[Editor’s notes: 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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Undated Letter to Jim Jones from Lillie Victor
EE-2-t
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
Dear Dad;
I want to tell you how I misused money that could have helped our poor oppressed people back in the States. I want to show to try to forget what time and age it is and even when I go to the movies I can still see how Blacks are put down and humiliated. I can see how much ignorance is being projected but I just wanted to get away from life. And at times I wanted to kill someone to kick down hostility. I went for too long walks at night, and work would keep me sometimes less hostile and many of times I thought I would never see you again. I may be young but to me I saw enough out of life to not want to live at all. Jonestown is a very wonderful place but I just am not happy with life, Dad, maybe I am being too self-centered so if I have to live it would be for the children. I would not like to see a good thing go to the worst side.
Dad I wonder they say that the Zodiac [Killer] is back in town. If Tim Stone [Stoen] was killed the same way those other people [unintelligible word] the same way we could still be accessory to murder with 2 or 3 other people killed like him, it would be hard to say that Peoples Temple killed Stone. Or am I being too naïve.
Lillie Victor
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-40
January 1978 note to Jim Jones from Keith Wade
Dear Dad,
Sunday [January] 29, 1978 I saw Shirley Ann Edwards. and I told her I had some thing to tell her and I was negative, she said you don’t have to worry about me telling, so I asked her did she want to leave and go back when she first got here. She said yes, but she said just keep your self busy and don’t think about it. She told John Jones, so he told me to write it up. I shouldn’t have ask her that and I know it was wrong.
Thank you Dad
Keith Wade
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March 1978 Letter to Jim Jones from Keith Wade
EE-1-uvwxyz-56
27 March 1978
To Dad
From Keith Wade
I, Keith Wade, James Turner and Gail Chaikin were down the road getting suckers for pineapples. It was hot and I told Gail to put her blouse back on so the sun wouldn’t burn her. She refused to and James had his shirt off and she asked him to put his shirt on.
James asked was she trying to impress somebody out here, she asked the same. James said that he was married and got what he wanted. Gail stated that she was married, I asked her who was she married to and she said me. She went on to say we had went to relationship committee and we were going to get separated, before all this happened. I said put all jokes aside – no more playing. I called her a fool and she said she was a fool for starting the relationship with me. Later that day we were walking down the road and she said that I had better put on my blouse, Keith don’t want me to burn. Gail is the supervisor and talking like this and she told the crew there evaluations. Melanie Kemp was good, work sometimes moody, and mine was good work bad attitude and James was good work okay attitude.
I know it wasn’t fair she is respector person and moody herself.
Thank you Dad
Keith Wade
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Undated letter to Jim Jones from Keith Wade
EE-1-UVWXYZ-75
Dear Dad,
I Keith Wade was not here for a week before I was on the learning crew.
I was told by some people on my crew that it would take two or three weeks to get used to the food, sun. How I started messing up was like this. I’m a homosexual, and I’m not in the states no more, so I crave for some sex. One day I went to Ronnie James’ room and he was in his loft, so he told me to come up there. So I went up there and he started hugging and kissing & grinding on me. And after all of this like the next day on the job I would be thinking about this not doing my work, and talking back to my supervisor. It was such a good feeling I didn’t want to be disturbed from it. And at the same time Ronnie was going with Yevonne [Eyvonne] Hayden. And I’m sorry next time it would be cleared by the relationship committee.
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EE-I-UVWXYZ-42
Statement of confession from Preston Wade, January 1978
1-28-77 [78]
To Dad
Dad that was a very foolish and selfish thing for me to do, by voting that Jair Baker not put on learning. I know for a fact that it was very selfish, because I herad [heard] you tell him that he just had one more chance.
And even after hearing that I still voted him not going to learning. Dad I’m very sorry and I will not ever underestamate [underestimate] the love and concern that you have for us. I will be willing to be on learning myself for two weeks.
Thank you Dad.
To Dad
Dad also these are the things that I stole. I stole a large cottage sheet from Ruby Carroll, the sheet was left in my cottage, instead of returning it to Ruby I kept it. I also stole a sleeping bag off the laundry line.
Thank you Dad
Preston Wade
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Undated letter of loyalty from Mary Walker
EE-1-UVWXYZ-94
To the most wonderful Dad in all the world. I am so happy to be in the promise land away from all the danger of the neutron bomb and the capitalistic system. They had passed the order to shoot any one that didn’t give them the right answer they thought should be given. It is so good to be away from the rat race from day to day and the mugging and killing of old people. I am so glad you have taught us about socialism and the meaning of loving, caring, and sharing. I have tried to live this life all along the way. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you. I am so very grateful to have such a wonderful savior. I am so glad you found me in time because I had been searching all my life and I, that light led me out of the
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wilderness to you. I only wish I had been found when I was able to work because there is so much to be done here and I have faith that I will be able to keep fight[ing] the enemy. You have made a new creature out of me every [ever] since I have been in the cause. You first saved me of cancer and so many times of heart trouble and numerous other times. You caused me to be able to walk again after I had my feet operated on. When I had my operation I had you in the center of my mind and I knew that you were in command. The morning I was to go down to surgery the priest came in and asked me if there was any thing he could do for me and if I had my business straight and I forgot that he told me he was
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a priest and I said man I would be in a hell of a life if I waited until now to get my business straight. I said no thanks. I got my business straight a long time ago an[d] he took off. I guess he thought I was crazy. I could hive [have] told him that I had a real live savior that I was crazy about. When Agnes first took me to the emergency they wanted to know what convent she was bringing me from. When I was young people used to call me a saint and a born missionary. Thanks Father for all your many blessings.
Mary Walker
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Undated letter to Jim Jones from Newhuanda Walker
EE-1-1UVWXYZ-76
Dad,
I don’t think that we give you enough respect while you’re talking, because your brain wander as you walk and this isn’t respect at all.
As long as I’ve known Jim Jones I began to learn that you don’t appreciate anything until it’s completely wiped out of your life, and there are so many insensitive people in this camp that wouldn’t of never thought one time if it wasn’t for Lynetta Jones we wouldn’t be here let alone alive, but now I think we will began to appreciate our lost. I know some people wouldn’t still give her the respect to go and see how well she looks at this time, I think everyone in this camp should give this respect.
“I’m just another link in this cause, “a zero”.”
Thank you
your daughter comrade,
Newhuanda Walker
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Undated statement of loyalty from Brenda Warren
EE-1-uvwxyz-57
1. Do I really want to go to the F.L. [Freedom Land]?
I really do want to go to the F.L., that’s why I am working over here now so I can get use to it over there because I am very lazy and don’t like to do anything. So I’ll be doing what I suppose to.
2. What am I willing to do to get there. I will work hand and start correcting my attitude and pamphleting more often and do everything I am told.
Brenda Warren
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Undated statement of loyalty to Jim and Marceline Jones from Gloria Warren
EE-1-UVWXYZ-61
To Father & Mother
I am willing to go to the Freedom Land, for whatever it might take, I do anything that I am asked to do. Any work assignments or anything else that I have to do I will do it. And Father I apologize all the wrong I have done while you were away.
Gloria Warren
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Undated statement of loyalty to Jim Jones from Janice Warren
EE-1-UVWXYZ-65
1. Do I want to go to the freedom land Yes because I’m so sick of this capitalistic system. And because I feel that me doing what I did trying to follow the leader trying to look good doing something that wasn’t even necessary. That’s capitalism and I stupid for doing that. I’m sorry and I take whatever discipline given.
2. What I’m willing to do. I’m going to come up to the church and do my 8 hour work every day and in my spare time I’m going to go pamphletting. Try to this cause get to Promise Land.
Janice Warren
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-92
Undated letter of loyalty from Eddie Washington
Dear dad
Thank you for all you has don [done] for me the first thang [thing] you did you healed my mind from a many thang and help me to see life in a beautiful way still I feel like I have faults like all others I no one fault is I speaks out to quick if I see some thang rong [wrong] another is I will speak behind others back thangs they do wrong I am trying to stop that but I get so mad about peoples stealing from me and all others until I find myself talking about the dudie [dirty] theafs [thieves] my bigest faults is speaking out if I thank I am wright [right] are rong but I am trying to curect [correct] all of my mistake you are so helpful to me I am truly greatful [grateful] to you for me bean [being] one of yours children I love you all I no how I really care about the cause I really love over here I do not worree [worry] about the ones I left behind to much beacoos [because] I tried to get them to come to church they would not so that is it but I do worry about the rest of the family that desire to come and special Mother Jones I wish she was away from their dad I am thanking on you so much I am greatful [grateful] to you for all you are doing for all of us we all have so much to
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to be thankful for oh how I wish I had met you in some of those wasteful years I spent in those Baptist Churches but still I am safe with you dad you asked the other night about had any of us plain [planned] our death I did not understand at the time what you ment [meant] but i pland [planned] my [mine] when I went on the life line to fight for our wrights thank you for all thangs and every thang I am so glad I have on my side thank you dad for everything I just [crossed out] cant thank you enough.
[Huldah] Eddie Washington
Dad
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Statement of Greg Watkins in response to Jonestown survey
EE-1 UVWXYZ-89
4-8-78
Report By, Greg Watkins
- How you feel about death.
Well I feel this way before I came to the church I was very very afraid of death I did not want to die, but now I’m not because I’m in a position that could get my head blown right off what I talking about is my security post down at the east house. I have’t to die some time what ever comes my way then I would die right then and there regardless what it is.
- Any fears you have.
The only fears I have is some animals the cat and snakes what I mean I’m feared of anything that trys to hunt me human or animal I’ll try to get it before it trys to get me that’s all to it.
- Methods to get any enemies.
One method is send some children or child arm them with a bomb put under a table by the window and leave. They never expect anything from children any way. It’s all kinds of ways to get these mad people.
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EE-1 UVWXYZ-90
- What happens to you if anything happens to dad.
Well I’ll put this way, if anything happens to dad I have thought about it for a long while now I will turn to be a Assin [Assasin] to kill the enemies right off theres nothing else to live for any more really it would be a blood bath to get the part it’s time to kill.
- Prepare to kill your wife or if child turn traitor.
Let me say this much I care for my wife very very much and I would kill her if she turned against this cause I’m sure she fill’s [feels] the same we have talk about this many many time’s. It goes for the child to I know for fact it’s easy saying this than getting down doing it really we have it to go through it and see shall we.
- What do you miss in the states.
I miss a lot of things. I miss the fine food’s even though it was kill us. I miss going out on the weekends getting a drink when I want I’m mean having fun with the women things like that. That about it on this. It would not be worth it if I got it really. You beat this place called Jonestown.
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EE-1 UVWXYZ-91
- What are sexual feeling’s toward carrying a gun.
Well I be thinking this way I think that no one could fuck with me I’m less feared of anything because can [crossed out] blow any thing away if it moves wrong I never talk about this to anyone this is what goes through my mind at times.
- What have you heard in the news last week.
Well first of all I was in town for a week but in socialism class heard this much. President Carter has a death threat over his head, and plus impeachment. And other things it’s to long.
- Socialism to you.
I feel this way Socialism mean’s a lot to me it’s my life to the point socialism got me out of jail in 1976 that is what socialism mean’s to me.
- Major threats to our people here and there.
Some threats in this. They want to stop our checks, love one’s threatening to take child my brother even’s in there family back. Try to stop our people from getting love threatening dad’s life. By many many more.
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Undated letter to Jim Jones from Marlene Wheeler
EE-1-UVWYZ-71
Comrade Leader,
I wanted to express my deepest appreciation of your loving concern for our precious comrades’ health & well-being. Your intuitive mind & your heart that is attuned to the lives of your people, again spared us great sorrow & loss. Thank you especially for the lives of Bippy [Davis, aka Marguerite Romano], Shawn [likely Baker] & Darius, my son. I know he wouldn’t be alive now or able to function normally if you hadn’t come to his immediate aid. You brought him back from the edge of death because you are a leader who will not separate yourself physically from the needs of your people. You will walk the extra mile, take the extra time to see personally that your children are taken care of. If you did not do this these many long years, many tragedies would have occured. Our children are the future of our socialist cause and you have brought each one through life & death situations. Our own concern for our comrades must grow so we don’t lose one precious Socialist because of our lack of awareness. It is too bad that we don’t learn quickly from these hard lessons, we may still leave the burden of our lives on your shoulders. I will look to myself to see where I can be more concerned for others and less for myself. You will not be with us always to cover our “multitude of sins,” I must accept my own responsibility for my comrades’ lives and for my own growth in Socialist Consciousness. Thank you again for our children & elder comrades.
Marlene Wheeler
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February 1978 Letter to Jim Jones from Marlene Wheeler
EE-1-uvwxyz-54
Feb 21, 1978
COMRADE LEADER JIM
FROM: Marlene Wheeler
There is so much to cover in the 7 years I’ve been in this Cause I’ll try to start with why I came and then my experiences on the Ranch.
I came because I believe in Communism as the way all people should live. It wasn’t presented as “Communism” when I came but I knew what kind of group and life I wanted. When I moved to the ranch I was happy to do the work and worked hard most of the time. However when I became involved with Richard [Janaro], I made my biggest mistake. I diverted my attention to a low level and retarded my development. Many years were wasted in dealing with that situation, it was a painful experience. I let my resentments and hostilities get out of hand over the problem, I used to tease Richard mercilessly sexually to get even with him and to fulfill my own perverse ways. I recognized this when it was happening but couldn’t seem to control my impulsiveness. I would manipulate him to buy things for me, breakfast, special foods, special privileges. I also indulged myself with special foods, sour cream, cheese, steak etc. I occasionally took a quarter for soda, got an occasional (maybe 10) sodas or candy bars at the supermarket on the grocery bill. About 3 times I held back a dollar of the patients show money for myself. I never outright took over a quarter from the ranch money box. I did have Claire [Janaro] buy material for clothes & left a lot of it uncompleted. I spent my allowance mostly on sodas and buying second hand clothes. When I thought I might be left behind I kept back $20.00 from the rummage sale but later spent it on clothes for here.
As far as work goes, I feel I worked physically hard at the Ranch but didn’t usually put all of my efforts into it. I was very frustrated by Richard’s disorganization and unbending personality with clients and staff. I was divisive and critical of Richard and Claire to other Ranch people and opened my mouth way too often at the wrong time. I know I was thought of as a traitor and/or crazy and I was in a sense. This did piss me off and the anger made it much
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worse. I knew Richard and Claire thought they had to or were told to indulge me to keep me quiet or placated. It made me angry to see this go on and not be able to say you really don’t have to do this, just be honest with me. I resented not being made to grow and change so I just made the best of the situation and accepted the privileges, but some of it was a payoff to keep me quiet, not letting people know how they indulged. I accept my responsibility and guilt for my anarchy and hope to make it up to the group. I was so defensive of myself I made it nearly impossible to confront me on any issue. I was demanding and believed people should agree with my opinion immediately and I have to watch this trait now. I was too afraid to speak up over issues, too concerned over my image but am now trying to overcome this. I didn’t want to commit myself totally to the collective because I knew I would have to change a lot and take on responsibilities that I wasn’t sure I could fulfill. I didn’t want to stay up late and give up all the extra privileges I was receiving for my anarchist behavior. I definitely had mixed feelings and two sides battling for dominance. Since coming here my better self is growing stronger the environment is giving me an opportunity to bring out that self because of your mercy in giving me another chance. The Ranch/Richard/Claire gave me the scapegoats my anarchistic side needed to maintain itself. I have no one to blame here but myself and gladly accept confrontation, though sometimes painful, it helps me continue to grow. I took out my conflicts inside myself on Darius and Jeff [Wheeler] by spanking them too harshly over small offenses and have often felt extreme guilt. This is a main reason for my interest in children and their rights; they are often used as whipping posts for adults’ frustrations. I have also experienced many of their emotional conflicts.
My relationship with Rob Tarver was very painful to me. We went through so much guilt and trauma I don’t want to ever go through it again with anyone else. I put him through hell just before I came here, as I’m sure you know. I was sorry that I dragged him into my paranoia because I do care for him and realized what turmoil I caused him. I know it put you under pressure at a time that you already had the lives of hundreds to be concerned about. I do feel guilty about and hope to make it up by working hard to help advance the collective group in Socialism. I am willing to give up my life for this group because of it. I didn’t want to be left behind and my own guilt about past actions convinced me that I would be left behind because I would have considered leaving someone behind that caused as much division as I did. The discussion on the phone about the busses leaving was inexcusable, agents could have been listening. Although I know my actions alone could not have brought down this
Cause it certainly put more strain on you to have to deal with it. I will spend my life trying to make it up. I am grateful though that Rob proved his commitment to Socialism and always upheld you and Principle. I do admire his commitment, that was the main reason I liked him before. I am sorry that people have felt they needed to work around me and cater to my desires sexually and materially. I don’t need this done and it has hampered my growth, I will not let this become a necessity again. I wasted time and didn’t work as hard before I came taking the privilege of “boredom” to excuse myself, I will not indulge myself this way again.
I am glad I got here no matter for what reasons and I will work hard to organize, constructively criticize and build a Socialist-Communist society. I will not be a respecter of persons to the best of my ability and criticize whoever I see and I must say I tend to look to the leadership because that’s where people get their examples and where they look for convenient loopholes to support their anarchy. I know leadership is hard but to whom much is given, much is required. I will continue to exam my own example and correct my errors in Principle, I have many areas to explore. Criticism is welcomed for it is by criticism that I grow, my past experiences and guilt have helped me grow. I will try to be less ego centered and more giving of self. Thank you again for giving me a chance to become a Socialist.
Comrade, Marlene Wheeler
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Undated letter of loyalty to Jim Jones from Louise Williams
EE-1-UVW72-74
Dad I’m one that never get up and say anything but it’s not because I don’t know what happening here. I’ve been here 5 months and I love it here. This is peace and safety from the racist dogs.
What I would like to do would be to go into Georgetown and set myself afire in front of the police dept. To let them know we mean business. I am a senior and I don’t mind dying to help save our young peoples if this would help. I made up my mind long time ago back in the States that I would die for this cause. Thank you Dad for my life
Louise Williams
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Undated note of resignation from Jan Wilsey
EE-1-UVWXYZ-60
I Jan Wilsey on ______ 19_____ give my resignation as a member of People’s Temple.
I knew Jim Jones to be a man of the highest esteem and he portrays great principle and character. But I wish to do my own thing and not dedicate my life to this great humanitarian work.
Jan Wilsey
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Undated confession from Jan Wilsey
EE-1-UVWXYZ-64
Dear Jim,
I had a homosexual relationship with a five year old girl. And I liked it very much.
Jan Wilsey
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Undated letter of loyalty to Jim Jones from Jan Wilsey
EE-1-UVWXYZ-73
Dad:
I know that I have hostilities toward you because you are a disciplinarian to me. You are the one that lets me know that I am not doing my job right and that I should correct it.
Jan Wilsey
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Undated statement of loyalty to Jim Jones from Burrell Wilson
EE-1-UVWXYZ-63
yes I’m willing to go to the Freedom Land and work for freedom and save other lives. And to get out of this facism, capitalist system.
Now I’m ready to follow all instructions so that I can get to the Freedom Land!
Burrell Wilson
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Undated note to Jim Jones from Ezekiel Wilson
EE-1-uvwxyz-49
To: Dad
Dad: really don’t care about living. And about dying: rather die now than later. Socialism can change the unchangeable. Socialism is a vision of a new world. Now it’s reality! I waste my money on was junk and riding in my brother’s car buying gas, clothes these are the main things I wasted money on. Guiltiness is guilt within itself. The reason I’m going to Georgetown is represent Peoples Temple in Jonestown Guyana.
Thank you dad
Ezekiel Wilson
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-85
Statement of Joe Wilson in response to Jonestown survey
Joe Wilson
- I feel death is over exaggerated. I think of it as more of a long sleep than a painful horror.
- I’m afraid I won’t live long enough to see Jakari through his childhood.
- If anything happen to Dad I think two things would happen to people. They would either be shocked into a more principled life or they would turn traitor for selfish reasons instead of sacrificing for the ideal that you live. I think it would make me more principled because I’d want to see Jakari safe in his world or at least given a chance. A chance he would not have if anything happened to you. I know as long as we have you our children will always be taken care of.
- I know I would not have any trouble killing anyone who turned traitor including my mother or sisters especially someone who has been here as long as I have and has seen as much principle from you as I have. And Jakari if he was old enough to
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understand principle as well as anyone could.
- The only thing I miss in the states is not having the freedom to take long walks on the beach but it’s not worth missing because it is non-productive and counter revolutionary to sneak off into another world and escape reality.
- I think if it could be done with no strings attached, which I don’t think I’ll see in my lifetime, I’d enjoy it more. As for myself, I don’t like to be possessed but I think it causes feelings of jealousy on both parts male or female heterosexual or homosexual. So I think the best thing for that is your idea of a fuck house. I don’t like males because I never really had to deal with males on a one to one basis. I recognize the feelings of homosexuality as not being sure of myself and needing more than one girlfriend at a time being very insecure. Also my dress I think 75% of the reason I like to dress is to impress
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males not females. I think the most rewarding part of sex is holding & being able to talk to someone without a masquerade but usually as far as I know if you start touching and holding you usually end up fucking; Most of the time out of a feeling of obligation or ego.
- When I pick up a gun I think of the damage it can do to the human body. I never really realized how much power a gun had until I fired a high powered rifle. It demands respect/I don’t like carrying a guns in public, especially a big gun because I think you make yourself a target for two types of people. One is the fucker with a gun who might see you before you see them and blow your ass off. The other type who is jealous and calls you egotist because you have to carry a gun.
- Socialism means the road to Communism; but still a much higher consciousness than Capitalism which in turn means Jakari will have a better life with less discrimination.
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- Major threat to our people is ourselves. I strongly believe what you said has to be true that usually the worst shit we go through is caused by people who have left. In the States I think one of the biggest things is the racial tension, the press & bad publicity because it can cause poor whites & Blacks to strike out against the church in a hostile manner such as rocks & smiting etc. Also the biggest threat to us here is relatives of people who are here. US. government due to embarrassment of so many people leaving the States especially people who were lawyers, teachers, medical people etc. Also any outside incursion of the Guyanese government.
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May 1978 letter to Jim Jones from Leslie Fortier Wilson
EE-1-UVWXYZ-107
May 17, 1978
Dearest Dad,
This is long overdue, so I would like to thank-you for the love and concern & toleration that you have expressed always. Thru this new crisis– the defector, I noticed that you took yourself into the movies and their [there] laughed with the people, though I know you were dying as you are daily, inside. Still you went on giving encouragement to those who needed it. I know that we will one day not come thru – but I consider walking with you, the most courageous, compassionate Marxist-Leninist that existded [existed], and thats a victory. It never ceases to amaze me, of the power you have to go on, to fight with especially those inside and/or who were. I apologize for being one of the people who were as messed up with dope, sex, clothes etc. that I didn’t educate myself after you so I could be of help. I feel alot [a lot] of guilt for the shit that I have done. Spending thousands of $ that was church money, but I never turned in. All that has helped kill and mame [maim] innocent people in oppressed 3rd world countries. What a fool I was & self-centered and insensitive. It’s not pleasant to know as I know how I contributed. All the years of following you and I was definilety [definitely] led astray, I thank you– for taking my child [Jakari Wilson] here and giving him
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the love that he wasn’t getting because of my neglect. Dad, thank you!! Anyone that wants to leave are sick & don’t face that they too are a “nigger.” You have done far too much & I will never turn back!!! Thank you for the women’s meetings & brothers. We have to realize without liberating oneself, how can you expect to liberate others? I detest the states because their [there] is nothing there. We are not wanted– it’s only filled with deep, deep hate. There is too much here of just the opposite. I apologize for messing up our men. I feel guilt for Paul Flowers leaving, because while in relations with him for almost 2yrs. from age 15-17 I could have been stronger and therefore he might’ve realized that he too was homosexual I needn’t try to prove he was such a big lover. Now he’s gone. I am sorry for 4mo’s ago having sex with Joe Wilson– only to prove that he was not as strong as he pretended to be. We agreed that’s all it would be – it took place twice – but I cut it loose.
We can’t even be loyal to Robin Tschetter his so called “girlfriend”, I did it also to get back. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me a couple months after I was here & you saw me in tears – hearing Robin was pregnant. I should’ve been stronger but I wasn’t unliberated then. I think Joe should be made to stay with Robin if they mess her, because he needs to either settle down or
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give it up altogether. He is inconsistent with Jakari, & that I detest. I know I neglected him in the states but I’ll be damned if he’ll be here. 1 out of 4x he’ll walk with me to put Jakari to bed. He’s got his head up his butt. But also I have seen him sensitive & gentle. He puts on an act. He’s age 12 in mind & maturity but I can’t downgrade him completely. He stood by me when I was pregnant at 16 with Paul’s baby and took my urine to get it tested etc. finding out it was positive but thanks to you I aborted. So he really isn’t as bad as he plays. He just likes white ass to build his ego. I’ve dealt with that. Now all I want from him is to care for his child. So I am getting ready to hopefully have the right qualifications of being a true revolutionary.
I VOLUNTEER to off Tim Stoen, Richard Wagner or anyone else. Richard would never suspect me. I VOLUNTEER to give my body as ugly as it is. I VOLUNTEER to help in any liberation forces to free oppressed countries. I VOLUNTEER to work harder. Thank you for your supreme example. Dad, no other would do it to give up the MILLIONS, I repeat the millions that you could’ve kept for yourself. Thank you for caring
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like no other. I won’t ever be ¼ as good as you, dedicated & princippled [principled], but I will continue to strive daily to get a little closer to reaching the top of the mountain… to have the character of you Dad!! You amaze me, always, and how folks can committ [commit] treason here- also amazes me. And for what, the guilt that they will always feel. I know it’s hard to trust anyone now, I don’t even trust anyone, but you: I sure wonder is all this worth it?! If I was you, to prove your compassion, I would have said “fuck it” these people dont wanna help themselves, so why should I?!” I mean that. I wouldn’t go thru the mess you have. My faith in people would’ve completely dwindled. You are the most magnificent leader- a true Marxist-Leninist. Thank you again for allowing me to walk with you. Whatever I am needed to do- all through my past mess ups- I am willing and ready to do anything for the REVOLUTION- the changeover. Thank you Dad.
Never will there be another as sweet as you.
Leslie Fortier (Wilson)
(Sorry for being so long!!)
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Undated letter to Jim Jones from Leslie Wagner Wilson
Dear Dad,
I have done the most stupidest anarchistic thing that I can think of at this time. Sandi J [Sandra Cobb Jones] wrote me a letter about Cleveland Newell. She has heard that he had been messing around with Shanda James. She was highly pissed and upset. She had a letter for Cleveland and I passed it to him, which was really dumb. It consisted of the same accusations. She said she thought that she may be pregnant by Cleveland, and at this time she is hurt, confused and scared. I tore the letters up. Dad, that was so stupid of me. I was only thinking that she was my friend and I owed it to her to find out what was going on. Damn, I am so dumb. I have really messed up because now you will probably have to get involved. I asked Cleveland was this true and he said no, he hadn’t even talked to Shanda. Shanda had come to me asking about Cleve. compensating. I told her that I have never seen him, and he usually only talks to me and that was regarding Sandi. I told him she may be pregnant, he said he still cared for her etc. Oh, Dad I have just really stirred some shit. I am so sorry and I will do anything!! to help get this straight. I can go to Cleve and tell him I talked to her (Sandi) and she said it was cool or whatever. I’ll do anything. But I know that she is upset and she said she’ll know whether or not she’s pregnant by July 1st. I know she really likes him though and she feels she deserves this hurt, because she has hurt in the past. But, I shouldn’t have passed her letter to him, and I tore all of them up, but I can piece them back together if necessary. I feel so bad cause I know this is really messed up. I should’ve of thought about you 1st, Dad, I am sorry 1 million times, after all you have done for me especially recently I am so sorry. I will do and say anything. I should know that you lead and none of the rules should be broken. I haven’t
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passed a letter about this to anyone to give to her. Please let me do something and I’ll volunteer for public service for being an outright, no thinking bitch.
Leslie Wilson
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October 1977 Letter from Leslie Wagner
10-20-77
Father,
People who I am sexually attracted; and can communicate with:
Males
Joe Wilson: have always had a sexual attraction, but can’t communicate with: there’s too much hostility on his part.
Johnny Jones: nice body, but can only consider him as a comrade & brother, one to talk to, which [illegible word] can understand.
Maureen Tally [Talley]: nice personality and a trustworthy sister
Ava Jones: can talk to and always the honesty, comes out.
Father, I really can’t think of people that I could go to bed with. I am so paranoid of having sexual relationship with anyone because of the hurt and pain in the past & since here. Now, I only want someone whom I can talk to and understand without a lot sexual play and games. Sex has always been a weakness, but I know I could be content with a warm & understanding person, but this time I am not settling for anything less than I want. I still care for Joe but this love-hate for white women has got to cease. I have dealt with that now, and since you talked to me, but I refuse to go forth to him. So I will continue my daily routine without that and put forth my energy on
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your principals [principles] you have taught me. Men can be such beasts. I was molested in an ambulance before I came here and that has gotten me a little afraid.
Thank you father for giving me a new life.
Leslie Wagner (Wilson)
Also:
Aaron Hendricks: he looks like a warm person, and a hard worker
Evelyn Leroy: good personality
Mike Prokes: sweet, but never wanted to get involved for fear he couldn’t work as hard.
Albert Touchette: good looking, nice build, but too immature.
Thanks
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January 1978 Letter of self-evaluation from Leslie Wagner
7:00pm, January 1978, 4
Dear Dad,
Let me give you criticisms of myself. I am a very self-centered bitch. I am always worried about someone messing over me. Always trying to save my self-image, and really I don’t even have one. Warned about my so-called happiness, yet I realize that my concious [conscious] bothers me. I have a complaining now, not really so bad but I am in the medical office and taking care of Lela Murphy. I really like the medical field because I want to be a gynecologist/obsetrics [obstetrics] but it seems that in order for that to be remembered that I have to stay in here and literally clean ass. I am tired of being disregarded as a “nurses aide” by Phyllis Chaiken [Chaikin] and considered by her [illegible name] and Cheryl [Cheryle] McCall not even to be evaluated with the rest of the nurses, yet she regards us as HCW’s, which is fine, but please why tell us that we are doing intensive care nursing – without experience or proper schooling. The titles really don’t mean shit, but the nursing in the office, basically consists of advanced first aide. The doctor deals in the real medical problems. Of course, past medical knowledge is required etc. but Dad there is so much competition. Now there are Black in the medical field here, but I have a passion for gynecology, I mean I really like it, and if we have the chance for schooling (I’d really prefer to die though) and people my age were sent, I would like to get that education. Now, I feel I must prove my interest, which I think I have to an extent, but when does it quit? Do I have to prove myself to all people in the medical dept or just you. I know I am being selfish now. The thing I would like to do is return to the fields, and even some evenings a week work with Dr. [Larry] Schacht with female disorders. He told me he would teach me what he knows about gynecology, because that was his main interest. There are quite a few Blacks now in here and I less I think won’t make a difference. I am suppose to be going back into the nursing office after Lela gets well or whatever on day shift. I don’t want to.
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Theres so much backstabbing and the Labor power in the fields is needed. I don’t want to get lazy, like I feel I am getting. I need the physical labor and in the fields I can see the work that is being done there. I can be measured. Phyllis Chaiken is good, but I think she lacks the tolerance to deal with problems (some) brought to her attention. She’s very hyper and nervous. Otherwise her job is okay. You see I am self-centered I want to make something of myself. But fu– that. I don’t deserve an education. I have never offered anything or put in anything in the past. Save the education for the young. They deserve. I have no other complaints because you have done so much. This place is beautiful and although I would prefer to give my life, and it looks like that chance might not come for so long – I will work only to serve you and this communist revolution. That is in my heart. Thank you. Sorry to waste your time, but I can’t deal with this.
Leslie Wagner
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Reflection on Jim Jones’ Pain from Leslie Wagner Wilson, May 1978
EE-2-e-2a
From Leslie Fortier [Wagner Wilson]
26-5-78
Pain
To Dad,
One of the most frequent pain that you are confronted with most is (1) the pain of no one but you really caring – Not only about us but about all people. (2) You struggling so hard here, and we who don’t even love liberation enough to liberate ourselves. People who have walked with you, seen your ultimate example and character, yet betraying you to turn into vicious and hateful people. You always giving your all but never receiving any change in return. (3) Realizing that you’re the only one who is a true and dedicated Marxist-Leninist. No one else would make themselves a prisoner here cutting yourself from specialized medical care that you need & not being able to participate in helping with the liberation of other 3rd World struggles. For years I have seen you give, sacrifice, giving yourself, sleeping with men and women to save this group and not accepting bribes of millions of $ – no one but you would do that. It’s painful I know to put up with this seeing people on so
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many different levels of consciousness. Still not all on the right level. Pleading, pouring your heart out only in the next hours learning of a new traitor. Not being able to trust anyone but yourself completely. You always being the peacemaker, the one who always gave chances – only to be stabbed in the back. How much more can you take and will you? Not being able to spend the proper time with your own children that they so much deserve, because you have at all times included all of us on vacations – and people always fucking up so you can’t. You are the only one that feels. So many times I’d say, “how does he do it?” Yet you keep on. Worrying about how much more $ we need, yet we don’t even work hard enough or show that we care. Those are pains I feel you endure. Also the terrible physical problems you endure that no one else would. We for the most part don’t want to deal with pain so that’s a lot of sickness. That’s a lot of what you go through. Also realizing you’re the only one with the courage to stand tall for Socialism. Thank you. I will try to make it easier for dedicating myself more.
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Undated thank you to Jim Jones from Leslie Wagner Wilson
EE-2-uv-2
Dearest Dad,
Thank you, thank you, thank you – and million thank you’s for saving my baby! You are always there. I’m sorry for you having to go through this crisis with Ricky [Johnson]. You are always so loving, always so good and honest. The greatest Marxist-Leninist. Every day I realize how much you & socialism are so important and so much a part of our lives. Thank you for allowing my child Jakari to live in the most beautiful place, a society here, no racism, no drugs. In the States Jakari woiuld’ve been seriously ill with a respiratory problem and dead no matter if he was breathing or not. The US is death anyway.
I Love You, Dad
Leslie Wilson
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EE-I-UVWXYZ-47
Undated note from Mark Wagner
This is Mark Wagner and I understand that my Dad Richard Wagner is to make trouble for me here in Guyana. Why would I possibly want to come back to him when I am living very happily here with my mother and sister. He gave me many possessions of Richard Wagner laying in bed with naked women of whom he is old enough to be their father. Not to mention the fact that at 60 years of age he is strung out on drugs and you consider this a healthy atmosphere for a young person to be in? I talked to him the other night and he was stoned out of his mind. He was so far out of it that he was totally unable to communicate. I have no intention of leaving my home here returning to live with this moral degenerate. And why don’t you spend your time finding out where he gets his drugs and quit [text ends]
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Undated thank you note to Jim Jones from Michelle Wagner
EE-2-uv-11a – 11b
Dad:
I wanted to say thank you very much! Jonestown is beautiful. Today was the first good sleep I have had because of all the walking I’ve been doing. Can’t get enough! It’s definitely too good to be true.
Now want to wake up in the morning. You want to work. You can be yourself.
I could not say enough! But I will say that I shall not let you down ever again!
Thank you,
Michelle Wagner
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EE-2-uv-8a
1977 money-making proposal to Jim Jones from Barbara Walker
Father:
I would like to start writing children’s storybooks based on your life, from childhood up, but especially childhood for the preschoolers and elementary. The structure & love that they are getting couldn’t be bought, and I feel that should be able to grow up with their leader through books. I feel it’s very important that they identify with you before you became the leader, and let them know that your principle and character is not something that just developed overnight. I think reading that you would help them relate to you on more than one level – as was done with [Vladimir] Lenin through children’s storybooks. If you approve, I’m sure that Lynetta [Jones] has a lot of material. Although I can’t draw, I know that we have many people here who could assist through drawing illustrations, and later it could possibly turn out to be a money-making project.
Thank you Father
Barbara Walker
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EE-2-uv-8b
Note to Jim Jones from Barbara Walker on Father’s greatest pain
Father:
Since your greatest joy I feel is making us happy, and seeing that we are safe and secure from all of the pains that the capitalist society has brought us, your greatest pain is probably seeing us bring so many of our capitalist traits here, where they are used at our own convenience and for our benefit, consciously or unconsciously, to tear down or discredit what you have spent your lifetime advocating and building up.
I feel guilt, but oftentimes too late, that I am still so egotistical, and sometimes I don’t feel as though I’ve grown any. I have a habit of not wanting to face deal with my own feelings or guilt because I like to reserve a scapegoat for myself that can be rationalized, and if I can rationalize something I have done or want to do, I panic.
My worst problem and guilt is the way I’d like to believe I feel about people. My two main differences are “hate”, and “race”. Frankly, I don’t hate anybody here, because I couldn’t profess to believe in you, and hate your people. I don’t hate anybody and I’m not a racist, but I am afraid of people because I know nobody is for real. (I make it a point of not allowing people to care about me because I know I’ll have to choose between something I feel is right add a person or people, or end up caring about someone who won’t be there when I need them. The problem is I haven’t learned not to expect anything from anybody – Just give, and it seems so unfair. I guess that’s the reason I don’t want anybody giving me anything – not even friendship, then I can justify not having to give anything in return. I know this is a problem and I will try harder at seeing the best in the people. I say I dislike more often, I think of how I’m contributing to your pain and rejecting the people you love most.
Thank you Father
Barbara Walker
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Undated self-evaluation and criticisms from Barbara Walker
To Dad, from Barbara Walker, regarding self evaluations, hostilities, and sexual attractions. I am very moody, too blunt with people, and extremely cynical. I prefer being by myself most of the time because I don’t like to be put in a position of being indebted to anyone, or having something expected of me that I don’t want to give. I have a hard time relating to light skinned blacks, and some white people. I resent people who have moms and sisters and brothers who are here or expected to be here in the near future. I feel it’s unfair that people who did whatever they wanted to, came to church whenever they wanted to while in the states still got to come over here and be treated as though they were really dedicated workers, while I worked in the church practically 10 hrs a day and never even tried to find out about my mom, who was put in a mental institution and constantly being beaten on by white & black pigs, and my sisters and brothers, some of which are no older than my own children, all of whom I have not seen in over three years, and don’t know whether they’re dead or alive. I didn’t take the time out from my duties to really find out anything about them because I know I would want to go to Mississippi to see them, especially my mom. I don’t think it’s fair
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when ever since I’ve been here I’ve been getting in trouble and I never understand why, especially since I don’t feel I’m doing anything wrong. I feel the only thing anybody is really concerned about is whether or not I’m working hard enough. I don’t understand why a lot of things happen, especially when I always get the worst end of it. It seems like I’m always wrong. Sometimes I feel I would be much better off if I just stopped trying to do the right thing, so at least when I get in trouble I’ll know what I’ve done wrong. I don’t though, because I don’t like hurting other people. I’m not attracted to anybody here, although I’m still emotionally attracted to my son’s dad. Also I think that I favor him over my girls because they were born out of necessity, and I grew up with my son’s dad and was attracted to him years before he was born. The favoritism is far less than it was before coming here. Also I’m working on the problem I have with people, especially white people. I don’t think I have any sexual attraction toward you. I don’t like having to call you Dad because it has no meaning to me.
Thank you Dad
Barbara Walker
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Undated letter from Barbara Walker
Barbara Walker’s letter to you: summary
For the past few weeks I haven’t felt pressured for the first time in almost a year, mainly because I have been able to talk to someone about Ronnie’s [likely Ronnie Dewayne Berryman] problem without them telling me to leave him alone, for which I’m grateful. Although, in the process a lot of my own guilt in attributing to his problem has been suppressed and rationalized. Lately I have been able to rationalize anything I felt, did or didn’t feel on the basis of his past behavior (think she is talking about Ronnie.) which the psychological part of me understands but the emotional egotistical side of me rejects and is constantly looking for a way out. One part of me wants to be free of the responsibility so that I can do simple things like laughing and joking with brothers without having to worry about how it’s going to affect Ronnie.
I have to constantly reassure Ronnie that one of the reasons that I’m not going to give up on him is because I haven’t talked to anyone who is interested in growing into a higher level of consciousness which is my primary interest, and would only hinder me from being able to grow. He never knows what I am talking about, but then most people don’t either, but at least he listens and knows it has to have something to do with Father.
I don’t have any illusions about men only because they only want me for a sex object, which I dislike. Men only use women to build their egos. I told Ronnie before that I’d probably be gay myself if I liked and respected women any more than I do men, but neither interest me because they never seem interested in becoming principled.
I feel I have contributed to Ronnie’s psychological problems bec. I have on occasion made it obvious that I resent terribly the fact that he can act normal with everyone except me, and I can never have the privilege with him of doing the same, bec. I’m afraid of what he might do. Even though I know he’s very fragile and emotionally insecure I resent having to suppress my feelings long enough to talk to him and reassure him so that he won’t trip out or in the past threaten to leave because he thought nobody cared and could or would be able to help him. I still don’t know what’s behind it all and he never told me anything unless he had no choice bec. He once said I’d drop him for sure bec. I wouldn’t be able to deal with it.
I feel a lot of guilt bec. many times I’ve said terrible things to him, but I was always sorry later, and it would usually take months to undo something. I have never started a physical fight. When he is upset or feels he has been betrayed he becomes violent. Each fight we ever had was the result of me telling him I didn’t want him or something to that effect. The last fight we had in the states was bec. I told him I wasn’t in love with anyone enough to marry them, and he just started hitting me. …I realize now that getting me in trouble was his way of getting help for himself.
Since he last came here he has always talked about why Johnny [Moss Brown Jones] never talked to him… why was I (guess she means Ronnie asking why about himself) the only one who ever got talked to after being on the floor … and he wondered if anybody ever cared for him. Ronnie and I began fighting after the 1st day here bec. of different ones attitudes which made him feel uncomfortable and took away all the confidence he had built up for himself. Ronnie was hurt over Johnnie bec. of the treatment he got and angry at me bec. he knew that I’ve known Johnnie in a more personal level since L.A. Ever since L.A. I have made it very clear that I wouldn’t touch Father’s ministers with a ten foot pole. I told Ava [Cobb Jones] this too, bec. of the tension between her and I, and I believe it was bec. of Johnnie and bec. I knew what was happening in their marriage.
[in handwriting with an arrow pointing towards the right]
On other side is Rob’s reply
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Evaluations for Rob’s crew:
Nov. 31, 1977
Cynthia Davis; works in kitchen every other day; she works pretty good.
Richard Costillo [William Richard Castillo]; works consistently, always improving
Teddy McMurry; works consistently
Rhonda Page; works good but takes advantage of security, also goes in at lunch, sometimes oversleeps lunch
Erik [Erik] Baker; slow but steady
Anita March; improved since Mary Tupper has been transferred
Janice Johnson; consistant
Joyce Douglas; works well but sometimes gets carried away with conversation
Karen Lewis; tends to talk alot
Mark Wagner; taking instructions better, works okay.
Margarita Davis; works consistant, keeps good pace
Jan [Jann] Gurvich; much time is taken for school work but works good in field
Tina [Teena] Turner; works steady
Bea (Bell) McCann: Supervises when I’m not in field, works pace, has picked up since taking on extra responsibility
Doug Sanders; worked very hard
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-25
Barbara Walker page 2
Right now I don’t know what to do. I know Ronnie has regressed considerably, so much that he can’t even talk to me without being jumpy.
He follows me around a lot, or hangs around my dorm when I’m there, or will just stand and stare at me as though I’ve betrayed him. I don’t feel he trusts me. Everyone gives him the cold shoulder. I don’t like seeing him treated this way. He doesn’t have anyone to confide in.
I wrote it up to the coordinators crew to work on the construction crew in the mornings so that Ronnie and I can build up a line of communication again. I want him to understand I’m not against him and I’m not looking for blood.
This is the last time I’ll bother you at least for the next 3 months. It’s easier to talk to you than anyone.
Summary: Barbara still believes Ronnie likes her, and wants her. She believes he follows her around and hangs around her dorm. She wants to build up communications with him again. She feels Ronnie needs her and needs her understanding, as no one else cares for him. She sees him as weak and fragile.
Another letter she wrote to you is about her teaching school with Marie Lawrence. She feels she and Marie have completely different approaches to teaching. She says the students are her major concern. I feel lessons should be repeated until understood by anyone showing interest. I think since teachers are learning too, they should be able to voice their feelings and they should know teachers stand to be corrected too. Example, the case of David Chaikin. He’s almost always is made to feel by the teacher (guess she means Marie) that he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I think the teacher has a resentment against him. He’s exceptionally bright, too bright for the class, and almost always does know the answers but just has a hard time putting words in their proper context. Sooner or later he will withdraw because he knows he’s not getting credit for his opinions.
I think we’re asking for miracles when we expect students to change their learning and thinking patterns without first eliminating the causes of students not learning. I would prefer teaching students who have trouble with the basics, on a tutoring basis. Then if I don’t feel any sense of accomplishment, I will have nobody to blame but myself.
Barbara Walker
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-18
January 1978 note to Jim Jones from Gloria Walker requesting return to US
Jan 2, 1978
Dear Dad:
First of all dad I am very thankful for all the love and understanding you have for us all especially when we continually give you so much trouble daily especially during this time. It’s truly beautiful here and because of you it is possible. The loved ones I miss so very much in the States are my sister Phyllis Olivia Talley and children [illegible] and DeJuan who are members. My companion, Frank L. Hyatt, my sister Wilma Echols and children Starla, Timothy, & Charlie, my niece Tiffany Douglas [Douglass] nephew, Royal Anderson, his wife and child Cheryl and little Shanette Anderson, my godmother Pearl [illegible] and my adopted sister Shirley Penny Will and her family and my younger brother Clarence James Douglas. Dad I have tried to follow principle in some ways I know I have fallen very short on many of your teachings, but I am grateful and thankful to you for learning some. I know you know and understand I have tried to be a good socialist. Dad you said if there was something I wanted to say to write it to you and dad I am at this time.
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Dad I am not happy here and I do want to return to the States, I did not want to come and I had returned back to my job so I could send for my mother and son but I was told it was an emergency and I had to come dad, I don’t want to cause more problems by asking this request but I feel this way and I know you would rather I tell the truth rather than a lie, I am not complaining about anything
I work at the cassava mill and I enjoy learning Also the food is delicious and very tastiful as it is fresh and grown by the people. I realize you have made all this possible. but dad please allow me to return I know I owe the people money for fare but I will repay it as it has never been how will I take money thinking I do not have to repay the mission. Please dad.
Thank you Dad
Gloria Dawn Walker
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Undated statement of loyalty from Brenda Warren
I feel that Socialism is the best way to live. Sometimes I wish that everyone was a socialist then we wouldn’t have all these things that are happening to us. But since that is not true we have to deal with the people who are trying to bring us down. I thought when we got over here no one would be around to bother us, but I can see that they will do everything they can to stop us. It makes me cry every time I have to see what you are going through just to save our lives. I never really wanted to live a long time, because I just couldn’t see myself going on and living when so many of our brothers and sisters are dying everyday. But wherever you go I will go until the very end. I know how hard it is and how much pain you go through for us, and I have never seen anyone else like you. You have done so many things for me and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you, because without you I wouldn’t have made it. Right now I am sitting here crying because you are such a loving father that you are willing to give your life for us and I will always be grateful to you. Thank you father and I will never go back unless you say so, cause I will die here before going back there.
Brenda Warren
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Undated letter of loyalty to Jim Jones from Eddie Washington
dear dad just a note to thank you for your teaching in our last chrises [crisis]. I am so glad I died that day it helped me very much altho [although] I had already give my life the first three chrises [crises] we had I am glad of the experience of fighting for the wrights [rights] and what you believe in. Thank you so much for the love you have for each and every one of us regardless how naughty or good you love us all oh how I wish I could half way love like you but I am trying every day to show love I am truly glad you excepted [accepted] me as one of your childrens I am trying to be more humble each an every day I have wondered about dying I learn death is only a dream Thank to you for every thing even bringing me out of the USA. I am so glad I am ready enjoin [enjoying] myself here it is so beautiful here I don’t see how any one could be unhappy I just had to thank you for your inlightment [enlightenmemt]
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how to be a good sochelise [socialist] thanks thank you dad for all you have don [done] for all of us thank your mother for you you are so wonderful and kind an sweet to every body thank for our sweet mother Marslen [Marceline] back to us and all of hours [our] comrads who are back in the states thank you for every thang
your child for all the healing you done
Eddie Washington
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Undated thank you to Jim Jones from Eddie Washington
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
EE-2-uv-4a – 4b
dear dad Just a little thank you note for all of your love and kindness and care for all of us. Thanks for the wonderful chicken dinner on yesterday and pork today. Very good dinner. Oh how I love all of the food but the chicken dinner was delicious. Dad I’m so happy here. I do want you to know I’m so glad you accepted me as one of your own children. It is so beautiful here. Oh how I love it. Thank you so very much for everything, especially our loving mother Marcie [Marceline Jones] who I adore. She is so wonderful to me. Thanks again, the least of your children.
Eddie Washington
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EE-2-uv-5a – 5b
1977 thank you to Jim Jones from Eddie Washington
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
Dear dad
Just a thank you note to tell you how much I thank you for your concern for each and every one of us. I am truly grateful for what you have done in saving the lives of all that [are] here and brought back to life and the most wonderful thing was you healed our dear sweet mother and brought her back to us. Dad I can’t express my feeling. I hope you understand I am so happy here. I hardly think of my so-called relations. Just write them to let them know I am still happy and alive. I love it here. Also this is our freedom home, you and your precious mother Renetta [Lynetta] Jones made it possible for all of us to be happy. Anyone that is not I am sorry for them. Thank you dad for all of your healing and concern for every one of us, the babies and mothers. Thank you for your concern of our weight, it has helped me very much. I don’t have too much to gripe about. Every time gripes come, I let [illegible word] overrule. Every time I think where I am from and you give the news, I feel more secure and glad I am here. Thank you for all the good food you are giving us to eat. It is delicious. All the chickens, pork and fish is wonderful that you provide so much for so many of us. Thank you again and again for your love and kindness for me and all although I feel the least of all.
Eddie Washington
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-27
September 1977 letter of loyalty from Earlene Watkins
Sept 5-1977
To Father
I am in Jonestown because you have prepared this most wonderful and beautiful place for me. Also to get me away from concentration camps laser beam. also away from nuclear bomb, also earthquake and 1427 Bill, nutron bomb. I can not explain all of this. I want to say that is not the only reason I am glad that I am hear. You are the only one that knows and cares about me. The only Savior there is. I will go any place you say I don’t care where you say go. I am not bothered about anything I am happy and satisfied. I thank you Father for your love me and care. Thank you Father I can’t explain all that I would like to say
Earlene Watkins. D. [Dorm] 5.
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-14
Undated note of loyalty to Jim Jones from Earlene Watkins
Dear Father,
I don’t ever want to go back to the US. I think Socialism is the only way for people to live where they show and help one another. I think Jim Jones is the only true Socialist leader, & when he tells you something it is just that, you never have to wonder. He is the only one that cares & the only one that tells the truth & knows the truth. The only way I would go back to the U.S is to kill them. Wherever he is, is where I want to be. If he doesn’t get what he wants in another country, I want to stay here & fight and die.
Earlene Watkins
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-44
Erin Watkins Statement of Self-Criticism, February 1978
Feb. 21, 1978
Dad,
My first criticism about myself is that I don’t admit my faults unless I think I won’t get into trouble for something I’ve done. This is because I don’t like for others to think bad of me. I try to look good & cute in front of others which is the main thing that got me into trouble last time I went into Georgetown, I acted an ass.
I am capable, I feel, of being a hard worker in many areas but I don’t push myself unless I’m being watched or taken note of. Because of the fact that I try to look good in other peoples eyes, I work hard as hell to try to redeem myself when I’ve been caught doing something wrong.
I am very manipulative and don’t feel as much guilt as I should as often as I should.
Thank you Dad,
Erin Leroy Watkins
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-8
Greg Watkins note on socialism, September 1977
9-11-77
I feel I would rather fight in what I believe in then [than] run because we build this place of promise with our own hands and refuse to run. I’m [illegible word]. I truly now no [know] what the teachings are really is all about and I enjoyed being here and I ready to fight for what’s ours and production was really being made here. Socialism means of production and we have made great production here we live together and where [we’re] going to die together with Jim Jones until the end.
Greg Watkins
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Undated note to Jim Jones from Diane Wilkinson
EE-2-uv-1a
Dad,
I just wanted you to know that I wasn’t in no way upset about today I felt someone had given you the impression I just asked Ava [Jones] who was on the list and who was going to get the baby today. I understand that there is a lot of problems involved in these situations and I’m not pushing this and I think you for your concern for me when you’re so busy.
Thank you, Dad,
Diane Wilkinson
P.S. I realize your legal problem in this and I am patient about it.
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-26
January 1978 letter of confession from Mabel Wilkinson (unknown person)
To: Dad
From: Mabel Wilkinson
Date: 28/1/78
Re: What I have stolen since I’ve been in Jonestown
First of all I wish to apologize for not turning this in on time. Nextly I want to apologize for stealing these things.
I used to take sheets from the laundry which didn’t belong to me but now I have 2 of my own that I checked out of the wash house and I took a pair of underwear off the line because I had most of mine taken and I didn’t have enough so instead of going to the wash house I just took them. I also took a washcloth off the line for the same reason. I have taken pens and pencils from the school. I have taken extra food when I worked in the kitchen.
I took bananas and papaya for which I have already confessed for.
This is all I can think of now, I am pretty sure that is all I’ve taken.
I know I was wrong and I will not steal again.
Thank you Dad.
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-32
Undated testimonial of Charles Wesley Williams
What Protection from Capitalism Father gave me?
Father heal me from a broken jaw and a crack rib. He also got me out of jail. And save me from going to jail for a long time. He brought me to the promise land so I could see how it was to be free and loved away from the Capitalism that I was a prisoner of. He gave me a second chance on life which I don’t think I deserved. That is protection from Imperialism and Capitalism to me.
Charles Wesley Williams
Thank Father
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-10
Undated note of loyalty to Jim Jones from Louise Teska Lee Williams
Jamestown Guyana
Greetings Father
Thank you for bringing me to freedom land and all my sisters and brothers in Christ, and also all the little babies and others.
It is the most beautiful that I have ever seen in all my life. Just wish there were more that knew you and was here in the freedom land. The reason we had to leave the U.S.A. is because of the oppressor. And what the CIA and others could do to us. Such as trying to destroy us with the nuclear bomb. The neutron bomb genocide, earthquakes, concentration, camps, and the bill they passed that gave the police the right to arrest anyone that did not tell them what they wanted to know, and Russia would have to use the laser beam to protect them selves and others.
Thank you, Father
Louise Teska Lee Williams
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-11
Undated letter to stateside Temple member from Louise Teska Lee Williams
Dear Eugenia [likely Gernandt]
Greetings to you this leaves me fine and enjoying the blessing that here in freedom land this is a very beautiful place we have gardens and fruit every where the food is wonderful I lost 8 lbs already and I am so happy. when you start over here bring some cloth pins and all kind of garden seeds. and bring some long sleeves blouses or shirts because this weather over here is so fine you can go nude. and bring me some thongs you no like the one I had that the strap stick through you big toe size 9 bring some white thread and any kind of piece good you can get. bring some shampoo and please get me a good pair of tweezers and we can also go to fishing and Pauline say if you can bring her foot locker to bring it when you can. have you heard from Ethel call her the number is 7494905 and tell her to write me and send all the news. tell her to call my brother and tell him I am fine and love it here very much. well I will close for now,
Louise Teska Lee Williams.
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-43
Louise Williams Statement on Willingness to Die, February 1978
2-17-78
Dad,
Just sitting there looking at the line of peoples young and old alike eager to get it over with, I thought of how nice it would be that at last it would be for you also to have peace from all the things we put you through and the death you die daily for us just so we might have true love and protection that we have never had before you came into our lives!
I just wanted to just get it over with I am not afraid of dying because I believe what you say that its peaceful. It was beautiful to know at least we were going die. But then I know you would have planned it different from what it was.
Thank you Dad
Louise Williams
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-7
Undated note from Jerry Wilson
Jerry Wilson
I am will to go to the P.L. [Promised Land] and work and build to seek a better place for young and old. I am willing to do work to make a place better for other people.
Thank you Father
Thank you Mother
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Undated letter from Jerry Wilson to wife Shirley
California Historical Society Peoples Temple collection, MS 4123 box 7
Dear Shirley
How are you and the children doing I am doing fine and I am working hard to get you and the family over here. We are working from sun up to sun down. And please tell terry and Tonia to come back (because father said to us if some of your relitives don’t make it you will just have to live with that). When I read your letter and PJ and mans letters it made me cry and cry and cry because I miss all of you very much and I wish I was there with all of you. Please tell all the kids I said that I love them and I said Hi? Shirley I miss you Pat, Wanda, Tonia, terry, Kenneth, Nadean, mama, Keica, trinadett, Gumall, man, Jondeshay, Shiron, Saleata, Gleniel, Deshon, I am sorry if I missed eneybody. Please keep writting me and please send some pictures and try to get James Baisy back. Shirley everytime I think of you and the family I cry because I miss you and the family so much. tell Thelma and Heny and Vita I miss them too. tell all my friends I said Hello and I miss them and tell them to write me. I miss you I miss you miss you!
P.S. Shirley and Pat remember the time we whent to terry’s house And we had a ball together that night and I will
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never forget that night. Ho? Yea Father saved me. We were off loading the boat we had big 100 lb bags of flower and nails, 500lb of fish chicken feed on the dump truck and the truck was going fast and the dump truck ran off of the road a it turned over and I jumped off of the back of the truck and the truck was falling over on me and I call fathers name and I was abut to walk back on the road without a scrach I don’t no how that big dump truck miss me because it was fall right on me but thank Father that the big dump truck did not cruch me. tell Mary and Janet to be cool and don’t be no fool?
Ha! Ha!
[words are written all over page, including margin]
Your son Love love love
Love?
Jerry Wilson
Love
Love’s all
I miss all of you
I miss all of you
I miss all of you
I miss all of you
I miss all of you
I’ve got a tan now I am two tone top is dark bottom is Light
Love [smiley face]
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Undated letter from Jerry Wilson to unknown brother
California Historical Society Peoples Temple collection, MS 4123 box 7
Dear Man
That is good you have learned karate keep practiccing and some day you will be the best I the world and Leann how to flip and tell Kenneth to say cool Ho! Ya
I am building a house for me you Kenneth and Terry, and I’ll never for get the fun me and you had together.
One of your big brothers
Jerry Wilson
I miss you very much
P.S. Write me back
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Two notes to Jim Jones from Jewell L. V. Wilson
EE-2-uv-13
[Editor’s note: The two pages of this document are in reverse order on the FBI PDF.]
13/10/78
Dad I am must say I am not taking Cridicilion as strong as I should, and I don’t give them as I should, but I am learn to except them more strongly each in every day.
Thank you, Dad
Jewell L. V. Wilson
To Dad
I, Jewell V. Wilson, thank you Father for saving Eyvonne Hayden & Denise Hunter life in [illegible word]. I shall never forget what you have done for me.
Jewell L. V. Wilson
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Undated letter of confession to Jim Jones from Joe Wilson
[Editor’s note: Spelling and grammatical errors corrected throughout.]
EE-2-uv-6a – 6b
To Dad;
I thought I should write you a full confessions of all my guilt. One thing is before meeting you I spent lots of money on dope, about $50 or $60 a day for almost two years. I feel like a big asshole for buying and selling the white man shit to black young people. Also now that I know about all of the money really went to keeping black and brown people all over the world in some kind of white power regime. I guess I just as well have killed and tortured poor whites & blacks and brown men, women and babies with my own hands. Even after being with you for as long as I have, I was, up until the day I came here, still helping the white man by running around in the streets drinking, smoking and spending money on hotel rooms, clothes and food I really didn’t need. Even though I didn’t pull the trigger of the gun that killed your son and my brother [Chris Lewis], I have to take some of the blame for it. Also your Mother [Lynetta Jones], I know at one time in my life I take enough time with myself with you that you could have spent with her and maybe she would still be here. Sometimes when I think of all this I could just end it all. But I know I never would or could because of Jakari [Wilson]. Plus working harder and keeping up with the news and stay out of trouble would be the only right and communistic way to deal with my guilt. I know I am long-overdue as far as taking part in leadership but I always have the feeling of being [unintelligible word] or hypocrite by telling anyone anything. But my biggest guilt is that I wanted a baby boy, never once stopping to think of the pains in life. I don’t want to leave here for any length of time. But I know I could sell us to people just as easy as I sold dope, and more proudly.
Thank you for being the best friend I never and will have.
Your son, Joe [Wilson]
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-28
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Erma Winfrey
Dear Father; I am grateful for everything you have done and are doing for all of us, Father if you were anyone else, not who you are this Principle could never survive, and the world on your shoulders.
If only I could have gotten some of my family to listen; Sadie, my baby sister, was the only one that has listened to me, she writes and has been in touch, with “Peoples Temple,” and sends money when she can, and you have healed her with breast cancer, but her family she just carries all their problems. One time about 1 ½ or 2 years ago, you saved her son from jail, who is the high school principle [principal] in Atchison Kas., and was framed but the police never did put him jail, they just never done anything about it ever. You did this I know it. I wrote Sadie and told her about it, and she said, Emma they quietly dropped this and have never said anything about. Father, how can I thank you enough.
Now Father I want to ask you a question; is it ok if we allow our minds to think on the things that could save and improve? I do not mean in a troublesome way, but a creative way. I was walking one early morning and saw all those large tanks by the kitchen as I ask what they were for, and Bro. Kevin [likely Kivin Earl Smith] said gas to cook with. I immediately thought of how I use to cook out doors a long time ago. I used bricks and made a nice place to cook and boil and fry things to barbecue. I wonder why we could not use one or two of these large metal barrels & cut them into make holes in the sides for air for drawing purposes, and boil beans and rice, & boil chicken, in the out side, make little top over it to keep sun and rain off the worker. The chicken could then be put in the oven with their lovely barbecue sauce and work into the chicken & the chicken would be well cooked
I went out to ask Bro. [James] Edwards about this and he had a large can of half cooked chicken that had spoiled and he had to give it to
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-28 [second time page number used]
the dogs. I said Bro. Edwards, what about this out door way of cooking for boiling, and he said yes it would save on the gas. But the kitchen would not appreciate you telling them, I said I would tell them, and if the suggestion is a good one I would ask Joyce Touchette about it and see how she feels about it, and then she would make the suggestion, its only a creative idea to save money. I am not trying to be involved in anything to cause any negative idea. I feel the cooks are doing a wonderful job cooking and baking, and who am I to complain I am not here to help in this department. I am very grateful to you, even to be here and do anything I can to help. But I cooked and baked outdoors all the time when I was in the W.K.F.L. I baked ham, turkeys, roasts and all. The turkeys I would put in brown heavy paper bag and they would come out cooked nice and brown just them in a pan shove them in to bake never open them until they were done then I would cut the bag and allow the juice to run out and make the gravy; it was easy and practical. Father at that time I was able to work part in the kitchen David Smith use to help me. I my self have baked as high as 50 and 75 loaves of bread each night. I have made 4 & 5 hundred cinnamon rolls on saturday all day to serve on Sunday, as coffee and tea were served after the meeting on Sunday, to the guests.
But Father we did not have the pure good food like we have here. I am grateful for all I learned there it only made me strong to have a desire to continue on and keep searching for something greater, as we were told by that Leader a greater one would come after he was destroyed, he told us he would be destroyed the way he was, but we did not – understand him. He tryed to send the children and many of us away, I can not
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remember where we were to go, but I said I would go, and work and send my money to keep get the things we needed there & I did. Eleven or 14 adults were taken one baby and one little girl, the other little girl, I said O’God let me get this child out, the blaze opened up, I drug the little girl out pulled all the skin off of her body from the upper part of her legs up on her thighs and she was in the hospital six months until they took skin from parts of her body and grafted it on I guess. But Father I know you done this, I was severely burned on the back and buttex [buttocks].
I am happier than I have ever been in my entire life, this is the honest truth, and I don’t to go any place to make money, if I do not have too. It has been my hearts desire to be where I could see you walk freely, not some one to be with you, it makes my heart so glad. Many times I have cryed [cried] to myself that more of the black race, my race could not see and feel with their hearts what you were doing and really appreciate it enough to work hard and do their part, Because I realized 24 hours a day each day your life was at stake. I knew this, as no one wants the honest pure unadulterated. It is hard to take because you have to look at yourself once in a while & you can not face it. I only wish my mom could have known you she was 92 and dad was 96. Mom was more active then, than I am now. If mom had, had the understanding of “Christian Science” she felt she had, she would have listened just a little to the Dr. and took her medicine as we thought she was doing when we gave it to her, maybe she would be alive to-day.
She would say Emma, I do not regret to die, but I do not want to ever go back to the same type of life that I have lived, I want to go on and keep progressing on the Christ way of life. I so often think about those words and hope she is some place in this large family, I know she would be a happy
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-30
child. Mom helped to peel pears and fruit up until one or two weeks before she went to the hospital We had to force her to go to hospital, she would never give in to go. Moms leg was amputated and she got terrible bed sores and they would not heal but her leg healed beautifully, this I did not understand because she had cancer of the stomach. I just hope she is here some where Father. Well Father I think it is quite unfair to you to worry you writing, but ever so often you know I do this if you remember.
Father, mother [Marceline Jones] is so wonderful and beautiful and surely did teach us wonderfully when she was left at home to do the work. She is beautiful and a wonderful leader and follows in your foot steps and spoke with the firm strength just as near like you as she could it was beautiful, and many, many times she was so tired and walk up & down those isles [aisles] and beg for money three or four times and the last offering would be even longer than the first.
I will be so glad when she is here and can rest and really be herself, mother has had such a nerve racking job, and especially since the nursing homes began to think more of money than their patients, I could see how it would worry her. I was so glad when she was away from that job, I was feeling at times maybe they would hurt her some away.
I have had my rest, I was up at 2 a.m. as usual had my morning walk and wrote to you. Father truly I am grateful I can raise my feet up and walk like people once again only God could do this, I have had so many, many, many X Rays, I had begun to get frighten as I was told they were not good for you.
Thank you for reading this
With love Emma
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-31a
To my Precious Savior
You can read when you have the time, please inform me if I am wrong. Thank you Father.
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Mary Wotherspoon reflection on Dick Tropp letter, June 1978
EE-2-uv-3a – 3b
Misc. thoughts
What I feel about Dick Tropp’s paper. (I wish I had more time to do this.) I feel I am too moody. I’m beginning to realize I can control my moods if I want to. I need to communicate with people more. I have to realize that this is my family, I’m going to build a world and die with them. I see elitism and use it to do what I want to. Guilt does not motivate me. I can’t look at the young people Peter [Wotherspoon] molested, I feel bad – guilty and I become more withdrawn.
Why should I have the right to eat when others are starving? When we are so far removed from suffering we forget it exists. I do forget, too easily. I’m not functioning to my capacity. I many times refused to take the responsibility of it. I do not deserve to live for the simple fact that I am white and I take privileges and do not feel as if I’m doing enough working in the fields. But what right do I have to even consider my feelings when our relatives and grandparents had to work long, long hours, die – forgotten in nursing homes, discriminated against because they spoke a different language & had different customs. I agree with the old Indian custom of going into the wilderness to die because one has lost his usefulness. I just wonder if I will still feel that way when I get to that point. This time I quit looking at the people and start listening to what is being said – when people talk. It is too easy to say things that demand character – too many people pay lip service to communism – not enough people do. I feel that you hate me & don’t trust me and that’s the way it is. It doesn’t really matter to me – I have always felt this way. Your character is too much for me to keep on my mind, so I choose to tuck it away a lot. I see everything you do is for the good of the whole. The means are irrelevant to me – what is important is the goal. I do not expect to live or see a better day. My mouth is taking food that a child who could one day be a socialist-communist could use. People of high character have suffered and died/are now suffering and dying. I wonder if I have the courage to take their place. Could I take someone else’s child and assume the guilt for them being in the world & give them the care they need?
I wish I had more time, to be honest. I need a lot more self-analysis.
Mary Wotherspoon
[Annotation on bottom of second page: “required paper on self-introspection”]
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-15
October 1977 note from Keith Wright
Keith Wright 10/16/77
POEPLE [PEOPLE] THAT I LIKE
- Ernistine Glacier – I like her for her Personality and sex.
- Mary Griffith – I like her sex.
- Brenta Codd [Brenda Cobb] – I like her for her Personality.
- Scott Thomas – I like him for a brother and for his Personality. He act like a brother to me.
To Father
And Thank You Father
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-36
Undated statement of loyalty from Lisa Wright
I feel that socialism is a economic system where each according to his ability each according to his need a economic system where the wealth is distributed equally where the property is own by the peoples not one person or few. A place where people share and work, eat equally where the clothes and personally need or distributed fair and equally. I believed in Socialism you need one such as Jim (Father) to lead and teach right from wrong [3 lines illegible] know that father is socialism because who would have turn down this offer dad just did take his family and [illegible word] leaving the rest behind. Father turn to down O what a true socialist communist trusted equality Father. They truly socialism that one who could be free of harassment and threats [illegible word] with the family plenty of money and turn it down it no doubt in my mind that, that it socialism [illegible word] brought out of that hell hate in to this beautiful place what build by the people mighty hands I feel at home and place where I help build where I can walk free at night the door unlocked I feel that
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-37
when I need something the people can build depend on ourselves I want to die here at home our homeland Jonestown that was build by the peoples might hand. Thank dad for caring and for stepping up and putting your selves on the line for us because you don’t have to do it but you did and I do want to be move any more when build this land and if they want to come on our land I ready to die now because you have show us socialism, practice it preaches, teach and set the best example in the world I appreciate it dads thank for bringing us this far because you didn’t have to do it
Lisa Wright
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EE-I-UVWXYZ-45
Undated letter of confession to Jim Jones from Lisa Wright
To: Dad
From: Lisa Wright
When I was back there in the State I stole from stores I spend my wash money. For other things like soda and cookies things I could have done without I was just selfish and thinking about my own ass and not the collectives. I got money from my mom to buy clothes instead of the church but I could have turn it into the cause and did without. I went to the temple daily but I [illegible word, likely “could”] have done more. I was hostile [illegible word] the street when it was only because [illegible word] really rape because you had save me once before from being rape. I did thing for self pity to try to hurt other people but yet I was only hurting my own stupid self. Just before I was about to come over here I was really begin to hate myself because I really feel guilty when I heard it was time for me to come to freedom because when someone left I cry because I wasn’t going yet Sometime even lack off in my responsibility when I could have stood stronger. I hold guilty [guilt] for things I did because of what people said to me, teasing me which was stupid that why I think that what ever happen I deserve it most of the time because without you my life wouldn’t have been nothing in
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EE-I-UVWXYZ-46
my life I always got what I wanted but in my later life I found that life was not nothing without a purpose which you gave me but I wanted to die I offering though [thought] about suicide but I had got all I wanted and I was still, but as long as I could remember I carry guilt behind it so how I over be came it I become responsible which may [made] me think to myself I can think like this is a let down to my Dad (Leader) and plus he make me feel responsible and I have to be on time I can’t let it down for some reason every time I though [thought] about you and mother also who had to stay back in that hell hole with us assholes who acted like me while her husband, children was over her not knowing if she would them again. I really felt guilty and still do but she had to stay back there off and on. And if anyone deserve to be here she does. But I thank you for excepting [accepting] me as one of your children and show me you and mom really care I appreciate it. Because I never had a real dad except when Johnny Jones spend time with me. And my mom boyfriend gave me anything I wanted but he alway wanted to mess with me. He also make me hate myself.
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EE-I-UVWXYZ-48
Because night after night he try to feel on me try to kiss me I withdrawn myself from peoples, him really didn’t want him to do anything for me. I was scare I sat up night after night because of fear. I withdrawn myself from brother I really hate brother at first that one reason why I have and can identify with homesexuous [homosexuals] are [or] whatever it call because when I withdrawn my self from brother the only people I could look to was sister so all my sex likes feeling when [went] toward sister until later in my life. The only brother who have showed me respect, care, concern, & character that I have been involve with is Stephan which I been very unappreciate of it. Thanks for turning my life around and giving pride and something to live for as well to die for thanks. I know it easy to say I’m sorry so I just show it in my attitude & work.
Lisa Wright
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-2
Undated note from Lisa Wright on suicide
To Dad,
I agree with mass suicide for children, and unable senior, I would rather fight, are going sitting under Tim Stoen with a bomb, are playing as a Tonya [nom de guerre of Patty Hearst as a captive/member of the Symbionese Liberation Army] for socialism, but I’ve been wondering if we were fighting how many people would try to run and save their ass not think about no one like a sell-out and eventually they would be kill at the end. But I also would like to
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-3
say we should stay here and in the mean[time] while try preparing a underground shelter. I would like to die right now taking Tim with me.
Lisa Wright
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Undated statement of loyalty from Lisa Wright
EE-UVWXYZ-59
Yes Father I do want to go and be free and I’m willing to follow all instruction and anything I’m told to do to get me there are any of my sisters or brother.
My commitment:
I will work everyday at the temple doing anything I’m told to do until whatever time.
Lisa Wright
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Undated statement of loyalty to Jim Jones from Stanley Wright
EE-1-UVWXYZ-62
Am I willing to go to the freedom land. yes.
Am I willing to do whatever is told to me. yes.
I know I was wrong for being at schools when I should have been at the temple.
Stanley Wright
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-111
Certificate of Outcall Massage Service granted to Nedra Yates by San Francisco Police Department
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EE-1-UVWXYZ-112
Undated letter criticizing Jim Cobb from Christine Young, his mother
This is Christine Young. Jim Cobb is my oldest son. I am not his daughter as he apparently along with his other mixed up ideas seems to think that I am. I have always known that along with the violent streak that he has always had a lot of nerve. It takes a lot of nerve to even think that I would return from beautiful Guyana where I am totally happy with my five lovely children, and why does he think I would want to be with him and his unstable violent idea.
Peoples Temple assisted Jim Cobb financially through over 4 years in college. He promised to repay the money instead he joined a Anti Peoples Temple gang. Joining gangs is typical of Jim Cobb. While in college he joined a guerilla type gang. They stole guns and rifles. And manufactured ammunition. When we heard about this we reported to the County Sheriff and he suddenly left.
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Now he is requesting that I return. I would like to ask the question. You want me to return, Jim Cobb, to where and for what?
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Undated note to Marceline Jones from Christine Young
Mother,
I stayed home tonight to be with Mona. She has a very bad cold. I am keeping her home to give her medicine. We thought it best she stay out of the night air.
When you talk to Father, please tell him that I am grateful beyond words that he healed Brenda from kidney disease.
Her dad’s youngest sister, died because of Kidney disease. She was only 21, or 22. She was married & had two small babies. She had a portable kidney machine after having one kidney removed. Several months later, she developed pneumonia. Following that the second kidney had to be removed and she died.
When kidney trouble was diagnosed with Brenda, I naturally thought about her aunt.
Please thank him for Johnny’s healing also. Jim Cobb lost part of his hearing in one ear as a result of a mastoidectomy.
Words cannot sufficiently express my gratitude.
I have known Father since 1957 and he has never failed or forsaken me and my children.
I shall be grateful & praise his name forever.
Love
Christine Young
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Thank you note to Jim Jones from Christine Young
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Dear Friend,
I wish that I had words to tell you how grateful I am to you for taking my children with you.
I also wish that my vocabulary was large enough that I could find the right words to tell you how sorry I am about what my oldest son has done and is doing.
If there is anything that I can do for you ever, the pleasure would be mine.
Since my children are there and as soon as I get Mona [Ramona Lamothe Young] there, I am willing to do anything to help. I am willing to give my life, if it takes that to repay the harm and hurt my son [Jim Cobb] has caused. Not only him, but all the ones have said or done any negative thing, has made me want to do whatever I can to prove to you that some of us are grateful for everything you
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have done, not only for me and mine, but you have done everything possible for so many.
I owe you my all, including my life.
Thank you my very best friend
Sincerely with love & appreciation
Christine Young
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