[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.]
—–
EE-1-S-20 – 25
Undated Statement by Doug Sanders
To: Dad
From: Doug Sanders
Subj: self evaluation
If something were to happen to you, I know that I would act emotionally at first and try to locate who did it and try to get revenge by torturing them. But after careful thought I know that the protection of the collective is the thing that must be taken care of. I would want to declare martial law and set up tight internal and external security. I would find out how we stand in the food, medical, and fuel situation. The people that know about the connection we have in the government should propose to board our boat and leave to go to the Soviet Union or Cuba or move our whole population into the jungle for defense. Whatever moves we make we have got to show solidarity and stay in the struggle for Socialist change.
In my sexual life I have many homosexual desires. I have strong feelings for Rickey Johnson, Greg Watkins, Chuck Kirkendall and Albert Touchette. I have not had a homosexual relationship since being a child and my feelings aren’t strong enough at this time to get into one. I still have a lot of desire to go with several women at once. I have feelings for my companion Dorothy Sanders, for Margarita Romano, Jackie Rochelle (her work production turns me off), and Paulette Jackson. I would desire a relationship with any of these. I also have sexual feelings for some of the young teenagers, Anita March, Yvette Muldrow, Lisa Wright and one other adult, Dorothy Rollins. I have a hangup about being possessed by someone or belonging to them. I am still insecure about womens’ feelings toward me and I have hurt many because of it. I am trying to deal with my present situation about who I want for a companion and I believe that I will stick with my companion Dorothy Sanders. The only sexual life I have had in the past five months is to jack-off. This creates no problems and keeps me out of trouble. Even though I have an extra big ego I still don’t want to hurt anybody so this is going to create another problem with Margarita. I would rather end up hurt than to hurt Margarita or Dorothy though it will be hard to prevent. I have kissed Margarita a lot more than I have kissed Dorothy since I’ve been here and almost all of my feelings toward Margarita are sexual even though we can communicate on a heavy level. There is very little communication between Dorothy and me but because she leaves me alone is why I care for her. I would feel a lot of guilt about leaving her after all the mess I put her through for years.
My feeling about death is that I would rather be dead than go through life. Death is easy but living and working until death is hell. I would like to see you dead also than to suffer all this hell of living for us. I know that dying for a cause is honorable and and it means that it is not necessary to repeat this life cycle.
My fears are few I have a fear of the feeling of fear I also fear getting into any trouble or getting written up for something really bad. On my job I fear climbing tall poles
I really like guns and they represent a penis symbol for me. I really get a feeling of power when I have one. I also have a lot of respect for guns. I like to keep them clean and operating properly and try to follow the safety rules that govern them. If I accidentally shot someone I couldn’t get over the guilt and pain especially if it was one of our socialist family members. I would really like to go out with Steven and target practice or hunt but I try not to let it show.
The things I miss about the States is my privacy, getting high by smoking mariuana, going to the beach and buying new things. I also miss my daughter and son Angela & Marshall Sanders. I miss a lot of the modern conveniences like washing machines and I miss working for myself.
If it became my duty to kill anyone for the cause to continue I would not hesitate to do so. Before I came into the cause I was going to be a small time hitman and I know that I could kill anyone even my wife or child if it becomes necessary. Death also ends suffering and if a loved one or anyone else were suffering unbearable I could also do mercy killing knowing that they would be better off. Also if I had to kill someone to keep them from talking too much or being tortured, I would rather kill them. Revolution is tough and to defeat capitalism I would do anything.
Socialism is my life and is what I want to die for. It means equal opportunity of education for all, the best of medical care from people that care and it is all free. It means receiving the full benefits of our labor and total cooperation with labor and supervisors. Socialism means that nobody goes hungry or without equal clothing. Socialism is the only way for the world to survive and without it we are just animals. I will die for it because it is the only thing worth living for.
On the subject of things I miss from the States, my privacy is very selfish because our children need all the time we can spend with them. The drugs are put on the young people to keep them from rebelling from the capitalist rule. Buying new things when Black and Brown children are starving is insensitive and counter – revolutionary.
The main danger to us in the States are the traitors, the news media, and the I.R.S. The traitors can be taken care of by assasanation on the streets. A .32 calibre weapon with [unintelligible] hidden under a coat would do it. Also a silenced weapon made to fire from a briefcase could knock one out in the middle of a crowd. Explosives wired into the electrical system of their car is a fast and easy method. If their meeting place could be found I could conceal a small but powerful explosive to myself and take out as many as I can along with myself.
Some of the news of last week was that the Soviet Union warned the US again about the neutron bomb and the Soviets anounced they have a super weapon to counteract any missels coming their way. The Soviets also announced that they may have to manufacture a neutron bomb. Mexico is protesting against the U.S. using the K.K.K. as border patrol. The Black liberation fighters in Zimbabwe have closed off all main arteries of supplies to the major cities and are winning even though they have to fight against Ian Smith’s air force.
Thank you Dad,
Doug Sanders
To Dad
From Doug Sanders
—–
EE-1-R-78
Note to Jim Jones from Larry Schacht
Basically A shallow note
but I need to say Some[thing]
TO DAD,
I know that I am not really a “doctor”, the situation was beyond my capacity & I will NOT forget that kind of humbling anyway. Maybe there was nothing that could be done except to be out of the way when a body is going to die? I DON’T KNOW. There is so much I DO NOT KNOW & so much yet I have to do just to watch out for the health of the people here, I am already many people behind & new problems present each day an overload.
I need the guilt.
Larry Schacht
Radder Reginald
—–
EE-1-S-33 – 35
Statement by Larry Schacht
10/29/77
Sexual attractions: my capacity to sublimate is proven to me in that I could go for over 4 years without sex because of only sexual attraction to you and the cause. I am attracted to you stronger than to anyone even though you are older you still look good. I am more attracted to your capacity to love & the phenomenal amount of love you have given me. I am sexual attracted to medicine & there is a lot of sublimation in it especially dealing with women. I am superficially attracted to many black women in the church Shirley Mitchell, Shirley Robinson, they are just examples. I am sexually attracted to many black men who I have seen as patients. I could list many here. I can feel an attraction toward older men like Claude Goodspeed because of his positive attitude. I was sexually attracted to the men who kissed Jair Baker in the People’s Rally. I feel attracted to Mike Prokes, Lee Ingraham, Johnny Jones but it is more comradery than just the way they look, though they do look good. I am attracted to Mason Amos, she is my sister-mother. Am attracted to Carolyn Layton though I feel far away from her. I was very moved by the socialist team work when we delivered the baby & feel attracted to the medical staff – individuals who are more sexually attractive to me are Judy Ijames, Anita K, Tim Carter, I am sexually attracted to Becky Flowers & it was distracting when I worked closely with her some weeks ago. But I realized that I would never give up my deep attraction for you, my work as a doctor & the cause for any relationship based on the appearance of a person.
I felt deep emotions (shame?) when I went to Emmett JR’s & Gloria’s room & saw their high school diplomas displayed, & how much that meant to them & how glad I feel that I can give to the people who have been deprived the benefit of the education you gave me. I have thought a lot that I was destined to go the way of other “professionals”, Tim Stoen, Chaiken, Mike Cartmell (he is not as good an example of the syndrome as the first two) but I realized that I went to medical school because you sent me & were with me & the multiple times you got me into schools. I was not educated in a purely capitalism frame of reference at all & I am not destined to follow any ones pattern except yours. I have to work on rooting out the elitest part of my self that identifies with professionals like Stone [Stoen] & Chaikan. I realize that this part of me is not trustworthy. I realize that there is a lot of sublimation in being a doctor. I get a pleasure from understanding that people like Lynetta can’t starve to death even though their sodium level is right. I am glad that a drug combination we worked out has given Emmett Sr. much relief from pain & has permitted us to stretch out our narcotics. I do get sexual feelings from working with people but I get a higher degree of gratification from accurately diagnosing & treating their problem. I could never do anything for a woman with my body or personality but I am quite able to accurately diagnose and treat many gynecological problems and that is a productive way of sublimating sexual feelings for women; I am not often attracted to a womans genitals & do not recall normal characteristics, the odors, discharge & the care I must exercise to be thorough & not cause discomfort make it a lot less pleasant than examining the eyes. Examining eyes (except for the diseased or operated-on eyes of the elderly) is pleasant. Even though during my day I may examine a woman who is sexually attractive to me & will most often fantasize about fucking – or rather being fucked by Sharon A. (wishing she or whatever woman I fantasize about had a dick I could suck or have in my ass), or a woman with strength & concern for me. I am still not fully aware of myself but a lot closer than before & really respect the need to take your time reading this, I want political awareness.
Cases I’m concerned about –
- Billy Jones – right index finger, may not regain ability to bend finger. Most of the fault lies with me partly due to lack of knowledge & I have taken too long to consult with you about it. Has not been managed well although the original treatment was good, 11/8/77 I am considering sending him to Georgetown to see what can be done to restore more function to the index finger.
[Editor’s note: The following paragraph was x-ed out] I was angry at Sharon Cobb and Don Fields for putting our supply of Polio vaccine in the kitchen serving area freezer, accessible to whoever came by & might knock it down & break it. I voiced my disapproval & it was locked up in the kitchen freezer. Last night found they (Don Fields & nurses not sure which ones) had put our blood typing serum in the freezer again could have been broken easily. I moved it but the point is that so much of our money & future health was jepardized by this carelessness. I request that the refrigerator in the nurses office be put in the doctors office so that I can watch carefully the materials that need to be refrigerated. There is much expensive microbiology equipment in the freezer in the serving area now & and needs to be under lock control. I agree with their point that freezing preserves it longer but not if it is open to being taken or broken by anyone who comes heedlessly by.
The case of Ollie’s baby was not accurately reported. The cord was two times around the neck and once around the body. The eyes were bulging out, total body blue, arms & legs limp very slow to show breathing effort. Suddenly became pink & began to cry the color change was too rapid to be simply normal physiology, Thank you dad
Larry S.
—–
EE-1-S-38
Statement by Larry Schacht
3/6/78
I swore not to put down other doctors (the Hippocratic oath) which I have broken, so far. I won’t do it except to you in the future. I won’t say anymore because Joyce P. talked to people in medical staff about Lisa W.’s scan & it will get to her.
Martin Amos has a kink in his right ureter at the level of 4th lumbar vertebra there is none but the most minimal if any, evidence of back pressure on the kidney, urine flows fills as fully above or below the kink but the amount of obstruction is hard to know.
Tommy Beikman has an angular deformity of the bones of his forearm. May need to be reset & plated. If this is the case I recommend another country so it doesn’t have to be done again later.
[hand drawing of an arm showing deformity of bone in forearm]
Helen Swinney – Hope it heals but may not. In 6 weeks should know. If doesn’t then operation would be indicated. Again I suggest another country. Needs grafting at that point.
Also the baby that died did so conceivable because of an electrolyte or acid-base disturbance We must be able to measure these if we are to save lives scientifically. An electrolyte disturbance can be easily fatal. Could have been important in that case.
Elenor Beam should be seen by GYN (Skinner) I would like opinion about abnormal cervix.
Marion Campbell – has pelvic mass. Will follow up.
LS
—–
EE-1-S-39
May day – we should use this day to demonstrate hatred vs imperialism
H2 Subsidiarys –
Can exert control I as little as little as [unintelligible] Lila; Pro, Steam Ships – Shipping to South Af (ownership part in U.S.A)
No trade unions legal in South Af. White make 21k’s what blacks make
To the office
Medical Report
—–
Undated Memo to Jim Jones from Larry Schacht
EE-2-r-12a – 12b
Explanation of my hostility – I think it is wrong that Karen [Layton] asks me to sit next to her in a film come up with her hands on me in public in front of Jean Brown, Dick Tropp, Lee Ingram (who are alone). He did the day before Larry Layton’s landed in the SCU [Special Care Unit]. I do not like her manipulating me with public expressions of “affection”, I am not a Maser [Joe Mazor] or a Georgetown technocrat; I am a communist and I do have human desires. I do not need her & do not want her now. I was liberated when she told me she was making out with Maser. I was free! But since then you have said she is my “girlfriend” & you mention this when I see or speak with you. She misinterprets me. She told Phyllis I had a relationship with her. I do not. I do not want to hurt her but I am only human & I do not like being played with. I despise the games she played with me, leading me to suicidal fantasies and desire to be away. She can keep her [illegible word]! I volunteered to take on S.B. if it would help. I work with women who turn me on. Leslie W. [Wagner Wilson] for example. But don’t take advantage of my position or the knowledge I have about them. That self-control was leaking out as hostility. I was angry that she insults me & the above people Dick, Lee, Jean B. yet would never actually be with me. I will gladly go on alone & be loyal.
I even dislike her more for the Demands she put on you through the years.
This is the core of my hostility. But actually this sex bullshit is just a diversion from my job which is likely the real core of my resentment from authority. My job is hard & get my diversion seeking is always thwarted, denied while I see others as less confining responsibilities have their “fulfillment”. But I would not trade it, I would not trade it, I would not trade it. I would not trade the feeling of being a comrade to the people for the narcissism of a one-to-one trip. I take this stand & I mean it.
I don’t like to abuse the channel you open to us to discuss personal things. But this has affected my work somewhat & is important.
This is bullshit but I needed to write it.
L. [Larry] Schacht
—–
EE-1-R-55-56
Letter to Jim Jones from Rose [either Sharon or Shelton]
Friday July 1st 7:30 AM
My loving Father:
Just to say hello. Also hope you are getting a little rest. I miss you very much know you have to stay where you are needed most. Things are going on okay here I am planting some mustard seeds today had to stop for 2 days a box of matches exploded in my left hand a big blister formed was sore a little it went down just as though I had opened it. Thanks to you my hand is normal not sore. I thoughtless threw the burning box on the open draw it went out without starting a fire thanks again for another miracle.
Thanks for your daily protection
Hope to see you soon
Love Rose
—–
EE-2-s-3
Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Jerome Simon regarding Tim Stoen
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors corrected throughout.]
Dad I would like very much to kill any of our enemies. I know I can do it and I don’t mind dying and I think the one that should die first is the one that knows the most and that has hurt the people the most and I really don’t mind going out but I must take a few enemies with me. Another thought I had was the one that hurt us the least could be gotten & we would be less suspected if they pass the right way and Tim Stone [Stoen] and the others would get the message to get up or shut up.
Jerome Simon
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Undated Note on Jim Jones’ Pain from Marcia Simon
EE-2-r-4
Dad what I think you are sad about is that people you love and have tried so hard to educate just don’t seem to care about what your teachings, because they don’t grasp it and absorb the way you know they can.
I also think that you hurt because people don’t have the concern they should over our property and they don’t worry about making and saving money the way they should. All they want it to do is eat it at dinner time. I know it hurt you when you hear people talking about how they missed the US states foods. But Dad to be quite frank with you the only thing I miss is my grandpa who is so determined to get here. He said he will let anyone stand in his way, that my grandpa George [last name illegible, could be Henderson]. He loves your teachings and he gotten stronger since we been gone I’m sure. I thought that it would be really nice if we could have like a carnival or fairgrounds for money raising. That way everybody can participate, even the children and animals.
Marcie Simon
—–
Thank You Note to Jim Jones from Michael Simon
EE-2-r-2
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
8-1-78
Dear Dad
I like to thank you for the par excellent medical & dental staff. I (Michael Simon) and a molar tooth pulled today, it was so infected & painful that the whole asserted by face was throbbing all day and Emprin #3 and aspirin didn’t help the pain. Joyce Parks gave me the anesthetic, I was shocked that I could even feel the injection which gave me complete anesthesia. The 1st time (unlike in the States where I had to get 4 or 5 shots to get it done right). Shanda James, Tommy Rochelle & Dale [Parks] & Joyce Parks helped pull it. It was the only time I had a tooth pulled without any pain whatsoever. Thanks to the concern and care you show our medical people. Thank you. To me you have achieved more results than all the leaders in history. Thank for you, Dad
Thank you dad, M. Simon
—–
EE-1-S-26
Letter to Jim Jones from Pauline Simon
5-4-78
Dear Dad,
I, Pauline Simon, would like to thank you for the awareness and sensitivity that you are developing in us from your constant talks you give us. I also that you for taking away the ignorance that had left us blind for so many years, and without courage. I am so very glad that you are motivating us to be prepared for anything and everything to bring about a badly needed social change.
This has give me purpose to my life and courage. I am willing to live or die, which ever is deemed necessary to get the oppressed free so we will or at least our children, will be able to live in a world of justice and equality for all.
I will go where ever communism sends me and do what ever is required of me for the wiping out of facism which has tortured and killed so many people. I dedicate my life to this worthy cause and nothing matters to me now but the victory of communism all over this earth.
Again I thank you for showing us the way and giving our lives purpose. I’m willing to take liberty or death. I will fight until either is attained.
Pauline Simon
—–
EE-1-S-9 – 12
Test Answers by Pauline Simon
Socialism Test
Pauline Simon
6-9-78
- Revisionism, Social Democracy, Anarchism, Trotskyism
- Prop. 13 passed 2-1, when 7 million dollars was to be allocated in California for training programs & welfare; now going for military supplies & war
- Armed struggle – fighting for a cause – Revisionist do not believe in terrorism for they believe in revolution by peaceful means. Example of terrorism killing of Nicaragua [illegible] and her husband.
- Can go to jail for 4 1. Picketing 1437 2. [illegible] #5 rt. [right] to remain silent, 3. leafletting, 4. demonstrating, 5 lying to a government employee 6. Striking 7. Assembling for a strike 8. Talking against the government
- Ethiopia
- Joshua Nkomo to Carter
- They’re an opium to the people because they harm people believing in abstract and material things which are false realities when you can only receive anything through work But [illegible] problems to a sweet bye and bye Also condones slavery
- By its corrupt governmental practices violence, lying, frameups, coverups, provature [provocateur], injustices. Assassinations, poor medical care, no police protection
- Armed struggle – people fight for a reason example Red Brigade in Italy (Divided the Christian Democrats) Terrorism – Acts of violence without a cause Example – Vietnam War or if I got angry and killed someone
- Because they were told not to; Nkomo – they want their own rule and want to be free; Patriotic Front – Zimbabwe
- SALT – because some of their countries are withdrawing
- Says USSR has its missiles pointed at her
- Emerande – Ship ported in S.F. and was gladly received by Mayor Moscone. 1,000 women had been raped and killed and boat still had stenches from it.
- That they withdraw from Africa or nuclear war
- NATO withdraw – Sweden – Tired of [illegible word] USA wars
- China
- Contact here and don’t say anything
- Angela Davis
- Sadat – Egypt; Israel – Begin; Ian Smith – Zimbabwe; Vorster – South Africa; Brezhnev – Russia
- [illegible]
- A group liberalist
- John is a 16 y/o in prison in Alabama U.S. ready to be executed – he couldn’t be saved by [but] he would like to help others sent a letter out by an inmate leaving telling about the jail there would be hairs in food, has to drink urine water, and etc.
- Joan Little – She had been raped by a warden in jail – she killed him now she is awaiting execution
——
EE-1-S-4 – 5
Undated Statement by Nancy Sines
From: Nancy Sines
I feel that socialism\communism is the only decent way to live, the only solution to fascist mentality; the only way of life worth living and dying for.
My beliefs are based on the teaching I have gotten from you, Jim Jones, and the little I have picked up from reading of Lenin, Che, and others trying to live a socialistic life. It is the only way all peoples will find equality. You are the only true dictator to the proletariat for the world to follow. Having the privilege of living the past 5 years with this organization has been the only time during my 28 years of life that I have felt free, cared for, and at peace with myself. The hedonistic, capitalistic society made me feel disgusted and hopelessly lost. I had no meaning or reason for this thing called living. I am grateful for these years with you and my family. I am grateful for the time here in Jonestown to show me it can happen in our time, and did, if thats the case.
The times I have felt completely at peace are those times that I have ceased looking at my own. Thank you.
—–
Undated Memo to Jim Jones from Ujara (Don Sly)
EE-2-r-8
Dad;
While coming downriver on the Cudjoe this time, I took a good look over the boat. There is a lot of work to be done that hasn’t been kept up since I’ve been off of the boat. Clifford [Gieg] has been doing a lot of the wood repair jobs that need doing and is doing a good job. There is a lot of work on the chipping of rust and repairs of linkage to the throttle and forward and reverse gears. The work can best be done on the days that the boat is in Port Kaituma when it is not on the river run. Some can be done while on the run, the major part while at Port Kaituma. The boat needs to be repainted along with all the other repairs. It is in poor condition at present, though it can be brought up the shape in a months time of working on the off days from the river run. After it is brought up to good running order, it must be kept up by following through with constant checking. When I get back I would like to take this job on. It would be going out in the mornings and returning in the evenings. I feel that I can get the job done and keep it up once it is completed.
Ujara [Don] Sly
—–
Undated Memo to Jim Jones from Ujara (Don Sly)
EE-2-r-13
Dad:
The reason for the Cudjoe being late is that I overshot the Waini Pt and wound up at the mouth of the Barimi River. We went we ought to see an accounting that we overshot our mark. It was 3:00 PM when we turned around and headed back to the Waini Pt. We got to the Waini Pt at dark and anchored out till morning. The error was on my part and I take full responsibility.
Ujara Sly
P.S. Everyone aboard work together as a group and faced the situation calmly and did what had to be done. Thank you for your protection. Ujara
—–
EE-1-S-3
Test answers by Mark Sly
Mark Sly
Test Fri: 6/16/78
1) Enemies of Communism: Social Democracy is the government provides advantages to the people to make them think they are getting good.
Also it make a grave mistake, by not removing the government, but working with it and putting in their own socialist leader
2) – – – –
3) Tarroism ) is when a person goes out and kills someone causes fear to people for nothing arm strugle ) is when a person or people fight or destroy a government that is opresing people
(4) (1437) No lefleting ) no striking ) no protesting if you are in a demonstration and the [illegible] is damaged even if you didn’t do it. You can be prosicuted.) If a policemen think that you might comit a crime you can be arrested. If a policeman is often someone that has committed a crime he can shout into a crowd and not be responsible for what happens.
5) ––––––
6) Jhowa Nakoma [Joshua Nkoma] told Carter to “kiss his Big Fat Black Ass” when Carter told him to not use Russian and Cuban Troops.
7) Every Fiction Religion of Misticism is used to oppress you. To keep there minds off whats hapining in the world.
8) Greece and U.S. Both now and where not letting the people say do or change any opresson or they would Both be considered Fashist State.
9) The police [illegible] them to make the government look good not to help everyone. If they were helping anyone, they were helping to get the deputy killed?
10) They are leaders of the African Gorilla Fighting with Rodisha or Zimbabwe
11)
12) They are more or less fighting over land and borders
13) – – –
14) He told the USSR to take their troops and, and nuclear reactors out of Africa
15) France not sure why
16) U.S. and China
17) Shut your mouth and ask for a [illegible] and Be Polite
—–
Self-analysis by James Alfred Smith, July 1978
EE-2-h-13a – 13b
[Editor’s notes: Insofar as this handwriting can be deciphered, grammar and spelling errors have been corrected.]
Self-analysis by Alfred James [James Alfred Smith]
July 4, 1978
Anyalsis
Dad I didn’t really want to have it but I had traitorous thoughts at times like after you give us some general [several illegible words] just to see what it would be like. I admit that I don’t love you because I don’t know how to love and I [am] resentful to authority figures because they make [illegible word] right when I realize if we didn’t have at that Italian that we wouldn’t have this movement. I admit that I wouldn’t go to jail for you because I don’t like to be penned up and as for dying for you I really don’t know if I would but I doubt it. And I don’t think I could really come to killing myself, but would have to make someone else do it. However I do want to have alpha [White Nights] where we all die. Then I admit that I think a lot about myself and very little of others, that I am lazy, resentful to work, and don’t like to obey orders. I realize that I need help in these areas. Dad I can’t say I’m sorry for when I’m really not. All’s I can say is I’ll work on it to the best of my ability and I’d appreciate any help I can get. I also admit that I’m a very vengent [vengeful?] person who wouldn’t tell most on some because it’s right but just to get back at them and I don’t appreciate the things you’ve done for me enough.
Thank you Dad from Alfred James
Dad I’m also disrespectful to seniors and feel that I don’t owe anything to them because they didn’t do anything for me but they did and I think I know too much and flapped my own way to learning and I don’t want to listen to anyone. I also want a lot of attention that I can’t get so I act up sometimes.
[Marginal notes: “Dad, I think the reason I do these things is because I think I’m above everybody else”
[“I also belittle people a lot and make fun of their physical features that they can’t help. And I disrespect my teachers also. [Several illegible words] someone not as smart as I am.”]
—–
EE-1-S-27
Letter to Jim Jones from Eugene Smith and Ollie Smith
To Dad:
Thank you for saving Martin Luther when he was born with the Cord wrapped around his neck. Thank you Dad
Ollie & Eugene Smith
—–
Undated Note of Apology to Jim Jones from Alfred James Smith
EE-2-h-27a – 27b
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammar errors corrected throughout.]
Dad, I wasn’t it in a way I was [illegible word] Ronnie but it seems like Shanda [Oliver] wanted to go with, because she kept asking me what I thought about Val & I see her & talk to her a lot after she said she did not want a relationship. I’m sorry I wish I hadn’t said anything. I made myself sick to get into SCU [Special Care Unit] so I could see her & I wasted a lot of oxygen that could have been used on someone who really needed it.
Alfred James
At the time I was highly upset & I said to myself I couldn’t handle all that’s happening to me. I was going to commit suicide but it didn’t work out. I got in SCU. What I mean is I wanted company of adults & well Rhonda [Fortson] this tossing most of the time so she can’t spend time with me & Beverly got sick & was sent to Georgetown. Gene [likely Chaikin] click stateside, Guy wasn’t much fun, Evon [Eyvonne] James work from 3 to 11 pm so I can’t talk to her & then Shanda got sick & I said the fuck with everything so I went home & held my breath, then when I didn’t pass out I quit & went on about my business, fell asleep in the pavilion & that’s when it took full effect.
—–
EE-1-S-28 – 29
Test answers by Cleyvee Sneed
Clevyee Sneed
[notes at top:] Very good Missed 1.5 out of 1st 10
Extra missed 5.5
- The four enemies of Communism are A. Anarkism B. Social Democracy C. Trostkyism D. Revisionism
- [side note]: [illegible]young many jobs cut out This bill is passed in Calif. was promoted by Jarvis. Also it passed in N. Jersey it has put over 500,000 out of jobs the welfare and other things are going down one of our members was put out of a job. Younger supported the bill and he won out over Davis in the primary governors elections.
- Arm struggle is fighting with guns and anything you can get trying to win: Terrorist act is any senseless murder to frighten people also Moros death
- (1) Dont lie to I.R.S. (2) Can’t harbor a criminal (3) don’t talk to newspapers about a government crime (4) can’t leaflet (5) cant pickett a courthouse while a trial is in progress (6) can’t take the 5th ammendment (7) police can shoot in a crowd and hit anyone and nothing will be done about it.
- Cholera broke out in Ethiopia
- He told Carter “Get the hell out of here” (Kiss my big fat ass)
- All these things are to get people to take their mind off the real struggle and while they are being more and more oppressed by the capitalist
- They are both fascists
- Because he was a witness
- THey are leaders of the Patriotic Front and are trying to liberate Zimbabwe
- He wanted the military to be withdrawn
- THey are fighting over the border and a racist problem
- The Chilean ship Esmaraldo is now docked in S.F. Harbor the crew was received by Mayor Moscone in grand style this ship while in Santiago Chile was used as a torture ship and many people were killed (women too) on it
- Carter wants disarmment talks
- You should ask the charge you are being held on but then you should’t give out with any information only ask to call your atty,
- Angela Davis – She told Dad that Socialism would win – she’s not willing to have struggle continue to live high on the hog etc.
- Sadat – Egypt, Begin – Italy – Castro – Cuba; Ian Smith – Zimbabwe, Voster
- Life Magazine
- I’m alive He’s alive
- Jhonnie Harris was on death roe in Alabama Prison sneaked a letter and telling about prison conditions
- Was in prison, North Carolina killed a prison guard who rapped her.
[handwritten checks next to answers]
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EE-1-S-32
Statement by Martha Souder
Dad, I will give my life to the burned or for whatever it takes to save this movement if it would help in any way
Martha Souder
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Undated Note to Jim Jones from Tobi Mtendaji (Sharon Lee Stone) on Tim Stoen
EE-2-l-12a – 12d
from Tobi [Mtendaji, Sharon Lee Stone]
Dad;
I’m not too much on ideas. But when I think of all you’ve done for us in terms of Tim Stoen, what’s to say, how come he can’t be dealt with, on his own terms. By another homosexual. Obviously he turns tricks. I believe he can be killed along the same method, as the hitman in the movie, The Day Of The Jackal, and his killer whomever it may be, could quietly leave him dressed as a woman, in total appearance to the last hair line.
Or Dad any good-looking man, he’d I’m sure when he’s desperate as frntic homosexuals get, when they accept almost anything, a pattern of the desperate males as when they don women’s clothing will do; this man could be a well-trained woman in the art of assassinating. I feel one in the most successful way to eliminate him his at his own game, with every loophole covered. This is the best I can offer you Dad.
Tobi Mtendaji
By the way, Dad, I’m sure there’s a way by whomever is watching Tim, what type of man he is attracted to that brings him to his weakness; this would also be an even greater help to achieving in getting him successfully.
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Undated Note on Jim Jones’ Pain from Martha Souder
EE-2-r-5a – 5b
5-26-78
Dear Dad,
I think you are thinking about the whole world on your shoulders & you are very tired of pouring your heart out to the whole world & us. I think you have your mind on doing everything to get the people to come together as one. I know it broke your heart when some of us don’t listen to you & go on doing our thing. I think you are burdened with our own members turn on us & do all kinds of evil things to us.
I think it hurt you when some of us still work to help get our people safe. I believe you are hurt more when Tim Stone [Stoen] keeps stirring up more trouble for you to take on. I believe you are tired of all the White Nights that come. I think you have on your mind that you are tired of not getting enough sleep because you have to be on the radio all night sometime. I thank you for all the truths you have taught me, Dad. I thank you for giving your whole life & your family’s life you have given to make us free, & you have given everything you have for this cause & some of us don’t care about that. Dad, & it hurt me also to know this about some of us.
Martha Souder
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EE-1-S-13 – 18
Undated Statement by Bob Stroud
Death
I have thought of Death many times, and I look forward to it, you have taken away all fears I once had. Now Death is welcomed.
Your death
I have thought of this.
Also – which is very depressing, but if the struggle is to continue then everything must be considered.
One thing I worry about is this, although I have admiration for many of the people on security – I feel no one possesses the (character, the commitment and the selflessness that Dad has) And because of this I feel that in the event of your Death, the dictorship of the prolotariat could become fascist trying to maintain unity, and composure of the organization, one suggestion to prevent this could be a committee people who make all the decisions, of course, I feel the people need a personality to look up to, but a committee should run the internal structure of this organization in the event of your Death
Methods to get enemies –
Abroad – I think that once we know where our enemies are – we should watch them note all habits and the like – and then kill them – (accident, make it look like an accident, just plain shot them, poison, but all must pay for their crime against the people, as for enemies in gov well the same basics apply – But as for the killing – probably assassination by rifle would probably be the easiest because it would be hard to get close to them. OR we could sacrifice our lifes getting them.
Head-on car crash – bombs-
Fears – I fear to be a vegetable – I dont mind dying – but I don’t want to live like that.
When I am out in the Bush, I fear snakes – maybe some of the others on the security could help me with this
I fear the loss of respect from my peers, although I don’t think many respect me, I don’t like to loose face.
(Prepared to kill wife or child if turned traitor) – I know I could kill anyone for the sake of the cause I have thought about it. I am sane, I could kill my traitor with no feelings.
(miss about states)
All I miss is hamburgers, pastries, candy bars, I miss them, but it means nothing to me.
(Sexual feelings)
I am pretty disgusted with sex in general, I do find pleasure in it, but also I feel guilt, like as if I am using the other person, so at this point it is very conflicting for me,
As for preference – I think older women are more appealing between 30-40
(sexual feeling related to carrying a gun)
Carry a gun – gives me a powerful feeling a feeling that is sometimes scary when you think about it. Plus a lot of responsibility, you must always be alert
(News) – the dollar continues to drop (which I am grateful for) – frame ups on progressive congressmen – like Charles Diggs, and Miller. Israel and Lebanon – conflict that continues, and probably will – forever.
(socialism to me)
The concept of socialism, Dad’s socialism, is everything to me, is everything we have built, and represents Dad struggle over the years and socialism represents the unity of our people, there [their] survival, our children survival
(major thanks to our people here & there)
Both here and there we must think of the reactionary elements among us, Plus we must identify them Also a threat here is food, due to the economic state of Guyana – I think once our new ship is ours. We should go to other countries and get supplies – other major threats are cutting off monies and also, I think we should worry about frame-ups of our people in the states
Bob Stroud
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Thank You Note to Jim Jones from Bob Stroud, October 1978
EE-2-r-10
[Editor’s note: Bobby Stroud was injured while working in the jungle in the fall of 1978, and flown to Georgetown to recuperate from his injuries. He was still there on November 18, 1978. This letter was written during his hospital stay there.]
Dear Dad,
I am using this opportunity to catch up on my reading right now. I am reading George Jackson’s Blood In My Eye, a very inspiring account of his courage, plus other things on CIA and corruption in American gov. Plus I would like someone to send me copies of the news because the papers here don’t give the info or details that you provide (if possible). But mostly I want to say thank you Dad, thank you so much for saving me from death or worse, being paralyzed. I remember laying in the mud, my leg bent up like pretzels, and I kept calling your name – then, I heard your voice coming on a news tape [3 illegible words]. I heard your voice, it saved me. Please excuse my writing, I am on my back presently, but in time, I’ll be home soon. I really also can’t describe the feeling I get when I think of a Dad who has provided so much for me. In a couple of days it will be 1 year in Guyana for me can about 11 years since you’ve been my Dad. The doctors were at my bedside and Marie asked them if I should be sent away for surgery. I cried come up where else in the world could anyone get so much. What did I ever do to deserve a Dad and a family as this. I’ll never know because I certainly don’t deserve the extreme love you put out for me.
See you soon,
Your son, Bobby [Stroud]
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Note to Jim Jones from Helen Swinney, July 1978
EE-2-r-3a – 3b
Monday 31-7-78
Jim I am sorry I was so “out of it” the other night when you came in. Cleave [Swinney] had a couple of Valiums and I took one, since I am not used to taking things like that, it really affected me. I didn’t know who you were for a bit and then you were gone. If I remember right you seem to be defending Larry [Schacht], and rightly so – you must have heard what I said about him and some of the other medical crew – Twice I have forced Larry to explain about this arm – Twice he said he didn’t know what to do about it – said he would contact another doctor. I asked if he had done so. He said he had forgotten but promised again he would – several weeks later I reminded him again – again he had forgotten but for sure this time he would do it – at that time, Kay Nelson was flying in to Georgetown and I suggested to him that he send my x-ray in for Dr. Ali to see, said he was glad I thought of that, that was a good idea. I have not heard from him since. So the six weeks were up for this cast to be on. I would to Larry, told him the six weeks were up, so he ordered an x-ray. I was with the x-rays when they were taken to Larry – He looked. Larry Layton said there were no difference no more healing than the previous one. Want to know what was to be done – he just shrugged his shoulders. This made me mad and very hurt – He could have said come in we will talk about it (which I forced him twice before to do) I was hurt over his lack of concern – since I reminded Larry (Sat 29th) that it was time for x-ray (or whatever). I have wished a thousand times I had not of reminded him. I would venture to say I would have gone on for weeks or months before he or any of the staff would have remembered about when the cast should come off, or something done about it.
Now from all indications the arm should have surgery done again – I do not want this because I am sure the insurance does not pay for the same thing twice – I feel too much guilt over this plus the weeks and months I am not able to work and earn my own way. Knowing it cost $1500 a month to feed me, plus the space I take up – I have stopped taking all these vitamins I have been taking, and have sent the remaining ones back to the dispensary since they were not doing any good in the unending [issue?] of this arm. I know how much they must cost.
I will not bother you with any more writing but I have a plan I will do with your approval when you have time for me to tell you. I will not put it in writing because I am sure other people will read it before it gets to you – until then I will only eat every other day which will cut down on some of the food, and it won’t hurt me any.
Helen Swinney