[Editor’s notes: This page was transcribed by Alexandra Prince, a professor of religious studies at Skidmore College, with the assistance of several of their students, principally Melanie Yaeger. The editors gratefully acknowledge their invaluable assistance.
[The letters on this page derive from several sources, principally FBI Section 126 • EE-1 • Letters to Dad (N-Z); FBI Section 130 • EE-2 • Letters to Jim Jones; and FBI Sections 121-123 • BB-31 – BB-32 • Tim Stoen, D Touchette.
[Insofar as possible, these letters have been arranged in alphabetical order of the writer’s last name. Unless otherwise noted, the letters retain their original spelling and grammar.
[Peoples Temple member often used old reports and documents as scratch paper, using the reverse side of these pages for their letters. We have labeled and transcribed those scratch pages which include information about Jonestown.]
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EE-1-R-57
Note to Jim Jones from Marie Rankin
To: Father – From: Marie Rankin
Last Meetings topics
- You mentioned about the model of [illegible word] with the act of violence pictured
- We talked about John Muna [Maher] a Delancie [Delaney] Street being set-up with tax charges, and in fact because he has helped so many black people. Maybe a set-up to make blacks riot and be put in jails.
- Jerry Baisy & Charles Williams and to get off hard hats & Father asked questions about their books on socialism which they [illegible word] read and asked questions about what had [illegible word] said over the pass 9 days. They were taken off their hand hats thanks to Fathers mercy.
Thank you Father
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EE-1-R-73 – 74, R-36 – 41
[Editor’s note: The numerous misspellings in this document have been corrected for ease of reading.]
Test Results from Robert Rankin
Robert Rankin
(Test) News
Afghanistan
The socialist leader and his son were kill by the reactionary government of Afghanistan which led to the takeover by the socialist. The takeover took 24 hours with help of the air force. This put the government close to the USSR and is causing the Shah of Iran some concern since it adds to the leftist nations which all but surround it
Zambia
The socialist African country which makes its living by selling copper. Finds [unintelligible] is no mercy from fascists. The Unites States government dump copper on the copper market so that this would be a collapse of the price. The falling price is in being to bring this nation to such a financial state that the unites state can dictate to Zambia trough the I.M.F.
Zambia is applying for a loan to bring its economy back to control, but the I.M.F. has put such conditions on the loan that it would be impossible for Zambia to accept.
Some of the conditions are that Zambia stop the help that it is giving to Zimbabwe’s struggle, that the central bank of Zambia but a member of the I.M.F. as the section excutive in charge that that lays off worker in the mines.
Zambia has a program of cooper like Guyana but like Guyana is very slow in putting it in effect. The cooperative [illegible] feed all the people you can not eat copper
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(Test) News
The Red Brigade
The Red Brigade is an urban guerilla movement that is dedicated to the [two lines illegible] working class by bringing about the total collapse of the society of both socialist (and communist) and capitalist by bring about a nuclear war of which will come nucleus of communist that will be the true representers of the people. The Red Brigade uses such tactics as attacks on crimes of the folks at the heads of industries and commerce. The Red Brigade has now captured, and is now holding prisoner, a political criminal, Aldo Moro, a former prime minister of Italy.
The Red Brigade, in holding Moro is hoping to free political prisoners in exchange for Moro (it is not working, capitalists don’t stand together, and won’t stand behind Moro)
Urban guerillas do at times destroy factory and other objects of the capitalist property, but this tactic is not good because, it puts worker out of work both in the long and short and the poor end up paying for the factory or other object.
First workers are displaced by the close down, in rebuilding of [illegible] by automakers, and these objects are insured by insurance companies which are backed by government agencies which are supported by tax dollars
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Robert Rankin
2 (TEST) NEWS
ZIMBABWE
Ian Smith a racist and fascist hopes to hold on to power by putting sell outs in a coalition government (which does not represent the majority of people of Zimbabwe (Sometimes miscalled Rhodesia). This government will not [illegible] against National Front which represent a clear majority of the people in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean struggle of liberation under Robert Mugabe a socialist Joshua Nkomo a nationalist has the support to Russia and other Leftist nations, it is wage and waging arms struggle that will win.
Ian Smith is losing support from the right, one country that is stepping out is England, in favor of majority rule and the Union of South Africa can hardly hold on for its life.
Union of South Africa
Transkei has declared its independence and is being backed by Russia and Cuba. Namibia which has for a long time been struggling to free itself from the Union of South Africa, met a [illegible] South Africa in a futile attempt to hold on to the rich Namibia Territory launched a new attack and has had some early success but the struggle over the how will be be won by the people that are fight for freedom this sick and [illegible] South Africa also attacked Angola and was pushed back. Their feeble attempts to hold on are not to succeed
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Robert Rankin
(Test) News
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is going to drop the US dollar but it will continue to sell oil to US [companies]
rabian government wants war [illegible] wish [Israeli prime minister Menachim [Begin] has through US lobby Stop [U.S. President Jimmy] Carter is trying to carry water on both shoulders and please [illegible] and [illegible] but he is all wet and he’s pleased no one. Now he has to come to terms with Saudia Arabia to save the falling dollar (which is in bad shape) and sell war planes to Israel enemy the Arabs
Guyana
The prime minister is on a state visit to Russia and North Korea.
Guyana trying to get a loan from the I.M.F. [illegible] the terms would bring this nation back to neocolonialism so the government will seek help from another source. During the electric crisis the Russians helped by giving generators to Guyana.
The visit to Russia is to get [illegible] help in developing economy it is hoped that agriculture and hydroelectric will be on the list.
More is needed to help stop the [illegible] of food and to produce cheap electricity
Much has been done in resettling families of cooperative in Guyana but much more must be done to feed people
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3A (Test) News (Guatemala)
Guatemala is [illegible] its claim on the territory of Belize. Guatemala a country of about 5,000,000 Belize country of about 140,000.
Belize is about size of Maine on the Yucatan Peninsula wish has just become independent and is a member of the Caribbean community. This small nation came to Guyana Jamaica for help in protection against Guatemala fascist now is backed by the United States ([illegible] for the Bay of Pig were trained in Guatemala). If Guatemala move to take one quarter of Belize territory then Mexico will move to take the richest part this would break up the Caribbean community.
(test) movies
Day of the Jackal
In this movie the French colonist try to kill French president Charles [de Gaulle] failing they hire a political assassin who they hope will kill de Gaulle.
The Jackal has made a special gun and goes about getting paper of other nations such as driver license of France, steals passport of a Danish citizen. The Jackal set out with one purpose in mind that is to do the job much planning has gone into it but many of the decisions must be made on the spot the French colonist find a weakness in minister of the interior (the ministry responsible for the protection of de Gaulle) and is able [to] gain information about the operation to stop the assassination attempts by having one of its members have a sexual affair with him she is able to learn that Jackal cover had been revealed. But the Jackal with even more determination goes on using whatever means he can find. By chance they find him in time
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Robert Rankin
3B
Book (Test)
Malcolm
Malcolm X or Brother Malcolm in trying formulate the black nationalism went abroad to talk to President Ben Bella of Algeria in explaining his theory of black nationalism President Ben Bella explains that he being white could not be in the emancipation movement. Malcolm knows life in the ghettos of Detroit and New York had developed a narrow perspective of the struggles in not looking at the whole of the oppressed people black brown yellow and white when he return to the United States he then started to say that by black nationalists I mean all those under the boot of oppression
Book (Test)
Chile
September 11, 1973 under order of the General of the army Pinochet troops of the Chile army attacked the people of government of [Salvador] Allende, this act [of] fascism was backed by the CIA and international business such as ITT who kill many people who were free and independent before September 11, 1973.
Pinochet puppet of U.S. capitalist (who wish only to make money) tortured in concentration camps many prisoners whose only crime is to be a socialist these mad men under Pinochet. Kill Victor Haro [Jara] a gentle singer who would not stop singing at the order of the Pinochet regime.
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Robert Rankin
4A News Test
Bolivia
250,000 white who wish to live [illegible] and move to the Santa Cruz area of Bolivia. They want go to Uruguay [illegible] who live in the area will be move off the fertile land that they been living on for 16 years and move to less fertile land and make room for the white South Africans [illegible] cooperative is supporting Guyana by Pattachiton [unknown reference] to keep the racists out of this continent
Third world [illegible]
China has a doctoring [doctrine] that says that the greatest threat to world peace is the Soviet Union (new from USA) in [and] that Russa is an imperialist nation that was poor and deprive and must by necessity be [illegible] nation to keep the prosperity that is has gain the USSR USA (super powers) are First World (the ones that are most likely to start a wor or nuclear war). The Common Market and Japan is the Second World these nations have to be continuously supplied with raw material, in this composition will or may cause war
The Third World is that part of the world which is not developed and China now have most of the raw materials (not China) but not use them not export to the Second or First World country which takes these raw materials and transform them by fabrication into industrial and consumer good which some are exporting to Third World nation this will cause a deficit in the balsnc of payment
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Robert Rankin
4B
and keeps poor nation down.
Heavy industries such as mining and the gathering of ores or timber in comparison use little labor and very expensive machinery then move in both to mill and fabricaters in the developed countries were many process are add to the raw material transforming it to finish good and increasing its value many times far out of reach of poor nation. This include food close [clothes] as well as finish good in industrial and consumer categories.
So the Third World should unite with China and with cooperation between the Third World work to free it safe [itself] from this situation. China however does not stand behind the Third (which China says it is a part) in every China is on the guise of reaction, for example in Angola China [illegible] CIA and capitalist against USSR and Cuba for the socialist cause
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Undated Thank You Note to Jim Jones from L.B. Reeves
EE-2-pq-10
Dear Dad
I love you so much. I want to work real hard for the cause. I can never do enough for you.
Love, L.B. Reeves
—–
EE-1-R-71 – 72
Letter to Jim Jones and Temple leaders from stateside Temple member, Kathleen Reynolds
5-20-78
825 Slater St.
Santa Rosa Calif.
95404
Dear Jim, Marcie & Karen Layton,
Have heard some beautiful things going on in Guyana where you’re concerned I know that everyone of you must be fine.
Am living in Santa Rosa. Have been for about 3 wks now.
I’d love to move to Guyana where you all live. Would work as hard as I could. Would like to work with animals and for Senior citizens, or where ever you could use me. I am a psychiatric technician and could do some counseling.
You God and people have helped me alot and I’ll never forget it. Now I want to help you. I receive $315.00 each month from social security and supplemental security Income together could save up to fly over there.
Please write back to me okay? I’d appreciate that I don’t get depressed anymore.
Take good care!
Peace be unto you,
Kathleen Reynolds
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EE-R-I-44
Letter to Jim Jones from Pat Rhea
[marginal note] From Bonnie
To: Dad
From: Patt Rhea
I stole bannanas [bananas] because I thought I was hungry enough to eat it. Also I accepted fruit from Karen Harms but it will never happan [happen] again
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EE-1-R-67 – 68
Undated Note to Jim Jones from Pat Rhea
TO: DAD
FROM: PATT RHEA
Personal
I would like to thank you for bringing me out of the hell I was in.
I have been thinking alot lately about my companion we weren’t getting along before I left. We broke up for 2 weeks but got back together but now since I’ve been here I don’t need to use him to stay in a nice apartment, to get money from his mom, but most of all Idon’t need him so I won’t be alone. Our marriage was based on sex not friendship, no respect, nor caring. Since I’ve been here I’ve been learning to put a lot of selfish needs in the past. I’ve also met someone I can talk to and I care about whose name is Mark Wagner but it isn’t a sexual thing. What I wanted to know if he still wants to be with me i want a few months of getting to know each other no sex. If he doesn’t agree then I would rather live alone no hard feelings. But I don’t want to be used sexualy any more.
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EE-1-R-77
Undated Note to Jim Jones from Pat Rhea
To DAD
FROM PATT RHEA
I get hostil when it seems I don’t have enough time. & I have to rush, Also when it seems people love giving out orders when people steal when people take up your time & ours unnecessarily
My sexual attractions are You Mark Wagner & Danny Marshal
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EE-1-R-83 – 84
Undated Note to Jim Jones from Pat Rhea
To Dad
From Patt Jara
First dad I would like to thank you for saving me from getting arthritis and being crippled the rest of my life but also giving me the opportunity to experice [experience] breifly [briefly] the pain of having it. Also I thank you for changing my name. But I may not lived up to it and I am sorry because all I’ve done is shit on you after all you’ve been through all because of my own selfish ass. I’m putting another burden on you. For breaking the 3-month relationship. I help oppress woman and could have gotten myself pregnant which at the time I didn’t feel guilty about but now I do. But after we went through this which didn’t last even 1 minute because he felt we talked and he told me he thought that was what he thought I wanted [illegible] time. I told him about its been hard for me to relate to people because of my [illegible] and how I felt used and how in the past I felt used becaus I got raped 4 different times by at least 20 people & 3 was in a months time period. After this he was sorry about what he had said. Also that because of my past he said if I never want to do it again it was fine because that wasn’t why he is with me. After this I’m able to talk easier to him. I know also about how he feels about Asha being young as he is. I never would have expected anyone to want to be involved in this kind of situation to the point of caring for her like she is but anyway at the womans meeting it was decided I start 3 mo over 2 mo no talking & 1 mo weaking asign? but through all this I have not let it affect my work. I plan to work harder and keep a good attitude because this I consider to be an example to others I learned when we had our talk and decided that sex could be done without this will also bring me closer to being zero person wearing the sign and all. Once again I would like to say I am sorry and from now on all you’re going to get is good reports and a more responsible attitude from me
Thank You
Dad
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Pat Rhea
EE-2-pq-6a – 6b
To: Dad
From: Pat Rhea
I would like to thank you Dad for being so loving to all of us. I’d like to thank you for giving this all a beautiful place to live and something worth dying for. Because now I am able to look at death. Even each White Night helps me to stop and look at myself and others. I know as far as Cuba is it sounds beautiful and all but I know if they wouldn’t want me because I was old or something that I would want someone to stay with me. So I wouldn’t want to go unless everything was guaranteed, that we all come or none. Then from there other things. We’d have to look at everything. But I’d rather die fighting if we make it through this White Night, I would like to know if I could change my name from Patricia Rhea to Patricia Hara, after Victor Hara. I like listening to this music. I plan on reading more on him. Also I would like to change my daughter’s name from Asha Tabia Rhea to Aash Tabia Hara or Asha Tabia because her dad [Jerome Othello Rhea] does not show hardly any interest in her. He never picks her up except today. So if I can’t change her last name then I would just like to drop it. Thank you Dad.
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Memo to Jim Jones from Odell Rhodes, June 1978
EE-2-pq-8a – 8b
27-6-78
Dear Dad
I would like to propose that our Alpha situations be given different status, with specific instructions for each. Example:
Green = situation normal, resume or continue normal duties.
Amber = readiness be on alert – listen for instructions by PA or ISS [Internal Security] officer. IS to go on whatever plan they have.
Red =Situation serious, go to Pavilion, secure entire Jonestown complex.
I think with this system or similar system in operation the people’s actions.
I have also been concerned about how we react when planes fly over. On Sunday most everyone stood around staring or pointing. If photos were taken they could be interpreted in many ways, people could use the negative ones. We are used to planes and should not appear to stand around spellbound by the sight of one. Also no one should enter the radio room or East House at these times except specified persons. Since the last traitor went out I would feel better if you were not in either of these two locations if an unidentified plane is sighted.
With the coded status system the color of the situation could be broadcast and the people would know what action to take if any. We were told to smile & wave, not stand & stare.
Love you Dad
Odell Rhodes Jr.
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EE-1-R-70
Letter to Jim Jones from Odell Rhodes
Oct. 8. 1977
Dear Father,
One year ago today I attended a meeting in Detroit of Peoples Temple Christian Church. I was a drug addict with over 10 yrs use behind me. I had no family to speak of, and no friends I could depend on, not even myself. No future I could look forward to and no past I wanted to look back over. I was tired of living and afraid of dying because I wasn’t living by the good book, and I did not want to go to hell.
Tonight I am going to another meeting of Peoples Temple. A socialist Peoples Rally. In Jonestown Guyana. My mind is clear, and my body is drug free. I have a Father who works night and day to insure our freedom and who has taught us that life without cause is not worth living I have a mother and a family of comrades. In my future there is tomorrow to work for the good of the people and I have a year of Socialism to be proud of. No longer afraid of death. I thank you Father.
Thank Father
Odell Rhodes
8, OCT.1966 – 8, OCT, 1977
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EE-1-R-79 – 80
Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Odell Rhodes
To Father
Sharon Amos and myself had started a big brother program to spend more time with, and give more attention to young children who don’t otherwise get enough attention. With the cooperation of their supervisors the young brothers were allowed to spend one night a week if they “followed principle” for that week (we dont use the term be good) this gave me a chance to talk to the child about bedwetting or behavioral problems in a positive atmosphere, and work out solutions with the child. Most children were assigned by Sharon A. and I report to her on all progress or setbacks of any child. Other children were allowed to spend the night because we felt we could not shut out any child who asked.
I have a loft with a railing that has been checked by Lucius Bryant, and prononced [pronounced] safe, I have covered a mattress with plastic and provided this is cleared and the children are allowed to spend the night again, I would like to have a blanket made into two sleeping bags so I can have one on hand and one being washed.
There are other programs we would like to start later, but would like to have clearance for the boys to be able to spend the night again
Thank Father
Odell Rhodes
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To: Father
FROM: Odell Rhodes
[illegible] Childrens Program
8, NOV, 77
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EE-1-R-81
Letter to Jim Jones from Odell Rhodes
To: Father
From: Odell
I am sexually attracted to Shirley Edwards, to Fonzelle, Judy Ijmes, Maureene Tally, and Anita Kelly.
There are probably more but each time I attempt to write this I draw a blank. I realize these are purely sexual attractions.
The person I think I like is not here yet.
Thank Father
Odell Rhodes
and one older woman, Annette Jones
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EE-3-VVV-1 – VVV-2
Note to Jim Jones from Kathy Richardson
Jim,
I feel a little bit silly writing you a letter when there is a great possibility that you will never see it but just in case you do, this is to let you know that I am still here. I didn’t want you to forget I exist. It seems like a total impossibility to speak to you over the radio so I hope you hear of this letter. I miss you very much and I will continue working here as hard as possible so that sometime soon, I’ll be able to be there. In case you didn’t know, I am answering all of your mail and I must admit I haven’t done the best job that I would do. Jean Brown has always been behind me and keep me going, which I will always deeply appreciate. She means a great deal to me. Working on the outside has really taught me a lot. I’d like to thank you for that experience. It has been actually been working with people and seeing how greedy they are that has taught me so much. I think I could sit and listen to you for a lifetime talk about the evilness of capitalism but I would never have known if I hadn’t seen it for myself. I wish to thank you for that experience. Like I mentioned before, I hope this gets to you because I don’t want you to think that I’m not still around. I hope to be there someday soon. Kathy Richardson
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EE-1-R-91
Statement by Acquinetta Robertson
Sometime when I go to bed at night I cry myself to sleep because [illegible] wonderful way people can’t understand what is going on. And I know they see around them and can see what is going on.
Why in the hell people can’t be there for one another! Please people after this war is over and if we live to see this beautiful place grow let’s be so loving to our Sisters and Brothers
Acquinetta Robertson
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Memo to Leona Collier from Tommie Rochelle, June 1978
EE-2-pq-2a – 2c
6-20-78 Tues night
Toi Jones [Toi Fonzelle] – information
Toi told me (Tommie Rochelle)
That someone has been calling her home every so often. And every time she call, she would give a different name.
6-18-78 Sun morning. Toi Jones received a phone call saying they were Vernell Henderson and that Leona [Collier] told her to call to see if anyone was bothering her. Toi Got very angry & hung the phone up. Later they call back & Curtis answered the phone & she ask to speak to Corey.
She has also asked to speak to Toi’s daughter at times when she can’t speak to Toi.
6-19-78 Monday morning – Toi received another phone call asking was Sister Johnson there
Toi says it’s nobody but Rosie Mae Williams, brother Harry Williams life making those phone calls, because at the time Rosie tried to find out information from Toi, but Toi didn’t respond, so Rosie started making the phony phone calls.
Toi said: That Rosie made a statement saying that Jim Jones was worse than Rev. Moon.
From Tommie R. [Rochelle]
To Leona C. [Collier]
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EE-1-R-89
Undated Statement by Mary Johnson Rodgers
I left America because it was threatened with nuclear war, nutron bombs concentration camps, bill 1427 The chemicals that just kill a certain group of people Blacks and Indians
Mary Rodgers
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EE-1-R-92
Undated Statement by Mary Johnson Rodgers
To: Julia
From: Mary R.
Subject: Suicide of Protest
- This is perhaps unrealistic romanticism. However a possible drastic (in effect only) move to draw attention to our position regarding political sanctuary would be for one person (me) to jump off of a high building in a public place in Georgetown; leaving a suicide note stating it was a “suicide of protest” for a political conspiracy by the C.I.A., U.S. Treasury, etc., and framed harassments including child abduction charges, etc., and finally calling for understanding and sanctions from the conspiracy.
- This may get us the opposite result, I realize, and would only see it’s effectiveness as a possibility as a final act before another final act if it didn’t get any results.
- I readily volunteer for the suicide protest. My familiarity with the Guyanese people would give me more exposure to us. It would also release me from the hell of living if it be approved.
- Don’t worry, I would not take such a matter into my own hands. I am not contemplating suicide; only wishing I was dead. It makes me creative, if not realistic.
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EE-3-KK-1 – KK-5
Letter to Jim Jones from Gregorio Rodriguez, Santa Barbara, June 1978
June 19, 1978
Sta. Barbara, Ca 93103
Dear Pastor Jim Jones –
I am getting ready, doing all I can, to be with my Father, together with my wife to work and to help, to see all can if some in S. Frisco, if able to help me move my staff, to sure let me know, what things I must take, and what it is not needed over there, to discard or leave, I am in need of health now, because she Aurora [Rodriguez] is not here.
It is very hard for me to get around, do things here, I sure want go to that beautiful country, I am tired around this mess, I think I must make a mistake not to go at the time she left, but I was waiting for those documents of the retirement zistem in Sacramento, and that hold me down, left me behind, I hope soon will be okay, that the way I did will be okay. But I want to know for sure, I have to call them, in Sacramento to see if they will understand me, (I speak not good, I write better) to find out if they will get all things in document right, and if soon they start sending, and when the first check, so as soon as I get to know, I like to call them in, Peoples Temple in Geary St. in Frisco to see if they give me a hand, because as soon I can I want to be with my Father, taken out of here. To me this is not good here, I can’t make it no more, life is lonesome, it is terrible in the States, I am not good here, the young generation, I am scared to walk at night, they seem not to respect, and many killers, crazy, and my age, I am afraid alone – please have mercy – on me, I cry and cry. You see me, at the meetings in LA when I used to go, oh how I need to be right there with you, I sure miss you, but I was [illegible word] to my work, not wanting to get out yet.
But now in between the two men my wife, she say to me better retire, so I did and now, I am ready but I need, to fix this thing about retirement documents, I hope they will soon be fix… But for me I am ready to leave, so they will send me away over to Guyana – right there where Father is, and my wife and kids, and Gloria, and baby, and all many many of my precious ones, who I miss too much. Father please have mercy and do, help me so I can manage, to go, or that they will send me too, like they did my beloved wife, please please tell her when you see her, that I love her very much, and I want to be with her, as soon as possible, so we be together right there, living with our Father. I remember when you used to tell us, (me and wife) and S. Francisco church, oh loved love ones, and give us blessings, I never forget, and when you did told me blessed blessed dear brother… In the trip when we was going to Canada and Washington, I am now so that many things don’t know how to do, example – I don’t know if they come in a pickup or some truck to pick up some of my staff [stuff], and Aurora staff here to be sent to – the agricultural mission – by surface, and other for me to take over there, and also I don’t know if they get me into cumun [commune] – so to wait there from the time, they will be ready to send me. I have to know, many things in advance so to know how to get or iron out things, to be right at right time, example to give a notice a month ahead for to the landlords here that I will leave their trailer, vacant. I will try to call tomorrow to find out how is the documents, moreless set… I going to work about 3 wks for one man to get some money to pay rent and other payment for this coming month, Father please – if you wish let or tell them over in church to see me or help me, and if you wish that I be admitted into comun, as soon as I will let them know that this thing’s been fix the papers or about retirement, and that way I will move over there or that they advise me how to go, argue about it, to be there at San Francisco church – in cumun so to be ready to be sent to Guyana like my wife.
My beloved reverend Jim Jones, in a little while more, I sure would like to be sent to that land. If you have mercy on me and see my weakness and mistakes, I sure need help. I am alone. I beg father, to be good. Forgive me for my weakness and my ignorance. We were in a rush at that time, me and my wife, when that horrible thing happened to my son, did or comit and call to see her, it makes me and her very confused and not thinking straight, nervous or very disturbed, so we didn’t get to think things straight at that time. How about me left behind, not being able to fix the right proceedings for filing and signing those documents of retirement and she nor I think to tell that man in charge at the temple – Jim Randalls [Randolph] and Phil. We just can’t get our minds together at that or those days. For this, I am left here with plenty of work ahead. So to be able to depart or go to San Francisco so that they can send me over there. Jim Randalls asked me what I have here. I said nothing-only I have to wait to fix those papers, but he told me after she already left (my wife.) So I went back Santa Barbara here and I am stuck. How did you write the word? For I don’t know how long yet. (Please father if you don’t understand me very well) Tell my wife; show her this letter or that she interprets some things. She knows my way of writing and what I mean more or less very good. She knows what I mean right away. Oh please, accept me father. I want to go and help you in that mission together with my beloved wife, grandchildren and my Gloria. Pastor Jim Jones, I want to see you. I am lost without you; it has been a long time since I’ve seen you. I know you will hear or give me a hand. I know you are so kind and when you use to tell you (me and my wife) blessed, blessed oh dear ones. I use to tell my wife you like us, beloved father so kind and merciful, that you have the power in your hands to deliver us from evil and that you help me. When I was at the point of being killed by the same person who committed the crime this time, under dope. It was when he came that night at about 3 a.m. to awake us, me and my Gloria, out of our sleep. After we have put a good day of work, only you save my life and I’m grateful to you. I submit if you accept me, make the way for me or tell them to help me and to send me down there where you, my Gloria and wife are. I will do all I can to be good. In my heart, I don’t believe anyone who speaks wrong about you and in the same token, I don’t believe in any religion, not one, not in prayer to the holy ghost but ask. I just can’t stand it anymore. I feel like my life – I am getting kind of tired and I can’t breathe good, I don’t know. I’m anxious to see you and be with my father. I miss him too much and I just don’t believe in the honkies. It makes me tired and very unpleasant to see these people showing up. Among the poor, father please save me from this place. Take me over there where you are so I can help and also be healthy and strong. You see, I was thinking always I was not able to do or accomplish to be with you (like Gloria, my Gloria) that she was afraid, also I am afraid and thinking I was not good enough to be with you and follow because you are such a passionate and merciful person and very powerful in your mighty hand. So please, now that my wife is over there and I was not able to go at that time, please open the doors for me, those that are closed, so that I can be able to proceed to make my way. One day very soon, I will be there at your presence, together with my wife and that way, I know I would be saved, that you will see me, too, and at any moment, if somebody is going to try anything bad at me, my wife or one of us, you will protect us with your mighty power and I’m sure you will do that and I will be very happy to serve and be with you, but correct my bad habits or anything I am doing wrong. You were the only one who took away the habit of smoking from me and saved my life many times. I love you and I feel safe around you and am willing to give all to live in community. Please advise the right people in San Francisco church, so they admit me on one of them. Please father, I only want to go there at your land where you are and my beloved ones. I know you won’t let me down. You see my mind was, and still is, very disturbed. But very deep in my mind, I only want to be with you, my savior, so please see what I say here this time. Yes, this time I am ready to be with my father. I need him always with his power. Defend me from evil. There is just too much evil and the occult all around me but father is looking and he will deliver me and my beloved wife. He will save me from all envies and evil forces of the devils and all the witches who do sorcery; you see the evil ones. The magicians have worked all kinds of bad things and evil against us – me and wife – but the only one and great magician who will and is defending me is Jim Jones. Against them, they don’t have any power, not even the bullets nor any whom will hurt him or us because he is taking care. Be with me, father. I believe only the way he teaches, to be the best, to make the kingdom of God on Earth. Father please defend me now that I am alone. See that I am taken care of. Not even the evil ones in the dark of the night can harm me and that the serpent or powerful one can’t kill me because father is with me and father is the only magician that all will ask on him.
(And give rever[ence] or respect him in the light of the morning day or the dark of the night) Oh, powerful father magicians of all the magicians that have the power to make me free. Deliver me from the circumstances of evil that I am now. Take me away with you. I love you, in the name most holy. When you say “spirits, spirits, spirits” and when you extend your hand there is done. Now father, I shall tell you what I remember now that I got materials to take to Guyana. I got a few tools, hammers, pliers, cutters, pipe threaders, a fan, a dolly, about 3 plaster of paris holds – to make figurines – one, a clown about 2 feet tall, it weighs about 44 pounds. Other book end Indian from Mexico, with about 3 pounds. A statue from some place, a figure from America found. They’re beautiful, with about 5 pounds. Other little ones with about 4 pounds. Also, I have an old, used small tape recorder of the reel kind, a small typewriter, some writing paper, 3 big cans of insect killer spray that can cost $2.50 each. A big canvas, one very light and the other one kid of heavy, a foot locker full of clothes, some herbs, books about $4 or so, some kitchen things, small amount, plenty of scissors for the sewing machines or cutting materials, some sponges, ropes, about 3 or 4 books of science of Spanish language that sometimes I read. A small box of toilet paper, some suitcases, about 5 or 6 new medicines, a few used sheets and bed spreads or quilts. A big trunk full of clothes, used ones, only mostly work pants like khakis, same kind of shirts, some under clothes, some heavy socks and pencils, some lockers, one small shester draw [chest of drawers] full of materials, clothes, shirts and pants for hot places like tropical, I believe and electric shavers – one new, some old ones, some razor blades, razors, one hair cutter new. I have a drum of heavy cardboard, good to go surface, it is strong – I have it full with shoes, and work shoes, used, khaki pants and work shirts, weighs about 1.35 pounds. I have some herbs but I am going to throw or give away (those for teas) I have some wrenches, some small and big, a few of them, army boots – used ones, a few dress pants and shirts, my other foot locker, a radio, short wave about 31 pounds, a few books. The dolly is a good one. It can be used to load stuff here, church or Guyana or to carry stuff. Two electric cloakes. I guess if I miss, its only a small fraction of more or less stuff, small things, clippers and small household things. Example – clippings, knife sharpener, glasses, mirrors, magnifying glasses, etc. **Now, I’d like somebody to write and tell me if the big box, weight about 134 pounds, containing a shester drawer – small one. If this one, they don’t use in Guyana or that agricultural mission, or if they do, we can use it if they send it *by surface* and if they or we don’t need that tape recorder over there? How about the plaster paris molds – they are packaged in a heavy carboard and if there is too many shoes, I can share with some other person, some of them I don’t use. I can give it away to who need it most, some of them and insect spray are things I have enough of. But the question is if I can take them over to the Temple area and if they will send them later by surface. Another thing, if I can’t take or send them over there, if they will help me pick them up and take them there.
If they can hook a trailer to our maverick car and come pick up my stuff or if they bring a pick up truck to take them for me, I am willing to help load and unload them. If someone writes me a letter and tells me you not – take this example – shester drawer to Guyana, sell or discard it and/or yes, we send it by surface, packed by heavy cardboard. If they don’t need molds over there, how about the tape recorder? Okay, well, I hope I can make it to get over there as soon as possible. I just don’t want to stay around here too long. Now I shall tell you what my mother told me; a real history past that when I was only a baby crawling on the floor in a ranch house, she heard something hitting very hard on the floor, while she left me on the floor, she was in the kitchen on the other side and she went to look and there was the big cat, saving me from a kind of big rattle snake that was coming toward me, but the cat saved my life, so the snake didn’t get to bite me. She called my father quickly, to come in; he was working outside. He came in with a cane fork and picked up the snake and kill it.
So I am still living. I hope I soon get to go to that beautiful land with my father. That is my thought and there is my beloved wife and girl Gloria is with all my grandchildren.
May the power and glory be forever yours. Make able, Father, so that I can be where you are , in that mission in Jonestown, where there in not any discrimination among the people, black and white and all like brother and sister.
In remembering you, I’d like to embrace you and the glory be forever yours.
I thank you, father, for all the goodness and all the blessings. I am grateful to you and I’d like to go work there and be happy forever more. Get me out of this struggle, father. I thank you, I thank you forever more.
Yours sincerely brother, Gregorio Rodriquez
P.S. That soon, I may hear from you or my wife.
Remember me, in this days, that the days of heavy rain, you keep me dry and you have saved my life and my work. Oh thank you, thank you father.
Please excuse my writing. I don’t have any education. Please father, have mercy on me and attend my petition.
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EE-1-R-53
Poem by Margarita Romano
A tribute to Lynetta By Margarita Romano
We shall never forget you Lynetta Jones
The years you faced many danger zones
What a proud warrior of strength and determination
You fought a strong battle against that capitalist nationWe comrades only imagine the pain & aggravation
When the oppressions harassed you and wanted information
About your son who would give freedom to all
Those that would listen and follow his callRest! There was little cause you worked night and day
Your labor was long with hardly no pay
But that didn’t stop you or discourage your aim
You [illegible word] anyhow cause socialism was your claimTheres so much more in your storehouse of treasure
That sharing heart that could never be measured
You loved to see Jim’s dream fulfilled
A socialist nation he prepared and build
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EE-1-R-60 – 63
Letter to Jim Jones from Margarita Romano
Dear Dad,
Last night in Peoples’ Rally, I was one of the people who raised their hands to the question who violated the law of sexual contact with someone else. Then I was going with Thomas Johnson, we did have sexual contact. Tommy and I broke up our relationship Dec. 16, 1977. From every mistake I make, I learn a lesson. Before I really thought it was necessary to be with someone or to have sexual relationship to make that other person happy as well as myself. But then, being here and going over the experiences here I came to the realization that sex is of the lower plane and to rise to the height of communism one must be willing to sacrifice a lot. I am taking heed to the things you teach and I’m trying with sincerity of heart to apply your teachings to my everyday life. I’ll tell you how I feel right now. There are sisters and brothers here that I find very attractive and on the lower plane of mind wouldn’t mind having a relationship with. But when I elevate my thought, well, I don’t find it difficult anymore to put these desires secondary. The thing is that I know without a shadow of a doubt that you are the greatest leader that has ever existed, before and after the beginning and end, the alpha and the omega. I knew it from the very first time I beheld your face in Phila. From that day, I made up my mind that one day I would be with you and the family. It took 3 years for me to come but I finally made it. I used to put your picture under my pillow and my so called husband would inquire of me, why? Well I answered, “to me he’s like a father I did not know then that the family called you father and when I came to S.F., I was amazed when I heard them say Father! I lived with a Jamaican lady whom she was like a moma to me for 3 years. She was so warm and friendly and so concerned about me and my kids. She would do anything for us, that’s what kind of person she was. She directed me here and told me to leave Phila and go with my Savior. I shall never forget the words. I am so glad I listened when I did leave. At first I thought well, I’ll never become a true communist for what a struggle it was for me to be surrounded by so many people after being alone actually for many years. Then I was withdrawn from people. I was alone even though my children were there. I realize that is self-center and a low scale of thinking. I used to dwell on the fact that my mother was in jail and that I would never be with her. I would find myself very depressed and start using the needle to shoot-up drugs. Daddy was sexually attracted
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EE-1-R-61
to me when he got me out of the foster homes and I left and ran away when I was 15 yrs old. There is so much but I’ll not take up the writing space about the past for Dick Tropp has a chapter in his book that he is going to write reserved for things that were good & bad experiences for the purpose of filling in a chapter. Well, I didn’t mind sharing my experiences. But what I’m really concerned about is developing my character into being a strong revolutionist. It’s an every minute journey for I want to build up a house; beings the old house of capitalism was torn down. I want to acquire knowledge of many things for I was always the type of person to probe and want to explore mysterious things. For instance, the fullness of communism! I don’t know enough but I know my mind and its interest right now. I grown to realize that in this walk of life you must think of others first and be willing to put oneself last. Conscientious I am, but still not satisfied with myself. I’ve got to become a better communist, not for myself but to help others cause I could die tonight but with that thought, well, I want to make sure that I helped someone else. Being on S.A.T. Team has developed my thinking to what a privilege it is here to live but what a honor it is here to die. I thank you Dad for givin me such honor. When I was out there recovering through the ?, I place you in the center of my mind for this gives me strength and courage. Brother Keaton is a good friend of mine and he instructs me when I feel that my character is weakening, he’ll tell me about the goodness of you. He’s a good and sincere man and I admire him. I am also grateful to you for opening up my under-
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EE-1-R-62
standing concerning my children. I didn’t mind sharing ? with the Marshalls since I heard you elaborate on that subject of children. I’m glad that they are all happy. As a matter of fact all my children are happy cause they have much more than what I could ever dream of in a lifetime. Just to have people around that really care is a blessing. But without your examples this wouldn’t be so. I have one problem though, Johannah my 3 year old likes to cling to me whereas the other children are so independent. I really hate this clinging for I don’t want her to be attached to me. I want her to be free and her mind to advance into socialism by relating to others and develop her character now when she is young. I only wish that I had such privilege for it would have been so wonderful. I will talk with Sharon Amos when she returns about this matter. Again, I hope to be steadfast and my feet planted on solid grounds so that others will be proud and brought to a land of freedom. Another thing is comprehending, sometimes I would forget things that you read about politics and so forth yet other things I could remember so well. I am dissatisfied with this and hope to conquer the blockage.
I promise to always work hard and better daily for it makes me feel good when I do. I thank you for being co-supervisor on Rob Gieg’s crew. What a blessing! I tell you the crew is blessed. Rob Gieg is a wonderful person and works so hard. We love him out there on our crew the folks on our crew call Rob Pa and me Ma! That’s what kind of crew we have a beautiful family. No one is better than the rest. We all confront
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EE-1-R-63
(Excuse the old writing for this is scrape paper Tommy gave to me quite sometime ago)
each other when any problems arise and we all push one another when things seem to weaking. I am grateful to be apart of such working conditions. I could go on and on. Sitting here, I’m watching Celeste on the barning crew. Thank you Dad, she needed that structure. I can see that this will develop her character. Thank you again for her safety for I didn’t hear what you saved her from in Phila, I only caught the ending but I know this she’s away from her so-called dad who thinks he is a Voodoo God. His whole house is surrounded by witchcraft and he digs up bodies and puts them in his home; dresses them with antique clothes and communicates with them. He’s weird alright. I’m glad Celeste is millions and millions miles away from him and his fiendish self. Celeste used to be haunted by this black cat coming in her room. Fear would be upon her so much, I knew she wasn’t lying. She no longer has these fears, I know.
As far as myself, I think you are very attractive on the sexual level too but I’d like to think of you as Dad and Our Leader who is for the people!
Sincerely, Margarita Romano
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EE-1-R-64
Note to Jim Jones from Margarita Romano
Dad,
My personal idea of putting away children & helpers seniors remain the same. Revolutionary suicide from the first crisis was my decision then and it hasn’t change. I try to look at every crisis logically. If we go back and fight, I think its stupid. (No sense) He’d be wiped out cause of artillery and so forth. Fighting here is my desire although I hate to keep on ? what you already heard. Anyway, I will fight and die for I know that I can, cause I have already in my mind detached myself from anything holding me back, even my children. Now as far as Stoen, I wish I was a man since he prefers to be a transvestite, so that I can lure him to a motel. I like to get him high, then cut his dick off and torture him to death. An instant death is too good for him. He needs to feel the pain of torture for a man who has supped with us and now has betrayed us knowing what good we do for others just doesn’t deserve a spontaneous death.
Getting back to fighting, I wish we could build a tank. Next, we need an underground tunnel for emergency crises. We could also make spears and shields. Welders should make metal masks. (Substitute for brass) I’m still thinking!!! of more defenses for us.
Margarita
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EE-1-R-86
Undated Statement by Gloria Rosa
Gloria Rosa
Socialism is Die for what you believe in and socialism is for every man and women and child up to be free and free and die if we should not all get free we should just die for what we believe in and that stand is for socialism for all people and I really think if we should have to die that one day we all will come back in another body but we will be much stronger in another world together. But if that should happing [happen] to take one of us that just better take up all we are all non violence people all we one is to be free and just left along [alone] here in Guyana but we will not give up what we standy for we will all die first for what we work hard for.
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EE-2-h-2
Undated Note to Jim Jones, likely from Gloria Rosa
Jim,
I sent a letter to my mother at the last minute before Terry Buford left. I had Sarah [Harriet Sarah Tropp] & Terry clear it. I also sent a picture of myself & Kamari. Sarah said the letter was good & positive. I won’t do it again.
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Undated Note on Jim Jones’ Pain from Kay Rosas
EE-2-pq-3
I think what makes you suffer the most is when you have a real bad pain and you still have to fight and still have to stay awake night and day. It takes a lot of hard work to protect us like you do.
Kay Rosas
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Note to Jim Jones from Elsie Ross, May 1978
EE-2-pq-4
27-5-78
Elsie Ross
CB 3
Dear Dad: –
I feel in my heart what you are going thru & if there is anything I can do let me know.
You are going thru all this to save us & give us our freedom.
I will die fighting & will carry someone with me – I want to take some of our traitors.
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EE-2-k-5
Undated Note to Jim Jones from Chris Lund Rozynko on Tim Stoen
Dad,
Can someone, a brother, who Tim does not know, get involved in a sexual relationship with him. Someone knows how to do it. If he can be made to fall in love perhaps he can be diverted from this sickness.
Chris Lund [Rozynko]
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EE-1-R-54
Statement of Chris Rozynko
CHRIS ROZYNKO
I’m Chris Rozynko and I am 23 years old. I understand
I’m Chris Rozynko, I am an electrician and I am 23 years old.
I understand that my sister Sandy wants to see me and has joined the people who are against Jim Jones. I never liked her. She was always degrading my black friends and insulting them. She is a racist and I don’t want anything to do with her. She had sex with Elmer Mertle who has since changed his name to Al Mills, who is some 30 years older than her.
She stood by quietly while they used a young black woman as a house slave. I don’t want anything to do with her. x So don’t even suggest that she’s my sister.
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Michael Lund Rozynko
EE-2-k-6
Dear Dad:
From: Mike Lund
I received an excellent plus on the last test.
I have been thinking about that I have received an education of sorts and have developed my memory and reading skills fairly well.
I feel guilty that I would be able to receive “something extra” when many black family members have been disadvantaged but are as much or smarter or more dedicated than I am. I didn’t realize this really, until I tried to help one of my students in a tutoring session (high school) – how much the US school system has messed up our young people’s minds that they haven’t had training in basic skills of study.
I don’t want anything except to be able to have a chance to prove myself loyal and responsible to this cause.
Mike Lund
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EE-1-R-85
Letter to Jim Jones from Lula Ruben
[Editor’s note: The numerous misspellings in this document have been corrected for ease of reading.]
August 4 77
Dear Father you brought us over here to be saved from get killed by the neutron bomb and saved from the concentration camp and to be free from racist state so we can be free, thank you father
Lula Ruben
And you brought us over here to saved from earthquake and give us a beautiful home of Freedom Land we can raise food to feed our self and the hungry people in the world.
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EE-1-R-34-35
Letter to Jim Jones from Liz Ruggerio
10/25 [1977]
Dear Father,
I saw the movie, “No Blade of Grass” last night which was a perfect reminder of what you have taught us to expect for the future to come. I felt ashamed that it takes a movie to make me realize how fortunate I am to escape the tortures of the fascist government. It was frightening to see innocent people become mass mobbs [mobs] and kill each other for food to eat and shelter to sleep. I have not reminded myself of all that is happening in the states and in countries which you have taught me all striving for their independence away from the fascist CIA.
The selfish reason for this is because I live in a place where there is no hunger or starvation and I have a comfortable place to sleep. You have provided all my needs and because I have never suffered or been deprived of my basic necessities, I don’t remind myself of the misery others are going through.
Thank you Father for letting me see the movie so I can remind myself of how fortunate I am to live in a free society where our lives are centered around Socialistic principle of equality and justice for everyone. I feel we should have more movies on what is happening in the world around us to remind us of how grateful we should be to you so we can strive to work harder to build our principle society and grow to hate our enemy more.
Thank you, Father
Liz Ruggiero
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EE-1-R-75 – 76
Letter to Jim Jones from Liz Ruggerio
31/12 [1977]
Dear Dad,
I have had selfish thoughts about my oldest sister’s illness (Cathy) and @ one time could not understand why you could not heal her like you’ve healed many others whom have had kidney problems. I’m sorry I have had these thoughts. Now that I live in a socialist community and am not just hearing about socialism, I can understand our reason for living and that we must sacrifice and play our part now because you Dad have played our part for us up to today (and always will). I understand our people do not live forever and that our cause is a reality and we must give our lives @ anytime for what we believe in (if we are really principled socialists). Others die not for the cause but because they @ onetime were unfaithful at the blessing they received.
Dad, I find it hard @ times to take the pressure of dealing with peoples medical problems day after day. But I think twice when I realize that you take care of our problems every minute of the day & night no matter how big or small. At least we can get away from it for a few hours, but you never do.
I have accepted my sisters death and realize she had every opportunity to be with us but chose not too. I thank you greatly for giving me the blessing of knowing she will come back in one of our children in the future in our cause and will never have to suffer the stress of capitalism which destroyed her health since she was a child.
Thank you dad for letting me be honest with you and myself. I have always looked up to you as a leader and a real dad because you’ve showed your real feelings and you’ve shown me concern & love which my ex-dad never did. My attraction to you is like a daughter-dad attraction. I respect you for giving me strength and teaching me to be like you each day.
Thank you dad,
Liz Ruggiero
To Dad
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Note on Jim Jones’ Pain from Liz Ruggerio, May 1978
EE-2-pq-5
26/5 [78]
Dear Dad,
You are suffering every day for us in your health because of the torment we put you through. We show no concern for knowledge and are very selfish. You hurt inside to see this and that people do not change at all. It hurt you to see the people after years of teaching them betray you, and mostly this cause. The pressure of meeting every need to keep the family going & protecting us make sure you have pain & raises your blood pressure. It hurt you that after hours of telling us the news that only a handful of people can say they listened & repeat important items of the news.
Our anarchism which came from capitalistic America is still in our blood. It hurt you that our minds are not on communism like they should.
Thank you dad for not giving up through the many years you’ve struggled to establish this promise land. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a communist and live the life of one.
Liz Ruggerio
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EE-I-R-42-43
Letter to Jim Jones from Roseann Ruggerio
Dearest Dad,
My name is Roseann Ruggiero and I am writing to you because I am guilty of stealing. Just a couple of days ago I took two oranges that were in the nursery. I feel terribly ashamed for doing this against your highest teachings of communism. I was a selfish pig for taking the two oranges which I figured were extra on the shelf but I don’t know that for sure, they could of been one of the children’s. I am a fruit nut but that didn’t give me any excuse to take something that wasn’t mine.
I am also guilty of a third orange that I took from Dorothy Brewer, which I confessed to her that I took it. I am really sorry Dad that I was a selfish son of a bitch and took these 3 oranges. You provide more than what we need. There was no reason for taking something that wasn’t mine. I am ashamed because I am watching my weight and some one could of needed them that was underweight. I did it because I was selfish and self centered. I am truly sorry for disobeying your teaching, and for being one of the many that hurt you (for stealing). Dad, I will not take anything that does not belong to me anymore! I will not steal from you. I am sorry Dad.
Also for the same reason as above, being selfish. I have taken a couple of bananas. When we go out on the banana crew there are some that already have turned yellow, I will take one. Again, I am ashamed for stealing our peoples food of life. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest and being honest with you and have a free conchenous [conscience]. I have learned that it doesn’t pay to do anything against this great communist liberation struggle, for I feel guilty all the time. You have brought me a mighty long way Dad! Thank you.
One more thing I have been one of the cripled, that capitalism has crippled me with being so fucking passive. I am not going to let capitalism fuck me up anymore! I am working on not being so passive. Thank you for being so strong and sacrificing yourself for us so we can be better people and help others all around us. You have given me a new mind. Thank you, Dad, thank you Dad. Again, I am sorry that I have stolen from the people.
Thank you Dad
Comrad Rose Ruggiero
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