Seniors who would not be able to fight, and the children, so they would not be left to be tortured and killed by the enemy.
I was born and reared in the South (Arkansas), and I know of some of the horrors black people suffer.
Two of my beloved uncles, (brothers) were lynched at my home community and many of the relatives were beaten and harrassed because they knew a black man who killed a white man in the community. After lynching them, they took their bodies separately in a pine box (wooden) to their wife and children and told them “here they are.”
My so-called brother asked the Sheriff for a ride home from the county seat, and he refused to let him ride, so my bother hid on the rear of the car and rode any way. When the Sheriff stopped to get gas on the way, he discovered my brother, and he shot his ear off and then rounded up a posse to catch my brother, as he fled after he was shot, but he got away and was taken out of the community by relatives after dark. He was never able to go back home any more.
My parents were harassed for a long time, I do not have any compassion for the other races except the ones who are in Peoples Temple.
I thank you so much for this beautiful place. I never tire of watching the clouds, the sun rise and sunset, the rains, the gardens, the fields, the flowers, the animals, birds and the beautiful community of Jonestown. I love it here and I hope to be here a long time.
I only wish that each one here would be a committee of one and clean up after himself and herself daily in order to keep our beautiful Jonestown a “model” community for the world.
Thank you, Dad,
Rosa Keaton
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EE-1-K-85 – K-87
Note from Tommie S. Keaton, June 9, 1978
[Editor’s note: Minor errors have been retained.]
6/9/78
Tommie S. Keaton
1.) anchy they fleive [anarchy they believe] in no Government they want to do their own thing
2.) You cant pass out papers like we done our own papers. Or march around the International Hotel. When we march around the Court House in Fresno in Prop 13 we would be arrested by the law.
3.) Arm struggle mean a costend [constant] fight between the Emplor [Employer] & Worker strike for better wages. March on the picket lines. Rev. [blank space] view is that these things or terrorism. I would call terrorism the way they the police facist in USA treat the Black and Indian.
4.)
5.) It broke out in Ethiopia
6.) he told him to kiss his big fat ass. But I don’t know why he told him
7.)
8.) Movie Z – Compare with USA it has all the (4) Enemys of Communism in it
9.) Because he was a crooked as he was he was a Fascist Bastard
10.)
14.) Pres. Carter Demand USSR stop making missile or Lasser Beam
15.)
16.) China made the Statement
17 If you were arrested you should not talk make no statement, ask to speak to your lawyer or call (Jim Jones)
18.) Andrew Young he never The Same alway conniving
19.) A. Sadot (B) I – Begin Isrul (c) Castro Cuba (D) Brezhnev – Russia (E) Ian Smith So. Africa
20.)
21.) Greece
22.) he is a political prisnor will Be punished June the 10th
23.) As a negro (woman) who killed a white (Guard) who tryed to Rape her
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EE-1-K-92 – K-93
Rosa Keaton’s test answers, June 9, 1978.
6/9/1978 Rosa L. Keaton
1. What are the 4 enemies of enemies of Communism
Anarchism, Revisionism, Troskyism, & Social Democracy
a.) Do you own thing b.) think change can come peacefully, legally, etc. c.) those who want to fight revolutions in other countries before their own country is established. d.) mixture of socialism and
2. Tell all you can about Prop 13 – capitalism, Prop. 13 takes out medical aid for the poor, jobs, aid such as social welfare, S. Security, etc.
3. Explain arm struggle as Marxist-Leninist says it is when [illegible word] arms struggle cease & terrorism begin when a group is using arms to liberate oppressed people it is alright such as (Red Brigade) when a group such as the KKK kills & tortures people, that is terrorism.
4. Name 7 items on Senate Bill 1437
No strikes, unless okayed by employer, no picketing, no leafleting, no congregating more into (3) do not tell any and it is better to [illegible word] for some place else to link outside U.S.A., no opposition to laws passed that you do not like. Cannot [illegible words]
5. In what Africa country has cholera broken out?
Zaire
6. What statement did Joshua Nkomo made to Carter? Explain why Carter said that the Africans could not fight their own battle, but had to have Cuba [illegible words] to fight for them. He told Carter to leave them alone and they would take care of their own affairs.
7. How does science fiction, mysticism, occultism and astrology affect people? These (isms) are idealistic or superstition, and materialistic principles are the only thing that will build a Marxist-Leninist society.
8. How is the country in the movie like fascist U.S.A. today? The country in movie was Capitalistic and fascist just as the U.S.A. is. They trample on the minorities in order to make profit for themselves.
9. Why didn’t the police help that deputy or parliamentarian in the movie Z? The police did not help him because they had been instructed to not help but just let the goons & appears do the dirty work.
10. Robert Mugabe & Joshua Nkomo are leaders of the liberation of what group and what country? They are
11. Why did Carter stop the SALT talks?
12. Explain
13, Tell what you can about Chile
14. Explain demands made by Carter of the USSR.
15. What country is threatening to withdraw from NATO?
6/9/1978 Rosa Keaton
16. Who’s threatening to go to war with Russia? China.
17. What should you do if you are ever arrested by police? Do not answer questions, but get in touch with Dad or the office here in Jonestown.
18. Name a black leader who is a revisionist and why? She came to peoples Temple in Frisco & spoke She was imprisoned for teaching communism & liking a communist. Her name is Angela Davis.
19. What countries are the following people leaders of (Sadat – Egypt) (Begin Saudi Arabia) (Jon Smith – S. Africa) (Brezhnev – USSR) (Vorster (Castro – Cuba)
20. What magazine was being read in the beginning of the movie Z?
21. What does Z stand for? Z stands for the principles of [illegible word]
22. Johnny Harris wrote the letter just before his execution. Who is Johnny Harris? The young black man who was in prison in Atmore prison in Alabama
He wrote a letter to his comrades for help for the prisoners because they were tortured, had cold food, dirty food with hair & dirt, cut water off, no toilet paper, had to [illegible words] fingers.
23. Who is Joan Little? The black woman who was was in prison in N. Carolina and she killed the guard who raped her. She got out of prison sometime ago, but her companion caused her to to be taken back to the same prison.
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Note to Jim Jones from Tommie Keaton, July 1978
EE-2-ij-14
7/12/78
Dear Dad;
I would like to get your permission to visit the Seniors who are shut in and other members of the family who may be ill, as Rosa Keaton and I visited the hospitals & restrooms before we came here. I would like for Comrade Rosa to work with me. We would make a report of our visitation as you direct. Thank you, Dad,
Tommie S. Keaton, Sr.
C-30
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Undated Note by Darell Keller on Jim Jones’ Pain
EE-2-ij-6a – 6b
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
Darell Keller C-13
Dad:
This short letter pertains to the socialist class on the item of “how you feel in pain.”
The Mistrust of us use our precious time over given of your love. By setting us free & giving your body for news for understanding.
The general realization of wondering why this world is the way it is, with all its capitalist ways bringing all heartbreak upon you, for we owe the socialist world ourselves.
I also saw through you, Victor Haller [Jara] sitting in a small room being tortured (because he spoke out for freedom), 2 men around him; his body tied to a chair they were tearing out his fingernails, his head beaten & bruised. You also, I pictured them to do the same because I do believe that you would & will give up your life completely for us. I also saw pain through you by having to hold on for us, who give little but more so very much & accept that want fully. Only because of your love & who you are can there be peace for all of Jonestown.
I would ask for your understanding on the following statement: I would ask you “Dad” & the family to trust me on my job appointed to me with the pole crew. I must prove to myself; also to the family that I can do what is asked of me to do.
May I have the chance to say I apologize to the fullest that can be apologize for my showing the work & to others I mean what I say.
Thank you, Dad
Darell Keller
[Marginal note: “Or work with Roosevelt Turner if I may!”]
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EE-2-a-4
Undated Thank You Note to Jim Jones from Darell Keller
Thank You!
Comrade Darell Keller
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EE-1-K-45
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Henry Mercer and Darell Keller.
Dad:
Thank you so very very much; for the most beautiful blessed meals & very cool water from our fountain
“Dad;” We would hope that you receive the rest you need to substantiate the oncoming days.
Please, carry on to give us (The Family) your love, “Dad” so we may become better socialist communists.
We would also thank you very much for giving us (The Family) this land to learn, to work & produce for others yet to come & most of all we thank you for Mother to help carry on with your LOVE.
Thank you again from
Senior Henry Mercer & Darell Keller
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EE-1-K-23 – K-24
Letter to Jim Jones from Barbara Kemp, dated November 25, 1977.
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors have been retained.]
Dear Dad
I like it here very much and this is the bast thing that aver happing to me.
And till you came in my life Dad I had nating at all
My real mother – thort me away when I was small.
But think to you Dad I have a mother and a dad.
I now I been a ass and some time I wonder whay you but up with me.
Dad think you for bring my mothe over here to this plice Eliza Jones my mothe like it here very much.
Dad I have two boys in the USA and my daddy is there two Dad I am so glade that you brought me over here this plice this is the best thing that avery happing to me
And think you for gating Melli [Mellonie Kemp] and Rochell [Rochelle Kemp] out of that hell in the USA
Dorth
Barbara Kemp
Dad
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EE-1-k-21
Undated note to Jim Jones from Elfreida Kendall
Dear Father:
Here are some of the reasons why we are here.
There will be nuclear war.
Concentration camps and food riots.
Neutron bomb, which destroys life, but not property.
Cliometric theory says there are too many people to feed, blacks should be made slaves. There was a bulletin in Boston saying that everyone should own a slave.
Senate Bill 1427. If one doesn’t say what they think you should say, you can be arrested.
Eedmons Crash of 79. The Shah of Iran who thinks he is someone is sent to save the world, who wants to own all the oil, will have conflict with Saudi Arabia.
Kearney so that the US was headed for two separate societies, one black, and one white.
Genocide, eliminating races, there were three countries who refused to sign the genocide treaty, US, Chile, and Union of South Africa.
Twenty chapters of Ku Klux Klan have been formed in Calif within a short period of time.
Thank you, Father, for this beautiful land, it grows more beautiful each day.
I am grateful for everything. Thank you
Elfreida Kendall
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EE-1-K-82
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Emma Kennedy
[Editor’s note: Minor errors have been retained.]
The reason I left America is to escape the injustice and prejudice, but most of all to be with Father who is the greatest teacher and leader in the world. He have taught us equality for all to escape nuclear war, the nutron bomb that kill people and let property stand, concentration camp, starvation, the ethnic weapon that some-thing can be put in the water and kill all people of color. Senate Bill 1427, death penalty, kill children starting at the age of 14. Father talked about the lazer beam from Russia have that will stop all missiles, earthquake, the K.K.K no one with 50 thousand have gone to gas chamber. I came to be in a free country, a socialist country which is equality for all Thank you Father for all the teaching. I can’t remember everything but I know what the teaching is all about.
Thank you Father.
Emma Kennedy
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EE-1-K-54
Letter to Jim Jones from Carol Kerns, February 22, 1977
2/22/77
Dad,
I feel I should go on Teaching Experience. Today I hit Tobianna [Tobiana] Stone in the head with a rock. It caused a slight cut on the top of her head and it did bleed. I feel very guilty about this and don’t feel that I as a Supervisor or anybody should have thrown anything.
Tobianna was being very rebellious and wouldn’t work I put her on a log and told her to watch everyone else work. She refused and turned around. I wanted to throw the rock and hit the bottom of the log but I missed. I’m sorry but I really shouldn’t have let my emotions get that much in control of my thinking. I know that if I had been dying to throw it really hard I could have seriously hurt her.
[Typewritten response from Maria Katsaris.] I talked to Carol about this, it was accidental, but she still thinks she should go on learning crew. She felt very guilty and was crying about it. mk
Carol Kerns
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EE-1-k-10
[Editor’s note: Pages k-12 and k-13 are in reverse order on this PDF.]
Confessions of Sexual Attraction from Carol Kerns
Father,
These are the people I am attracted to.
Eyvonne Hayden – Because she’s pretty and I like her body. She’s what I wanted to look like. I have been jealous of her because she is this way. I think that’s why I was hung up on Rennie [Kice] for so long. But I really don’t think I would want a relationship with her.
Kevin Grubbs – He is like my brother to me but I have still had sexual thoughts. But I feel more like a sister than anything.
Walter Williams – Because he has flirted with me in the past and it has crossed my mind.
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EE-1-k-11
Wesley Breidenbach – I have a relationship with Wesley in the past but that no longer exists. We never had sex but I am still attracted to him.
Al Simon – I really don’t know why. I have never tried to talk to him or seriously thought of him but I do feel attracted to him.
Tim Swinney – I like him because he has always been nice to me. I think I like him more as a Dad figure more than anything. I do like the way he is built.
Danny Marshall – He is handsome and a nice person.
Ronnie James – We have had a relationship in the past. It no
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EE-1-k-13
longer exists. But I can’t deny I don’t still have attractions towards him.
Patricia Cartmell – I like her. She is a nice person and has always been nice to me. I have had thoughts about her go through my mind.
David George – He is handsome and a nice person. We talk casually at times. I can’t deny I have felt attractions towards him. I do feel bad though because I know there are a few girls who have been trying to talk to him. I don’t feel I want to get to him though.
Father, I really don’t know what my problem is but I never seem to ever be able to like someone. If I
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EE-1-k-12
do like someone, they don’t like me and I usually get myself hurt. I think I might just do this on purpose just so I will have to get involved in a permanent relationship which scares me.
Right now Aaron Hendricks likes me. He is a very good person, a hard worker and is trying very hard to be principled. All facts show that I should like him. But I don’t feel that attracted to him. I think if I was really principled I would. I feel like a real capitalist bitch. I will still be nice to him and not ignore him, because he really doesn’t deserve to be hurt.
Thank you,
Carol Kerns
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EE-1-K-79
Test answers by Carol Kerns, May 7.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
Carol Kerns May 7, Test for Socialist Teacher 1
1. Name 3 people who died for liberation – 1.) Patrice Lumumba from Zimbawe was tortured for 3 days – Soviet Union has University named after him 2.) 19 yr old boy from Red Brigade used different tools in medical office because he was afraid they would use a drug on him and he would talk. Dad you expressed that your hope we would be as brave. I hope I will be. 3.) Salvador Allende – leader of Chile a socialist leader was trying Democratic Socialism. He trusted too much in the good of people and did not build up a strong army. But he still did die bravely and didn’t sell out and leave the country on the plane they had provided for him. 4.) Victor Jara – Smiled through his torture to five support to his comrades. Chilean folk singer
2. 5 Fascist Countries – Somalia, S. Africa, Chad, Iran, W. Germany, Zimbabwe
3. Soviet Union Liberator of 3rd World Those they have helped – Ethiopia, Angola, Afghanistan, Transkei, Vietnam, helping in Chad
4. The difference between nationalism and expropriation
Nationalism – The State takes over the large corporations. Planes, train systems, ect. Some say this is a step towards Socialism but not so if not under a Dictator of the Proletariat. As you said Dad Mussolini had the trains running on time. Expropriation – Distributes the profits made by these equally amongst the people for health benefits, school, ect. The United States has Nationalized the Post Office. The little man pays more than the Big Corporations – they get bulk rates and the little man pays 13 c for a stamp. I don’t know all of the theory of expropriation but it is the better between Nationalism and Expropriation.
5. Afghanistan had a 24 hr revolution. Facist killed the Communist leader and the son. This failed to do its purpose. Made the people stand up and fight. They killed the President and Vice President – proclaimed their Soviet Alliance and went into the Warsaw Treaty Pact.
6. Peanuts was discussed as possible cash crop – The most pounds per acre in Guyana is 2,000 lbs we so far have gotten 750 lbs per acre. The key is maintaining the peanuts by hand, planting them closer together. Also if left in the ground too long they rot. We can get [illegible word] crops a year but so far we plan on 3. Right now we dry them in the sun. We were wondering what to do in the rainy season. Tom Grubbs has designed a drying box we can get $2.00 a lb for just plane [plain] peanuts. 1/3 of the weight is in the shell. I think that we determined that making peanut butter would take out too much of the profit – If the peanuts work out 1/2 of our land could be planted for peanuts. It’s a good possibility for a cash crop. Not too much competition in Guyana.
7. 5 African Countries – Chad – fighting for its liberation. French Troops are in its country. The US is a hypocryt because they complain about the U.S.S.R. in Africa but not France.
8. S. Africa – They have the Arpethaid [Apartheid] System – Blacks have no rights whatsoever are not considered citizens. [John] Vorster is its President.
9. Ethiopia – Fighting against Somalia – it is Soviet backed Somalia US backed the Fascist want that water way – the water route between the 2 countries. I have forgotten the name of the sea, But they claim they are fighting over the Ogodan [Ogaden].
10. Zaire – Are turning to Agriculture because U.S. flooded the economy with copper. Zaire’s main income comes from copper. They say they won’t pay Zaire for a year and a half.
11. Transkei: Broke away from S. Africa even though 98% of their economy relied on S. Africa. A brave nation being helped by Findland and supplies being dropped with Russian planes.
12. [Former Chilean president] Salvador Allende was overthrown by Fascist CIA backed military coup d’état September 11, 1973. September 4, 1973 had marked his 3rd year in leadership. He had been a Doctor. He was killed in the capitol of Chile on the streets of the Presidential Palace.
13. The Red Brigade [Militant extremist organization founded in Italy in 1970] believes change comes from a barrell of a gun. 1. Kidnapped Aldomoro [former Italian prime minister Aldo Moro] 2. Kidnapped officials in France, A General, Belgium, Italy 3. That the President of Fiat Caro in the legs also Deputy General 4. When they were tracked they had poisoned the secret service agent 5. They have died revolutionary suicides 6. Shot their way into the prisons to try and release their comrades.
14. The PNC-Burnham is the leader has gone to U.S.S.R, N. Korea, East Germany and Britain. PPP Chady Jagan [Cheddi Jagan, Guyanese politician] – Recently got a Peace award from the Supreme Soviets of the U.S.S.R. The WPA as a third party in Guyana
15. The United States financed the overthrow of Chile. I believe 9 million dollars was put into it. The woman in Latin America usually play a passive role. At first all they did was cry a lot and search for their husbands men. They should had struck back violently. After a while they got together. Stood together in unison against the military so they could see their husbands. They brought news into their husbands once allowed to see them but they had to take care of the things at home. They could have taken a more important role if they had been liberated.
16. 5 Socialist countries, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, All surround Iran, has it really nervous. Also Guyana, Yemen, E. Germany, Ethiopia, Angola, Namimbia, Mozambique.
Book Discussed
Dad you discussed [Former vice-president] Hubert Humphrey and how he was worshipped by the US. He was an example of U.S.A. liberation. He came out for the Vietnam war this is where he fell from the public eye – In earlier years he had been anti-communist 1948 helped in setting up different people. He was for integration but didn’t back it up. Talked a lot of shit. He was a good friend of LB Johnson [former president Lyndon B. Johnson] and supported LB Johnson in the Vietnam war. He died standing for nothing and accomplishing nothing of career. I am a bit fague [vague] on this to say the least but I thought I would try Book on Chile – Chilean Prisoners of War – written by a communist reporter’s point of view. He was in the radio station that tryed to keep news of the coup up to the end. He went through tortures with his comrades – Beaten, had to run through lines of soldiers beating them. The soldiers tryed to break their spirits, accused him and those in the radio station of being snipers. They knew nothing about it. They were walked on by the soldiers, beaten in the heads, kidnap. They were taken to the National Stadium. Made to skip – “He who does not skip is a mummy” made fun of what the socialist did the day Allende won the Presidency. Different atrocities that were happening all over Chile – People put into bags and thrown into the sea to be eaten by sharks, they were tied up and put into pig pens to be eaten by pigs. In the plains are groups of people made to run and shot in the back. There was the torture of not any sleep. The Prince would have them woken up and change seats often so they couldn’t rest. A 9 yr old boy was shot 3 times for running. The soldiers just tucked it to his chest and shot 3 times. The man jumped from the balcony and yelled “long live Allende, Down with Facism.” It was 30 ft – Brave because a short distance, he didn’t know if he would die or not. It was pointed out Dad that there was turmoil going on in Chile before this. The truckers were being paid by CIA funds to strike. The military leader Chad made a speech saying he will be strong and fight for the people. Democratic Socialism is a good idea but the downfall of Allende’s Government proves even more [Chinese leader] Mao Tse Tung saying “Revolution comes through the Barrell of a Gun.”
Russian Movies
Picture on Women – Showed the women of U.S.S.R producing in all facets of life. They had completely equal rights to men. 75% of the Doctors are women, they are construction workers, painters, astronomers, weavers, members of the Supreme Soviet – one woman had been a weaver by trade and is also a Supreme Soviet – highest office in the U.S.S.R. It showed men in World War II. The medals they had won showed the woman astronaut and how she was respected by men & women. It showed that the women can play a mother role to her children and still be a creative, producing assett to the country.
5 Year plan – The 5 year plan started in the 20’s after Stalin took power. These plans brought the U.S.S.R through all its troubles. In 50 years it has built itself up to a world power – the strongest in the world. They went to Chile to help build a railroad. The estimated time for completion was 2 yrs – I believe they did it in 3 months. Hydro electric dams were built. All of this was torn down in WWII but they built it back up again. Also showed women architects and builders. Showed how they are planting and bringing power to Siberia and their outlaying lands.
Movie on Different People
One man who was head of rail roads were building 3,000 mile railroad. He worked right with his people, was shy and not boastful. Shows what can be done.
Another man was a veteran of the Army had suffered many wounds in the war so had his Dad against the Czar. He had let his one-man plane down on enemy territory to save another pilot – put him in ever himself and flew both of them to safety. His Dad had suffered multiple wounds in the arms, legs, chest, face and was thrown in the pile of dead – He lived through it to die in World War II.
One woman had 18 children [illegible word] lived. She lost 5 sons in the war.
7. Stone [Tim Stoen] has hired the Eureake [Eureka] Research Associates. They specialize in sky pictures photography and parachuting. They are a front for the CIA. Plan to send in mercenaries in to kidnapp or kill Dad. The Medlocks, Clara Johnson’s relatives have given proof of this. We also have the document. The U.S. Embassy has given us permission to protect ourselves and offered more licenses for arms. Also Venezuelan border patrol being stepped up. Won’t be let through there because Venezuela is friendly. Major Socialist Nations had a meeting to discuss mercenaries. Money backing conspiracy coming down from Senator Stennis. The magazine that advertises to mercenaries to the SOP but I don’t remember what it stands for.
Guilt
Dad, I feel guilty about how I handled the situation with Jeanette. I was sucked in by her and used her as an out because I wanted to move from the [illegible word]. I was going to move to Los Angeles until you talked to me Dad. I should have stood strong on my own. If I had stood up to her earlier maybe she wouldn’t have left and wouldn’t be in the conspiracy now. I feel guilty for my elitess attitude in the States. The way I talked to different people like shit. Also I feel guilty for asking to be a councellor. So image consciouss and jealous of Robin and Joan. I don’t know what made me think I could stand next to their principle which I feel I lack a great deal in.
I feel guilty for the bus money and wash money I spent on food out of my needs. I blew wind up Rennie James ass by being around when ever he wanted me. I never fucked him but I was a really unliberated passive bitch to him too long. There was times I would cut college classes and not keep up my homework. I could have done much better then I do.
During the last 3 weeks I was in the U.S. I get involved in a relationship with Eric Upshaw. This was a totally unproductive relationship. I fell down in my duties and was late for church. I got involved with him just to rebell. I know Dad that the structure of your love is nothing to rebell against. When Robin told me about her and Joe I was really hurt because I looked up to Robin a lot. I had been trying to follow certain guidelines for a long time and be principled by not getting fucked up in a heavy relationship. But inside myself I just said Fuck It. What am I saving myself for? Everyone else is fucking around, getting pregnant. So Eric was just there – He had been talking to me and stuff. So I fucked him. I’m sorry Dad – I can see now I was wrong. I did tell him that I was just using him and I knew he was just using me. But I know that if I had any self respect I wouldn’t have done such a white ass stupid thing. I’m the one that chased him and set myself up. I am not blaming my fault on Robin because I don’t measure. What I do by others actions, what I really feel guilty about in the situation was it was a Black man and white women have been doing this for hundreds of years. Also I know what an asshole Eric is and I let myself be lowered down to a whore level, also felt that I was supposed to be representing you as a councellor. I came off as a weak, passive, white, Bitch. I have never been really good at anything. I just don’t excell in any one area and I feel this is because of my lack of follow through and self discipline. I wrote you a note earlier on my guilt. I feel guilty for not being as kind to Penny as I should have been. I know if I had been you wouldn’t have had to deal with her as you have. But just because I am so self centered and hung up on my image of not wanting to look like Penny.
I feel guilty for the time you and Mother took with me. I feel if I had been strong enough Mother would not have had to spend the time with me as she did. I do appreciate it but I don’t deserve the time spent.
I am guilty for not having been someone you could have relyed on and I can understand it Dad because I proved it with the way I was with Jeanette.
What I would do to die a revolutionary death maybe I could smuggle my way out of this country so not to use any of the church funds. Perhaps down the river to Venezuela, or through Georgetown. I would be afraid to ask my Father for money because it would bring more bad publicity. But maybe a little bit more publicity wouldn’t hurt. I could write my Father, saying I wanted to come back to the States. If he sent it I would get back to the States and call the conspirators all together in a meeting. In my purse a bomb or if a bomb wasn’t possible I could conceal a gun under my coat. My Dad would have information as to where I could perhaps get a gun, not telling him what it would be for. I do lack connections. I would blow them up and me too, or shoot as many as them as I could, then myself.
I would volunteer to set myself on fire in front of the White House to protest against its support of the Apartheid system in Rhodesia and S. Africa.
Another thing I would like to do is after our people are out of the U.S.A. is kill high officials in the Government if I could the President, this I feel would bring fascism down in the U.S.A. and the people would start suffering and perhaps then be willing to stand up and fight. Or blow up some plants where bombs being made. Blowing myself up also.
I am willing to do anything sexually with anyone in order to help the cause and the cause of liberation. I know I’m nothing to look at and there are others much more attractive then me, but I am willing. I was thinking I wish I could maybe get sexually involved with Tim Stoen and get pictures of him and me. This would disprove his great love for Grace [Stoen] then get him to dress up like a lady just for laughs then get pictures of that.
I know that I could kill any of the traitors without a second though and laugh at them in the face while I did it.
Thank you Dad so much for your love and time.
Carol Kerns
Carol Kerns
May 7,
Socialism Test
—–
EE-1-K-51
Undated written statement from Carol Kerns to her sister Jeanette Kerns.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors and lack of punctuation have been retained.]
This is Carol Kerns and I am 19 yrs. old I am living in Guyana very happily I would like to address myself to my sister, Jeanette Kerns who spent a lot of time in Letterman General Hospital Psychiatric Ward. I understand some elements of the media are using her as a reference person. I don’t understand why anyone would use a mentally unbalanced person for this purpose. She professed to be worried & concerned about me? She has never shown any concern about me in my life. In fact when I was a young girl I was raped by my brother she stood there and watched and didn’t help.
Now she’s trying to hurt the only thing that helped her, Peoples Temple. It was Jim Jones that got her off drug and encouraged her to go back to school after flunking out and even arraigned tutoring for her.
She has joined with people like Jim Cobb and his sister Terry. It is ironic but Jeanette said it was Jim Cobb who sexually abused her to the extent that she was traumatized so bad she could rarely talk about it.
As far as I’m concerned she can live her life and I will live mine. Do you copy? I will live mine!!
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EE-1-K-56 – K-57
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Carol Kerns.
Dad,
Would it be possible for me to act like I was leaving Guyana and go back to the States? I think I could be convincing enough to the traitors to make them believe I wanted to join them then I could go crazy kill all of them then myself. Or, when they are all together [illegible word] home blow their asses up.
I know once a long time ago you thought I could be compromised by Jeanette [Kerns] but I don’t feel I can be now
Thank you
Carol Kerns
P.S. Carol Allende
I would like to change my last name to Allende.
—–
EE-1-K-58 – K-59
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Carol Kerns.
To: Dad
From: Carol Kerns
Dad,
This is in regard to the things I have stolen and why.
I told you before about the bananas and cheese bread but there are other things.
I claimed two pairs of jeans from the laundry room because, well my rationalization was that two pairs of my pants had been lost In the wash. there was no name In the pants so I don’t have any Idea who’s they are.
I also took a pair of panties off the line with the same rationalization I was minus two pair of panties. There was no name In those either.
When I do things such as this I feel some guilt about it but not enough. In my rationalization to do it I always put it off on someone else besides myself, such as “well my stuff was taken” “or others are doing it.” That is the way I try to relieve the guilt off of myself.
I apologize for hurting you like this Dad and I don’t feel the apology cancels the hurt. I will promise you it won’t happen again.
I think the real reason I thought I could do it and get by with it was I think I am better. Because I have been given attention because of the traitors In my family tree and I come off I think looking good a lot of the times just because I stayed and they didn’t. But I really can’t use that because I remember how close I came to moving to L.A. with Jeanette [Kerns] but only you opened my eyes.
I also use the fact that I am Penny’s [Penny Kerns] daughter. “Poor Carol, she’s Penny’s daughter.” Even though I hate to be called this but I also use it though In a way to gain a strange kind of pity. Like you said on the Peoples Rally children get like the parents even though they hate them. I see things In myself that are the things In Penny that I hate. But more thereafter I fail to see her good points.
Again I apologize. your Daughter (A poor example)
Carol Kerns
—–
—–
Self-Analysis of Bob Kice
EE-2-ij-4a
Bob Kice
Analysis
11-7-78
As I try to analyze my thoughts & actions of late I’m not very pleased with what I see. It’s a curious thing but in the 8 plus months that I’ve been here I’ve never considered going back to the states except for an occasional urge to escape reality & get high. But since my confrontation of two or three weeks ago I’ve grown increasingly hostile & rebellious. The confrontation didn’t settle well with me even though I realize that the situation really amounted to a rap with you rather than a ass-kicking session. Ninety percent of the confrontation went well but I’ve been very bothered about my response to the question you posed to me about any involvement with a black child, I’ve yet to figure out why I said that I haven’t in the interest in in a when I do have an interest in Eileen [stepchild, Eileen Renee Jackson]. At the time of the question I was thinking of children as in terms of a very young one. I’ve been feeling a lot of guilt about not mentioning her name which doesn’t overlook the fact that I’m not involved with black near to the extent that I should. Never in my life have I gotten around babies, never exposed to any as I was growing up, and kept it that way as a so-called adult. I feel very insecure & frightened of babies. I generally say [parenthetical remark scratched out: “(to myself)”] that I don’t care for them but in reality I’m frightened of them and never learned how to relate to them. Anyway, since living here I’ve felt more at ease with children generally than ever before. The other thing that bothered me about the confrontation was using Kenny Reed as an example of a male that I’m attracted to. What I was responding to was “what I’m bothered about,” and as
—–
EE-2-ij-4b
an answer I said about gaining weight & getting soft by working in the tower. So I responded with Kenny’s name as an example of someone who was physically fit as opposed to my physical condition. It’s bothered me that I projected publicly that I was sexually attracted to such a jerk as Kenny. Not that I’m denying my gayness but he is a poor example of anyone to be involved in a relationship with. I admit his physical stature has a basic appeal for me but I’m concerned about my image. Since the confrontation I’ve realized how my paranoia as got a hold of me. I figured that I was being watched as a standard policy after confrontation, that bothered me increasingly, not trusting anyone’s conversation. I think it was coincidental but security was being revised at the time of the confrontation, but I still get the feeling of being demoted as a result of the lack of trust you have in me. Then two or three things have been fed by my paranoia end result has been, “Why did I ever come over here?” and fuck you with you’re [your] threats about being tested on every damn thing that’s talked about or shown. Granted if I didn’t have the pressure of a test, I wouldn’t learn. Anyway I’m surprised at how little it took to get me thinking about what it might be like if I hadn’t come over, like in terms of things I would enjoy and not in terms of what the negative would be. As easily as I turned and with the little amount of commitment I’ve shown, then I am a risk to this organization and should be treated as such. You made a statement about people not wanting to go back because they couldn’t make it in that system as opposed to those who wouldn’t go back out of hatred for that system. I do not have that hatred other than as a personal basis, so I have a long way to go in learning to deal with myself & my elitism. I don’t feel good about myself. Thank you.
[Addendum in margin: “As an afterthought I believe my thinking of the states was more out of rebellion than out of a true desire. I can still think of plenty I’m glad to be away from even if it’s only on a personal basis.”]
—–
EE-1-K-37 – K-44
Letter to Jim Jones from Bob Kice dated September 4, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
FOR JJ’s EYES ONLY
9-4-78
Dad
Bob Kice
As I wrote in a previous letter I do not fear death as life for me isn’t much fun. Not that fun is an incintive to live but for the most part the only way I “enjoyed” life was with the aid of an amphetamine or a narcotic. Over the yrs. its become difficult to function without pills and due to tolerance the damn drugs will not attain the high that I once attained. So being dead holds no fear for me but I am fearful of how well I can tolerate pain. Again I never learned to deal well with physical or mental pain because of the drugs. Im not sure how well I would endure torture such as a Victor in the “Day of the Jackel”.
I do believe that I could return to the states for a specific mission without returning to drugs but theirs no way I could live in that society without indulging. I have doubts about the organization holding together if J.J. [Jim Jones] were killed. Their are so few people really dedicated to the revolution and so many anarchists and relegious freaks that the only thing that I would feel sure is returning to blow away specific individuals. This would have to be done in teams of small numbers but of people who have proven to be the most sincere and capable of killing those who are enemies of the people. Granted only in the last few months have I gotten with the program so I do not count myself among those most trusted but in the event of youre death I would want very much to get revenge.
I’ve wondered about how many people have considered me a possible agent. After all the yrs. of being in the group but always being an asshole then to come over here and show alot of enthusiasm and interest in order to gain your confidence and get in a position of trust then I could wait for an opportune time to poison the wells or assassinate you. I do hope that some have had question about me because I would question anyone whose dedication suddenly leaped after being the way I was. I’m having difficulty getting into print what I am thinking so when I think it makes more sense than when I write it.
Its difficult for me to envision Rennie [Kice] or Eileen [Jackson] as being a traitor. I do not know what the circumstances would be to make me convinced that they had become class enemies to the degree that I could kill them. If they had joined the ranks of Stoen, etc. then they no longer deserve to live and it would be my responsibility to eliminate them.
I still occassionaly miss drug highs but not the come down. I also miss the privacy that I had being an introvert but neither the drugs nor privacy would motivate me to return to that insane system.
I occassionaly have sexual fantasies about young girls just developing sexually and most all fantasies during masterbation are about fellatio. I feel that my organ is underdeveloped and can’t maintain an erection anyway so I’m frightened of having normal sex. Rennie and I rarely have sex, none the first three months that we were here. I occassionaly have gay fantasies but when I actually had homosexual relations it was disappointing in that sex with anyone but myself is not fullfilling and more trouble than its worth.
Undeniably carrying a gun is ego fullfillment. I used to be very hung up on being a masculine gun toter but being around guns for yrs. it finally wears off and I relate to a gun in a more utilitarian way than I used to. In fact I don’t like carrying for show because of the hostilities from all the people who feel they are better qualified. Essentially socialism means to me that the major means of production is owned by the people or to get away from book definitions it means that the collective wealth of a country is distrubited to all the people to a certain degree, only under communism are all things owned and operated by the state for the collective good. Socialism is a stepping stone to Communism. In some Socialist societies they still have their Capitalist element due to some private ownership of capital. A Socialist society is one that tends to eliminate the class system, when a factory workers incentive to produce is not just self serving with his subsistent wages but for the overall good of the country in which he lives it should bring production up to optimum. Of course transfering from a capitalist to socialist is quite a step and takes considerable re-evaluation of ones value system.
Threats to our people stateside would be the passing of SB 1437, harassment by the IRS regarding our property and on another area would be the possibility of set-ups, entrapment as assassination. I’m concerned that the murder of Chris will give them quite a morale boost in their warped minds. That is one of the major reasons I’m apprehesive about purchasing illegal arms. It seems quite likely that they will try to bust one in leadership with illegal arms or perhaps dope, just to weaken us and perhaps to draw you back. They may try to harass members in an attempt to provoke violence in a situation of their choosing. I think that presently the biggest threat over there is so called legal moves from various levels of gov’t. I do not underestimate the conspiritors and feel that with a facist mentality any diabolical scheme is possible. Threats to us here would be assassination of you, kidnap of one of the kids, perhaps a sophisticated defoliant dropped by plane during the night or it seems that our wells are quite open (even with so called sec. [security]) to drugs, virus or poison, depending on if they wanted to hamper production or possible kill us. I do not feel comfortable about sec. at east house esp. at night. The two guards are not always awake together and the stand of trees to the east of the house gives anyone very good cover up to the well if you count the burned trees. I feel that stand of trees should be cut down. Mike T. [Touchette] told me that he doesn’t believe that the trees will conserve that creek anyway. The security problems overrule the trees remaining as far as I’m concerned. Also sitting in the lean to is dangerous because you’re blind to certain areas around the house as well as behind the lean to. I think that two or three people would be all thats required for kidnapping one of the boys. One automatic to stop or kill house guards and others that may approach and one man to actually grab John [Victor Stoen] with a blanket or bag, he could handle inside the house defenses with a hand gun plus leave one man stationed at the tree edge with an auto-rifle to provide cover for escape. Our shotguns are limited and before we could get a rifle unlocked they would be long gone. This is a brief explanation of some of the security weak spots that I have noticed. More training would be definitely helpful. An agent, inside the group, would probably try to be a good or very good worker, perhaps the latter to get into a more trusted position. The agent could come in here with a short range transmitting device concealed to look like any number of this, not necessarily as obvious as a tape recorder. Of course they wouldn’t need an insider if killing you was their intent. You’re coming and goings are easily observed from the bush, on the same hand steady hand on a good rifle would drop any of us at several hundred yards. And if that were the case our stationary and roving security are of little use.
News briefs –
– Eldridge Cleaver joined the Muslims.
– Founder of facism in Spain war Franco, now dead.
– Blacks in S.F. removed from Housing Authority – Tax collector Brown [Thad Brown] charged with taking money from parking meters. Goodlet [Carlton Goodlett] starting a campin [campaign] to help him.
– Leon Trotsky was an idealist, Joe Stalin [Josef Stalin] believed in getting the revolution going inside mother Russia.
U.S. Rep. Miller (liberal) framed on homosexual solititation of two boys. Federal agents just happened to observe him.
– Prime Minister Bhutto of Pakistan framed on a conspiracy rap, to be executed.
– Wm. Webster, FBI, belongs to four racists clubs, he made decision on Wounded Knee.
– U.S. withdrew aid from Israel after Israel invaded Lebanon.
– Laser Industry will soon have an android for 4,000.
– Italian Red Guard kidnapped ex-P.M. Maro [Prime Minister Aldo Moro] in exchange for leftists in jail.
I could have included more on various subjects but I’m unsure of how much is enough without wasting words. As I wrap this up I recall comments that I wanted to add on various subjects but I hope this will be OK.
—–
Note to Jim Jones from Rennie Kice, September 1978
EE-2-ij-13a – 13c
Sept 22, 1978
Dad,
This is in regard to Johnny & Ava [Jones] breaking up. I have tried to talk to the both of them, but have gotten nowhere. I personally think that it is best for the collective to continue to allow people with positions to break up, when they are looked up to by the community. I am told both of them that this is a mistake, & I think that this is only causing more hostility. Ava is very upset by this, & she said she thinks it would be good if none of the women in Jonestown were to talk to John. This would only create more problems. John is very headstrong in this matter, & says he will not take Ava back. He went to the relationships community with Marianita Langston last night. Both have (Ava & John) have been talking to me, but I get nowhere. Ava said she was going to ask you about going back to the states to help there. She could have been just talking, she also said she is going to kill John, which I think she is just talking, but she seemed very hurt & probably is just blowing off steam. The only suggestion I can make, is the could be called in by old PC [Planning Commission] & told that their separation is dividing the community and the black leadership.
Thank you for your time.
Rennie Kice
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EE-1-k-14
Biographical notes of Rennie Kice from Annie Moore
Rennie Kice
Sis: Mrs. Melba Smith
120 W. 14th St.
Marion, Indiana 46952
Mom: Mrs. Mary Moore
1332 Woodlawn Ave.
Logansport, Indiana 46947
Sis & Bro: Mrs. Betty L. McDaniel
2803 S. Michigan
Chicago, Ill
Fred Flowers – same address
Sis: Miss Wanda L. Flowers
West Haven, Connecticut
Carolyn [Layton] – I copied this off a paper Rennie has in the bond because she acts like she is fond of her relatives – told me she likes her mother etc. I thought it should be saved just in case.
Annie [Moore]
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EE-1-K-83 – K-84
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Tom Kice
[Editor’s note: Minor errors have been retained.]
Jim Jones
From Tom Kice
To Dad
During the first crisis we had which lasted six nights and seven days, I was sure we were going to die. The first day or two I didn’t want to die, but after a while it didn’t make any difference any more. White Nights don’t have much effect on me now, I would just as soon go down fighting now as to continue living on, but I will do whatever is necessary to help this movement. I did make the statement that we would probably have a white night because there was a lot of new people down here who haven’t faced the fact that they may have to die for the cause.
It was a stupid statement that wasn’t thought through and I will never make any negative coments about anything from now on.
I feel I am too old to be on Steven’s [Stephan Jones] rifle team. I found out while I was on learning crew I couldn’t run like I used to, and if I was on the team and had to run any distance I couldn’t hold the rifle steady enough to shoot straight. I also feel the people wouldn’t like one packing a rifle after being arrested and causing a special meeting because of my treasonist talk and I feel they should feel that way about it. To me rifles don’t give me a feeling of being a big tough man. I know what they can do and how dangerous they are. I don’t like carrying a gun around a lot of people because I know how most people feel about it. I would be willing to help in any way I could to off some of the traders such as my ex stepsons Dan and Wayne Pietila or any one else I could get.
I don’t think about the easy life I had in the States as much as I used to especially since you poured your hart out in the meeting the other night. I realize you are definitely a prisoner here just for us and you don’t have to be here if you chose not to. The financial worrey and the crises you have you have every day proves your love for us. I realize after that meeting just how easy I have it.
I wasted a lot of money in the States on gas, beer, Pepsi, food. I used to eat in restaurants about three or four times a week. At first I didn’t feel any guilt about this because I turned any pay check into the church what money I spent was I made on the side. I realize now every cent I spent could have helped free someone from jail or helped feed some of the starving people. I also feel guilty about eating meat three times a day. Just before I left the States I shot a deer and eat all of it in about six weeks and didn’t think about two out of three babies going hungry every day. I am glad I am under your teaching and living this life, sharing because I never done this before.
Tom Kice
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BB-31-a-261
Tom Kice Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
I think if a person went back and got in touch with Tim and the Mertles and Marvin Swinney and led them to believe you left the church and you were on their side and had some information that they could use against PT you could probably get several of them to meet with you. At that time kill every one of them.
I would be willing to do this, and I would want to be killed myself rather than die arrested, and take a chance of saying the wrong thing and causing more trouble.
Tom Kice
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EE-1-K-33 – K-34
Undated summary of a meeting written by Thomas Kice Sr.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
Tom Kice
Summary of monday night meeting.
Mauerer [John Maher] of Delencie St. [Delancey Street] in S.F. is being arrested because he helpes rehabilate convicts which most are black.
There is a good chance P.T. will get the same treatment or worse after the article comes out in time magazine July 4. There is a possibility that 450 people will have to come down here by July 8 because of that article.
The Gov. is talking about making a law that everyone will have to cary an I.D. card with this picture and it will state where they live, work, and what church they attend and recreation they prefer.
There was talk about a water shortage also shower facilities and the need of more houses and beds. It was said that everyone should work harder than ever to meet these demands so our people can’t get out of the us [United States] before it’s to late.
Tom Kice
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EE-1-K-48 – K-50
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Thomas Kice Sr.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
To Dad
From Tom Kice
The way I feel about death is it doesn’t make any difference one way or the other. If I have to put my life on the line tomorrow its ok with me. I have lived 43 years and I can’t ever remember life being all that pleasant so I feel it would be an honor to die for something worthwhile.
I’m not sure what my fears are. I know I’m not afraid of death. I think loosing an arm or a leg or being blind and have to go on living would be one fear I have. I also don’t know how I would hold up under torture. I feel I can stand a lot of pain but I’m not sure how I would hold up under the methods the CIA uses. I would hope to be killed than put to that test.
If something happened to you dad, I have enough confidence in Steven [Stephan Jones] and Carolyn [Layton] or anyone you may put in command (that I would do whatever was decided by those in command. I would prefer going back to the US and blow away as many traiders [traitors] as possible. I’m not sure how I could get accross the border without being arrested but I think with the right planing and the proper connections it could be done. To me loosing my life killing some of them would be the best way to die.
It would be hard for me to kill my own son, but if he become a traitor I’m sure I could kill him. Any other member in my family it would be easy because they are not part of this family and don’t mean anything to me. If I had to kill my own son I would hope to be killed soon because it would be hard to live with.
About the only thing I really miss about the States is the mountains, being in the mountains away from people was a place where I could escape from every day pressure. As far as matereal things go I really don’t miss them at all.
Sexual feelings – Sometimes I get aroused watching dogs fuck or horses or most any kind of animal fuck. I also realize when I hold a small child it is a sexual feeling I get. I used to not let myself believe that but ever since you said it was a normal thing it doesn’t bother me anymore. To be honest since I been down here in Guyana I don’t have much of a sex drive anymore, I don’t even feel like jacking off.
To me carrying a gun is no big thing, I would just as soon not be seen with one around a lot of people, because I know how most people resent people carring them. I grew up with guns and I could use them anytime I wanted. I believe I am past the stage where they would make me feel all powerful.
I know what they can do and how dangerous the can be. I also am aware that they are a penis symbol.
In the news Carter [President Jimmy Carter] says black majority should rule South Africa. He was forced to say this because Cuba and USSR are backing the majority blacks. Russia says if US builds the nutron bomb that they will build a weapon more effective and have it operating within 96 hours. U.S.A. Air Force Strike command were put on 24 alert and landed in Somilia because a threat of a nucular war. The supreme court justice of N. Carolina called for lynching for a solution of crime. He received praise and acclaim. Natzi fill streets 5 miles long in St. Louis. Some 4000 slogans say kill the niggers and have police backing.
Philadelphia police fire bomb black houses and murder them. Calif. trying to pass law to fire all homosexual teachers.
Socialism to me would bring a society where there would be no classes. everyone would have an equal operunity. all children would have equal education and all people would have equal medical. It would elimmate unemployment and make people feel worth something. all people would share in the wealth.
I believe the major threat to our people here is the CIA causing a right wing take over.
I believe the major threat to our people in the states is loosing our church tax status which would cause the IRS to put leans on our propertys. The reason the IRS says they can do this is because we ar communist. This also would cause the police and the KKK and the Natzi party to harrass our people all the more, which could be very dangerous to our people.
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EE-1-k-22
Undated note to Jim Jones from Tommy Kice Jr.
Tommy Kice Jr.
Socialism always wins.
Socialism is when the work and distribution of wealth are in the name of the people. [two lines illegible] will be socialist and do what you are doing for it’s my belief is baste [based] on socialism and I believe if we all we all stand together and fight together socialism will win.
To father.
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EE-1-K-60 – K-61
Undated letter to Jim Jones from an elderly woman, last name “King” – either Charlotte, Leola or Wanda
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling and grammatical errors have been retained.]
To Dad
Things I’ve stolen
a sheet from the laundry. I resented getting move out of my cabin one night while I was on security. As a result I lost several things, & to get even I took a sheet that came thru that wasn’t marked clearly
a toothbrush that was left in the laundry. I figured it wouldn’t be reclaimed & that I wouldn’t be caught.
three bananas one afternoon in the cellar I was resentful for being kicked out of the banana shed. I thought they were being wasteful & that that they didn’t want as a thorn in their side. So my petty compensation ate bananas. I rationalized would be wasted anyway. I’m doubly guilty because it was after the last confession about banana theft & also I righteously condemned Barb [Barbara] Walker for the exact same thing.
a yellow tee-shirt that came thru the laundry with no name. I lost it a few laundry times later
a plaid shirt the same as the last except I still have it
2 pairs of shorts, a pair of pants & a pair of underwear from Tina Turner that had Randy Carroll’s name on them. She was originally his houseparent & when I became the parent [illegible word] gave me clothes.
Now I dress her boys in the morning & found she kept the high quality stuff herself even if it came with Randy originally, so I figured I could get away with stealing it.
Also since I’ve worked with the toddlers I’ve taken fruit & extra portions of food. This is one time it’s not resentment but pure greed. I’ve always been a food-aholic & now I’m back into the rut of having to deal with my control.
I’ve always stolen from employers & it was always resentment. Resentment is my main problem. I’m one of those people who think I’m special & am resentful that no one recognizes it but me. My guilt usuaully turns to resentment. Resentment is the reason I’ve had cancer 4x. My main task of this [illegible word] is to reverse the process & get my resentment to turn to guilt. I manage it for a few days at a time & then I’m positive but I still continue to lapse into resentment & [illegible word] acts of hostility in compensation.
When I’m resentment I do not think of your pain. When I do see your pain at the pettiness of my gread I feel guilty. I will keep that guilt in my mind.
[first name illegible] King
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Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Leola King
EE-2-ij-8
Dear Dad,
You have so much to look out for with all of us, besides all of the worries you have. If it’s any way I can make some money I would. A watch, it don’t amount to very much but I’m going to give it, it may help a little. I never will forget what you did for me, you healed me of a stroke, and I’m very grateful for it. When I was in the hospital in Georgetown, the doctor told me that I didn’t have to take any insulin, and I know it was all because of you. Thank you Dad for all of you did for me, I be willing to do anything I can. I feel for you, I understand how you feel.
Leola King
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Letter to Jim Jones from Carolyn Kirkendall, July 1978
EE-2-ij-9a – 9b
To: Dad
From: Carolyn Kirkendoll [Kirkendall]
Date: July 26, 1978
It is a matter of conscience that I am writing to you about things that have been happening lately. I work with Vernetta [Christian] and have been working with her for the last 3 months. During that time there have been a number of occasions that I felt I should report questionable conversations but I did not report them for “cover your ass” and other reasons. But after what happened last night, I felt that I should no longer remain silent. Vernetta gets the IS [Internal Security] warning report before it is read out loud. Looking at the report last night, she noticed my name and report saying that I had been late to work on Monday. I told her that I had been late, but did not think it was 15 minutes as reported by IS. She then proceeded to write a note to Calvin [Douglas] telling him to take my name off the warning report because I have been working with her late Sunday night typing reports. This was not true and I could not understand why she was writing this lie. She was not doing me a favor because I deserved the warning, and it made me begin to wonder about her motives.
I must also admit that I was one of the people that had questioned people not going to the fields, but I did not get up during the rally to say so, which was chicken shit of me. Not trying to make excuses for myself, but I have been in an environment of negative attacks and criticisms on leadership involving Vernetta which perhaps lead the way for my questioning your policy on job placements. However, I have my own mind and should have known better.
It is with some duality of conscience that I write this because I work with her daily. But I feel that she cannot possibly be a friend to me and lie like that, but is only using me. Also I realize that it is an insult to me for her feeling that she can talk to me in that way. I know that I owe it to you and this Cause to report negativity and criticism.
Also I had some questions about the present function of steering. It was stated that steering had been canceled several times in the past few weeks. Does the CAO’s [Chief Administrative Officer] have the authority to cancel steering? What is their jurisdiction in relation to steering? Also we do not know who will be the chairperson and co-chairperson now that Johnny [Jones] is a CAO. Now that we have 10 heads of departments, who are these people reporting to in relation to policy matters they have implemented since organizing their departments. I would like to see the entire schematic breakdown and note where the authority lines are drawn with clear definitions of who does what in organizing and running Jonestown.
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Thank You Note by Carolyn Kirkendall, August 1978
EE-2-ij-2
To: Dad
From: Carolyn Kirkendoll [Kirkendall]
Date: August 29, 1978
Thank you very much for making it possible for Rita to receive legal assistance with her probation. We are a very fortunate people to have you to defend us and stand by us when we are in trouble, because in the final analysis it is you that gets the work done no matter who was involved in carrying it out. I went with Rita to court during her trial where I witnessed such coldness and insensitivity on the part of the judge, lawyer and jury that it was frightening. But it also made me angry. All the cases that came up before hers involved minorities that were poor and with very little education. They had all been trapped by decoy police people and you could see the degradation and viciousness of the American society against these people. There was so much pain there and so many wasted lives – it may be angry and sick. I sometimes wonder if we will ever wake up and realize what we have in you.
Rita is lucky because she has you to defend her, but there are so many others that have no one. I see why you continue on although you are not appreciated or loved and I see why I must continue on also.
Thank you, Dad
Carolyn Kirkendoll
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EE-2-ij-10
Undated Note to Jim Jones from Ellen Klingman
I want to thank you, Dad, for your love and concern shown for Clarence during his crisis. Thank you for seeing he gets the best medical care he needs for his problem. Your [You’re] the best and only Savior mankind could ever have and if only your children (all of us) would realize this and stop draining you but build and support you. Thank you for the protection you’ve given my children. What more could a mother ask for than the protection of her children. We have that security and I am grateful, when thousands of mothers have to watch their babies die and starve in front of them. I felt a lot of guilt for bringing Clarence or any of my children in the world to go through pain. Now they’re here they have the best opportunity of their lives and I hope they will appreciate it.
Ellen Klingman
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EE-1-K-46 – K-47
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Mike Klingman.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
From Mike Klingman
Dear Jim,
First and most importantly, I want to reaffirm my loyalty to you as my leader, best of all personal friends, and most principled advocate of socialism in the world today. I know that these words have been repeated to you time and time again – by committed people as well as betrayers of our Cause – but coming from me as one who does not communicate enough, they do have a special meaning for me.
It has not been easy for me these last few months, but I want to reassure you that I am not about to break or crumble under pressure, nor am I about to act out in some foolish manner because of any hostility I have. I am aware of my anger that is directed at this vicious system, as well as the hostility that arises over my own personal conflicts and growing pains. Most importantly I further realize that the collective well being of our movement, of our children, of our people, depends upon me controlling the anger that I feel. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t feel outraged at what I see every day in America. But I wouldn’t be a principled socialist if I didn’t contain myself for the good of the collective, until that day arises when change is a real possibility. That day is of your choosing and yours only.
Further, and here is what you have warned us so often, the distorting power of a sexual relationship is a very dangerous element in the movement when the time and place and person are in conflict with the collective good. I have learned this the past few months from personal experience, although I must say that it was never so distorting as to make me lose sight of the Cause and want to leave. My biggest conflict was (and is still to a small degree) coming to terms with the fact that my personal needs were in serious conflict with the well being of a number of people. It is not easy for me to face the fact that I intervened in the relationship of a black man – a very sensitive and good man –. Kim represented so many things to me that Ellen [Klingman] did not (at least when I knew her here). Kim was sensitive to living things, gentle in many ways, emotionally caught up in our Cause, and she displayed more conscience and guilt to mention the positive things. She looked up to me as an example and I handled it badly by letting my personal feelings for her override the principled position. It is difficult to describe, but I was simply infatuated with just being able to gently touch someone that I liked. I did not want to hurt her, or her companion, or anyone. One thing I am absolutely sure of – it doesn’t matter how much Marxist theory or history one knows if a person does not identify with the suffering of other people – Marxism can only guide us if we have the heart and conscience to follow for the sake of the People.
I have also had to come to terms with the bitter memories I have for Ellen. It has caused me much hostility. But after talking with you over the radio, seeing the beautiful films of the Project, hearing how Ellen changed, I have been able to put things in proper perspective. Frankly, my head is in a better place now than at any time since October.
I am prepared to stay here as long as you see fit – this doesn’t mean that I don’t miss you and the Family. I miss you very, very much. It will be a very good day when I see you face to face again. I miss my children very much when I allow myself to think about it – I think William misses me the most – I hope not too much. But until the time is right for me to join all of you, you can count upon me to be a comrade committed to do whatever is necessary for the collective good. And I also want to say that I would not be too proud to admitt any change endurance if it should get too much for me.
Sincerely,
Mike Klingman
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BB-31-a-216 – a-217
Tom Kutulas Letter to Dad on Tim Stoen
Dear Dad,
I think we should have one of our people, who theay would not suspect to infiltrate theair dam movement to destroy the light. Have one of our people get in with them then either find out information we need more information to know when Tim Stone is going to be allone then kill him and when they do eather steall his money or dress him up as a transsexual so it would not look like we had anything to do with it.
I think he should be killed because he doesn’t dezerve to live. PS. I think he is saving his face know [now] and when the [illegible word] get done with him they will give him justice.
Thank you Dad
Tom Kutulas
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EE-1-K-25 – K-26
Undated letter to Edith Kutulas from Thomas [Beikman] Kutulas.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
To Dear Edie: I want to drop a fhue lines to you befour I retreat for the night I have been very bussy in the last three weeks with one or another thing thats comes with being a michinac [mechanic]. We got two 500 gal. tanks to keep our fuell in and I’m geting theam ready for use. I haved had to weld theam and clean theam up. Well so musch for the dam mechinics. I have been taking care of a very nice pig. Yes a pig. You know he is verry smart he knows when I’m around and whean I come to feed him his slop he gets berry RomBunches [rambunctious]. Today he smelled the slop and he got up on his hing [hind] leags [legs] and looked out of the cage, and made his uosual grunts! and grones! I like him a lot and he is so dam cute! he is a Brown Eyed and Bron [brown] hair with white spots on his shoulders. When I let him out he goes Big Shit! he eats sweet potatoes and the slips [slops] too.
The only time he is bad is when it is time to go back in the cage, I have to grabe both ears and pull and pull and pull and pull, well you get the pilclu [picture]. Peace and Dads love to you! I love you and miss you very musch and happing to see you soon your son Tom Kutulas xoxoxoxoxo
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EE-1-K-27 – K-28
Undated letter to Edith Kutulas from Thomas [Beikman] Kutulas.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
Dear Edie I just want to let you know that all is well and my life is a fuller one every day of my life hear. I like to learn about the news when I was theair [their] I didn’t care if all hell proke [broke] loose. I have a reason to live know and a dam good one to dye for too. I miss you verry verry musch so hope you rap up your work as soon as you can. Remember I think of you each and every day. Please know this is the right way of life. We produce more and more than ever before. Please say hi to my two kids I miss Reana and Peggs and abouve all I miss you. hope to see you soon. I love you. hope you are fine and doing good. Please wright me I wait to hear frome you every time let me Know how and what you are doing! howes work? Do you steall live on mcgalaster st. or did you move.
I live on a loft over a cottage.
Love you hope to see you soon your son
Tom Kutulas x
xoxoxxxoxoxxxxoxxoxox
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EE-1-K-29 – K-30
Undated letter to Jennie Cheek from Thomas [Beikman] Kutulas.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
Jennie Cheek
Dear Jennie:
I was glade to get a letter from you and I read it at home.
Hope you are fine know. I let Rim Read my letter from you and she was glad to hear from you to. She is doing fine I neverseen her like this it shure changes you! and gives you a new mind and Body. I know wegh 170 lBS. Thanks to dad. Well have to go to a skit Resheral [rehearsal] so good by for Know. Dad loves us! Peace and love Tom Kutulas
PS
Please tell Edie and Peggy I said Hi!
xo
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EE-1-K-31 – K-32
Undated letter to Irvin Perkins from Thomas [Beikman] Kutulas.
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
IRVIN PERKINS
Irvin:
I hope you don’t think that Fat Tom has forgot his good Frend. I stay verry bissy hear and have never felt so good dam good! Little Irvin is growing up to be a verry nice young man. and [illegible name] is nice and thin but not too. Theay call me Muidum [Medium] Tom Know Becouse I went from 230 LBS to 170 LBS. I can’t get used to the idea that all my cloths don’t fit and my Belt goes arond me one and a half times. I want you to know I think of you often But havent had the time to Right.
I just got the Ram to the Backhoe and it works fine, the only Problem is we Need over hall [overhaul] Kets [kits] for the Rams
Some of theam leake [look] Verry Bad. I just seen Rob walk Buy and he said to tell you that even us fuck up have a change and that you will love it!
Well got to knok off for Know
Peace and Keep your mind on our leader and Dad (Fat Tom)
Tom Kutulas
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