[Editor’s note: Larry Schacht was the only doctor in Jonestown, and the Temple’s efforts to have him licensed under Guyana law was a difficult one – including several threats of death made by Jim Jones – if the accreditation did not come through. He wrote numerous medical reports, but he also wrote letters to Jones which are presented below.
[The letters on this page derive from several sources, principally FBI Section 129 • EE-1 • Letters to Dad (N-Z).]
EE-1-R-78
Undated note
Basically A shallow note
but I need to say Some[thing]
TO DAD,
I know that I am not really a “doctor”, the situation was beyond my capacity & I will NOT forget that kind of humbling anyway. Maybe there was nothing that could be done except to be out of the way when a body is going to die? I DON’T KNOW. There is so much I DO NOT KNOW & so much yet I have to do just to watch out for the health of the people here, I am already many people behind & new problems present each day an overload.
I need the guilt.
Larry Schacht
Radder, Reginald
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Undated note from Larry Schacht
EE-1-S-112
I wasted a lot of time dreaming which could have served the cause.
I spent about $6.00 on sex magazines in late winter and spring ‘77; I have a voyeuristic tendency. Is somewhat of this in medicine and is far easier to serve a young person, than a senior. I have a pattern of deviating as you know but do know when to call it off apparently?? I don’t expect that even a minute of deviation is permitted to a truly trustworthy person and believe that I was not considered trustworthy to remain in my internship (bullshit) after Stoen, Cartwell, Crawford, etc etc etc I am grateful that you have as much faith in me as you do. I do still have sexual desires but am very satisfied to be able to sublimate this into medical care. I have an arrogant attitude and it is easier for me to criticize myself than to take it from others. This still [illegible] me! to keep [illegible]. I wasted money on soft drinks and food (beyond the essentials) while in school and my time was not completely used for school, work. I slept my share & more, beat my meat with fantasies about women that were entirely exploitative and still are nothing more than that. I am very hostile at times and bitch about much I have on me. You were right though I am getting used to it. I want you to help me in telling me how I need to be to assure myself being loyal.
Suggestion for making money:
By the way: I could do vasectomies and make $ for the cause. It is a simple procedure and we could charge for that.
Sorry I’m so late in writing. I wrote it weeks ago and have misplaced it. Because I held out. I never really do get honest and I’m not sure just how honest I can or will be. In any case, I’m grateful to be here, grateful to have faced death, grateful to be aware that although I think I have attraction to people sexually that I would never gain
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EE-1-S-113
one thousandth the satisfaction from a relationship as I do being a worker here. I do feel guilty about the luxury of our lives, the good food and houses, the provisions, the opportunity to consult on the radio and the truth you teach. I wish to help more people. Thank you for the political teachings. I am very grateful as this has always been a GAP in my life.
I do tend to excuse myself from the guilt of self indulgence. I drink a lot of coffee. I get worried that I am too weak. and speak to low. I feel bad about using the rest of this paper and will fill it. Sex is a key issue and I know I really haven’t faced it. The fact that I was nothing before you saved me is not to be thought of enough. I want to clean it up. Enough
Thank you,
Larry Schacht
P.S. All this stuff seems to be beyond the point, beside the point. I’m still attracted to Black women but I’ve never seen yet enough character and physical appearance together to warrant serious thoughts. This is ego because I’m NOTHING myself and where sex is the object. The claim that a simultaneous search for character is bullshit (at least is bullshit for me to say) Why I delay handing in these notes is because I really think you would feel better about me if you did not know my failings, but you do know, and you always make my life better when you are told. I should trust you absolutely. Larry Schacht
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Undated note from Larry Schacht
EE-1-S-114
I owe you some honesty
1. I delay handing you write ups because I want to keep you from affecting change in my life, trying to bullshit you. I am a prick to people, those I work with and often those I see as patients. I am down-right cold to some people. I hurt your efforts by this. Because people look to me for verification that they are all right physically and that since you gave me the education and support me to the fullest I do more and more see my deep responsibility. An example – Burger Lee Dean. I have had rapport with whenever I see her but a couple of mornings ago I got nasty with her when she said she wished she had some buttermilk for her leg cramps (calcium lack?) I made it out by implying she was criticizing the project for lack of buttermilk but I do this to people and it could be handled kindly. I do know what it is to want to die. facing a chain of people with complaints about their bodies many that cannot be solved and taking up time from more genuine illnesses and my life I see ain’t nothing, But I do, daily, see successes and I am a friend to people – my work shows that you are a friend to people. I will be kind and solve problems faster. A main worry driving a work day is how behind I get. I don’t want to keep people waiting but everyday this occurs. Some people get seen 2 or more hours after their appt. and often get bumped for an emergency. This makes me feel guilty. On the other hand it is only fair to devote as much time to each person as needed to help them.
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EE-1-S-115
This is all bullshit and words are no means of truth because I never do get straight with you. I was a real shithead today. My attitude was too much. I felt trapped by the people who came in the Land Rover took me hours to DX [diagnose] and meet them. Woman was pissed because her husband had the CLAP and she was told she had to follow up: cervical erosion in Georgetown. It is good to be of help to others but it is the end of my ‘personal’ existence. I do wish I could get some exercise. I do not deserve what I have. I really wished I could have watched the dentist work I could have learned to do the extracting –
I can’t explain myself. I always get off the track in these notes. I’ll keep on working and be less moody and control my mouth.
I mouthed off to Loretta Chavez about how Wanda Swinney was sadistic because she brought 3 people over to see me today and I was already seeing one and I mouthed off to Anita Kelly about how “I have had enough of peoples problems.” I was curt and defensive with mother when she brought Detricka to me again today. I did complete exam and checked his urine last night and told Terry about the negative results. This makes me sick because she is the second best human being I’ve met in my life and she meant well. I was paranoid today and feel the pressure too much. I always feel that Phyllis writes me up for some small point when I really do get little out of life.
L. Schacht
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EE-1-S-33
Statement of October 1977
10/29/77
Sexual attractions: my capacity to sublimate is proven to me in that I could go for over 4 years without sex because of only sexual attraction to you and the cause. I am attracted to you stronger than to anyone even though you are older you still look good. I am more attracted to your capacity to love & the phenomenal amount of love you have given me. I am sexual attracted to medicine & there is a lot of sublimation in it especially dealing with women. I am superficially attracted to many black women in the church Shirley Mitchell, Shirley Robinson, they are just examples. I am sexually attracted to many black men who I have seen as patients. I could list many here. I can feel an attraction toward older men like Claude Goodspeed because of his positive attitude. I was sexually attracted to the men who kissed Jair Baker in the People’s Rally. I feel attracted to Mike Prokes, Lee Ingraham, Johnny Jones but it is more comradery than just the way they look, though they do look good. I am attracted to Mason Amos, she is my sister-mother. Am attracted to Carolyn Layton though I feel far away from her. I was very moved by the socialist team work when we delivered the baby & feel attracted to the medical staff – individuals who are more sexually attractive to me are Judy Ijames, Anita K, Tim Carter, I am sexually attracted to Becky Flowers & it was distracting when I worked closely with her some weeks ago. But I realized that I would never give up my deep attraction for you, my work as a doctor & the cause for any relationship based on the appearance of a person.
I felt deep emotions (shame?) when I went to Emmett JR’s & Gloria’s room & saw their high school diplomas displayed, & how much that meant to them & how glad I feel that I can give to the people who have been deprived the benefit of the education you gave me. I have thought a lot that I was destined to go the way of other “professionals”, Tim Stoen, Chaiken, Mike Cartmell (he is not as good an example of the syndrome as the first two) but I realized that I went to medical school because you sent me + were with me + the multiple times you got me into schools. I was not educated in a purely capitalism frame of reference at all & I am not destined to follow any ones pattern except yours. I have to work on rooting out the elitest part of my self that identifies with professionals like Stone and Chaikan. I realize that this part of me is not trustworthy. I realize that there is a lot of sublimation in being a doctor. I get a pleasure from understanding that people like Lynetta can’t starve to death
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EE-1-S-34
even though their sodium level is right. I am glad that a drug combination we worked out has given Emmett Sr. much relief from pain & has permitted us to stretch out our narcotics. I do get sexual feelings from working with people but I get a higher degree of gratification from accurately diagnosing & treating their problem. I could never do anything for a woman with my body or personality but I am quite able to accurately diagnose and treat many gynecological problems and that is a productive way of sublimating sexual feelings for women; I am not often attracted to a womans genitals & do not recall normal characteristics, the odors, discharge & the care I must exercise to be thorough & not cause discomfort make it a lot less pleasant than examining the eyes. Examining eyes (except for the diseased or operated-on eyes of the elderly) is pleasant. Even though during my day I may examine a woman who is sexually attractive to me & will most often fantasize about fucking – or rather being fucked by Sharon A. (wishing she or whatever woman I fantasize about had a dick I could suck or have in my ass), or a woman with strength & concern for me. I am still not fully aware of myself but a lot closer than before & really respect the need to take your time reading this, I want political awareness.
Cases I’m concerned about –
1. Billy Jones – right index finger, may not regain ability to bend finger. Most of the fault lies with me partly due to lack of knowledge & I have taken too long to consult with you about it. Has not been managed well although the original treatment was good, 11/8/77 I am considering sending him to Georgetown to see what can be done to restore more function to the index finger.
[Paragraph crossed out] I was angry at Sharon Cobb and Don Fields for putting our supply of Polio vaccine in the kitchen serving area freezer, accessible to whoever came by & might knock it down & break it. I voiced my disapproval & it was locked up in the kitchen freezer. Last night found they (Don Fields & nurses not sure which ones) had put our blood typing serum in the freezer again could have been broken easily. I moved it but the point is that so much of our money & future health was jepardized by this carelessness. I request that the refrigerator in the nurses office be put in the doctors office so that I can watch carefully the materials that need to be refrigerated. There is much expensive microbiology equipment in the freezer in the serving area now & and needs to be under lock control. I agree with their point that freezing preserves it longer but not if it is open to being taken or broken by anyone who comes heedlessly by.
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EE-1-S-35
The case of Ollie’s baby [Martin Luther Smith, son of Eugene and Ollie Smith] was not accurately reported. The cord was two times around the neck and once around the body. The eyes were bulging out, total body blue, arms & legs limp very slow to show breathing effort. Suddenly became pink & began to cry the color change was too rapid to be simply normal physiology, Thank you dad
Larry S. [Schacht]
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Miscellaneous notes
EE-1-S-73
of whack. I am trying to be more considerate
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EE-1-S-74
I feel very sick about how I voted tonite. Was a subconscious hostile act. No one more merciful than you are, I know. I thought today about your sermon and it fit me well. I am a terrible human being and I did vote for leniency because I want to cover my own ass. But I do not care about anyone except myself. I am a evil bastard and that action tonight was an end product of a very negative train of thought that I indulged in today. Thought about how many times I’ve felt alienated. And it was only because I was so grossly unappreciative of you, and so demanding. It is true that there was an element of anticipation that you would give Jair another chance because he came to the meeting late before. The statement about one more was made but no way could I convince myself it was not an act of hostility and was treasonous. I do not trust myself, I’ve seen too many “white” Jews, educated, [illegible word], haughty, narcissistic, weak BASTARDS not to fear that very same pattern in myself. The only way I can avoid it is to CHANGE.
I want to take back what I said above – I do care about people, I do care about the cause no way like you do but I refuse to be a fascist! I should really be disciplined, pay for my crime. That is probably why I voted so because I am an enemy (at times) of the collective good. I am delinquent as a thief or when I am unkind to the people. I am elitist and deserve [words cut off]
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EE-1-S-75
attitude. I felt hostile because I could tell that others knew I had taken drugs and after all I’m the criminal not you, I’m the selfish bastard not you. you were merciful not to tell the entire collective and you told me not to do that. I felt enough guilt that I would have done just that I think.
I should be on the learning crew indefinitely. I should not think I’m indispensable. it really shows how weak my commitment is that I get hostile if my “ trustworthiness” is questioned and how fucking ridiculously untrustworthy I really am.
Self degradation is also not productive. I’ll be more conscious of your position and know full well that you are what you say you are. The most just person alive.
I’m not sure what you meant when you told me I would get used to it? if you meant the pace of commitment to a revolution I hope I do get used to it. the debt I see tonight is tremendous, especially mine. Especially after all the time, love, backing and consideration you have given me.
Larry Schacht
I would appreciate it if I am not called doctor anymore; I will do so as you see fit however.
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Note of December 29, 1977
EE-1-S-154
29/12/77
Thursday
Reference to situation with Annie [Moore]. I was hostile because she was continuously on Don Fields’ case. I felt excessively. Makes me Paranoid. I link Annie with you in my concept of your trusted workers but I spoke to her after that problem and worked it out with her. Phyllis [Chaikin] acts without consulting; thinks she is the decision maker to hand in evaluations without weighing the consequences. Is now pressuring for a confrontation with Lois Ponts. I really want to get Lois out of the medical dept. and wish to do it subtly. I have tremendous gratitude to Annie for storing the valuable medical equipment in her house when I was in G.T. She noticed that Vincent was eyeing it and Joyce P. [Parks] and Phyllis (who confessed she was too passive in the matter) were quite willing to leave it outside under a tarp. Fuck them on that score! I thought it was straightened out with Annie until the criticisms from days ago were read Wed. nite. I always seem to be hearing and saying criticisms of folks to other folks and see that I am trying to keep the other members of the medical staff divided (??) or maybe I know some won’t respond to criticism and I get it off my chest by saying it behind their back. I don’t think I want consciously to see division – but the will to death is in me. Lois Ponts and D.F are open targets, Sharon Cobb (Jones) – (and when her name was changed I noticed a change in my feeling of freeness to criticize her) is not a pediatrician. Neither she nor Joyce have to assume the full responsibility for a person’s health, and I see that as my job. I was very mad when I had lost the glaucoma eye chart, & Joyce, Tim Carter, no one gave a shit until I made a public announcement, and Tim Carter ran up there then. So Sharon will not do total physicals on ill children, just routine well check-ups. Joyce has missed pelvic masses twice and I recheck each of her exams as the occasion arises. But I am aware that it would be easier on me to cover my future errors (which I will keep to a minimum) and to lay off those who have had less training so they will lay off me, but I will
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EE-1-S-155
assume my responsibility and take whatever hostility they have toward me to maintain the health standard.
[Second]
30/12/77
Much of the above material is old now
This letter is not very honest – I still have not really got to the point that I really fear my loyalty is based on positive reinforcement, but then I really do have concern for peoples. People ? People who I visualize as less fortunate than me. That is condescension at a deep level. For example I felt like crying when I looked at Archie (The father of the twin that went to Georgetown and died) at the PNC building yesterday, so lonely his life must be. A few minutes later he came up to me and ask for medicine he could not take the morning after to prevent V.D. No loyalty to his wife even with the death of their child. Or maybe a type of loyalty to prevent her from infection he would get screwing around. ??
I worked with Annie last night and think she is conscientious and interested in conserving supplies. I don’t think a lot of this letter has been fair. I will on better interdepartment relations.
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EE-1-S-160
Am a little encouraged.
Have culture that had closmidial [clostridium] bacteria –; again it may not be the type that causes botulism. looks like it though. will see what happens to the pig. The organisms may be tetanus bacteria which look the same. will let you know.
About Stoen I think an ice pick driven deep into the throat around the area of carotid pulse and aimed toward base of skull would be effective. Larry S. [Schacht]
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Note of December 30, 1977
EE-1-S-149
30/12/77 Friday
Dad, the medical staff had a constructive meeting today. we will be posting our regulations & will be more and more concerned with merging principles with action. we are seeking to have solid principles behind each regulation & to review the regulations currently decided upon before each work period. these will be forthcoming.
I fucked up – when giving Don Fields a limited supply of phenobarbital put 60mg tabs in a bottle marked 30mg. Caught my own mistake & confessed my error & waste of medication to the entire staff while I criticized others for waste. Several people received double doses however + I won’t let it happen again. No harm was done thankfully. Joyce Rozynko treated a woman for seven days with antifungal vaginal cream when the woman said she had trichomonas [trichomoniasis]. The rule was reemphasized that only I prescribe & I will seek more involvement in the sore treatment program until the problem is under control. Also must be said all lacerations be evaluated by me before suturing. I am not dealing with Lois (She was not there today by the way). I wish she was not in the medical dept. For example it is possible that Melanie Simon is a breech delivery. This is not definite, by any means but I can not let Lois have access to the chart because she will scare Melanie when it is not called for, but I still have to record accurately to provide for her health care. I lied to her & am keeping the chart in my file. This is indefensible except I feel concern for my sister. I emphasized many times in our meeting that we are in the medical staff to demonstrate your concern for the health care of the people. We will dictate preventative medical care; we will emphasize that our purpose is TO keep the productive work force healthy. It was pointed out again how we have receive feeling of satisfaction from seeing our comrades
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EE-1-S-150
get Better. Each wound or sore must be followed by the same observer.
Too much optimism here –
I criticized Joyce Parks for Not doing what she knew about clamping Lola’s catheter.
I have not criticized Annie [Moore], but still feel she was nonchalant about the amount of urine backed up in Lola’s system & she, as a nurse was aware of this kind of thing & did not move on that knowledge. She was not in the meeting today or I would have done so. She is very snappy & I don’t feel would do much good to say it to her except in a meeting. I realize she will confess to you but still has a superior attitude about everyone else in staff. If she [illegible sentence]
I am likely responsible for the arrogant attitudes of those I work with. Am learning to dislike gossip & one-to-one conversations as counterproductive. because I’ve done it so much & seen so little come from it. I will correct this terrible blockage I have with Lois P. Have been unkind to her lately. She has been correct enough to try to get Lola catheterized. She has been correct at times but has become universally ignored even when correct. She turned in Earl McKnight’s urine & it was infected. I treated him. This was Good.
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Note of January 1, 1978
EE-1-S-148
SUNDAY-
1/1/78 – your question about the microscope was answered quickly but yes I had not been doing my best to keep the case dry. Corrected this last night. Was not as nice to the national with cut finger, he was intoxicated + uncooperative. But I was condescending & spoke too firmly to him to gain control. I tend to look down on others – working with Russell M. [Moton]. Thought him too damn passive & worthless in our attempt to diagnose plant disease. But he came up with point that explained our difficulty & we will work it out. I am a pisser when I wake up, hate to face an “onslaught” of human needs; spoke today (only to Ruby Johnson who has heard it too much before) about wishing I could blow my Brains out. Told her I was just seeking out of my responsibility but usually I settle down rapidly & get to work concentrating on someone’s health problem. Still there is NO Reason why I can not arise and cheerfully face my duty without these out-bursts. Felt hypocritical talking to you sometime later & being calm at that time. I am quickly given into paranoia + am very disorganized in my paper work. Last few weeks was working usual full day (usually at least 15, 16 hours) & knocking myself out with valium. Was very BAD because I was losing those few daily minutes of research before sleep that make the difference between a conscientious Doctor & a wreckless one – though the extra sleep helped my temperament. Now appreciate clarity of mind over sedation. Damn good that I went through school with clear mind. Noticed about myself that I will laugh at my own jokes but not other’s. Feel sorry for myself I get little physical work, outdoors but am lazy (??) as hell at times. I am basically a nasty mouthed gossipy, back biting son-of-a-bitch & physically ugly, with unresolved continual mental drops into hetero sexual sado-masochistic (actually just wish to be passive partner with aggressive ♀) fantasy with definite racistic undertones why else would I prefer black women except to identify stronger with third world. Still am not really honest . Few people are trustworthy, I clearly see when it comes to sex. I do not know my sexual potential but through my considerable ability to sublimate am at the point I am. Larry Schacht
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Undated note, likely late 1977, early 1978
EE-1-S-139
(3)
More on Lela Murphey– I made calculations based on research and put her back into fluid and electrolyte equilibrium. She is on a good course (course) and will do well, I feel. Found out also the child I treated for amebiasis is greatly improved! Thank you for providing me with education to serve the people effectively.
I must say that it was a miraculous recovery of her kidney function (quite as described in the text books) with such an over load of fluid in the bladder and ureter.
Further evaluation of myself in this time I wont take more time.
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Note of January 11, 1978
EE-1-S-153
11/1/78
Please note the following points:
The medical staff wastes too much paper! Should write from margin to margin. Don’t put just one word on a line. Use slash marks to separate ideas. Write from top to bottom. May skip 1 inch for staple at top. / 2. Each wound or medical problem should be seen by the same medical person at least once each day for maximal evaluation of improvement or failure to improve. / 3. No medications (other than the few discussed) to be given except by prescription of doctor or practitioners with consultation if doubt exists, with doctor or pharmacist. / 4. No laceration, especially of the hand, wrist, foot, or face, to be repaired until doctor has evaluated the degree of injury. /
What is worse to me is that I could spend all this time writing the preceding bullshit when could be using mental energy for conceiving ways of advancing the cause through medicine, defense, agriculture, nutrition research, herbal cures, and just plain checking up on Lola M., Kwase T., etc. etc. I see this as true self-centeredness and will attempt to write up constructive thought in these areas to advance the cause.
One thing I am doing which is really not good is cutting corners on some patient evaluations. I’m spread too thin. I’m not entirely sure if I am cutting corners or have just learned when I do not have to do extra study. But on second thought, I am not following through, due to overextension, on additional examinations that may turn up something not expected.
Should not have taken your time with this. But, I feel like I’m holding back if I don’t have it in.
Larry Schacht
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Undated note from Larry Schacht
EE-1-S-178
Progress Report:
Have prepared cultures – made medium carefully and have 21 different tubes. also learned in the process that there areworm larva in the soil, we wear shoes anyway, so no problem. also accidently found I have a culture growing of a fungus which can be a very serious pathogenic agent in a person whose immuno-logical system is depressed with steroids. This could be an effective way to deal with internal enemies. the medication to treat this is very toxic and hard to get here. As soon as the crisis was over Joyce T. stopped helping. I will get with it everyday now and continue with Sandy.
Phyllis C. just asked me how many patients I’ve seen in the last 24 hours so she could fill
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EE-1-S-179
out her production report to you. I think she would like to portray me as negligent or lazy and also keep me tied up with continual flow of health problems so I can’t get their other job done. I have come to realize that I am critical that if I don’t watch it our supplies are wasted etc. Anyway she must be kind of sadistic to ask me how many patients I’ve seen in the last 24 hours.
Discovering the fungus I did is important because I can infect someone and it will look very legitimately like death from meningitis. outline of plan. To start them on steroids, they will feel great, almost euphoric. Then 2 or 3 weeks later infect them by I.V. route or directly into the spinal fluid. I would like to do Gene
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EE-1-S-175
Chaiken this way. would love to do Stoen but doesn’t get to him. I think Chaiken would like to embrace Stoen if he could, he came for his medication during the last crisis, yesterday I mean. I have thought of going to Georgetown to murder Stoen but then you said he is leaving.
I need a good book on forensic medicine – tells many different ways people are actually killed. There are extensive texts written on this subject. I recall seeing a book in the states with color photo-graphs. John Harris could be assigned to get such books on forensic medicine or pathology, he felt neglected that I did not respond to his proposition to set up a pathology lab here. Probably better not to assign this task to him anyway. Larry Schacht
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EE-1-S-72
Note to Jones, January 26, 1978
26/1/78
I feel like the worst criminal. I am really deeply disturbed by my actions. I will use the guilt to work harder. that is all I can do now but I really felt horrible that I would do such a thing; total hypocrisy! Criminally rob from the people. The look on your face will be hard for me to forget. I’m sorry. Larry Schacht
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EE-1-S-76
Note to Jones, January 30, 1978
30/1/78
DAD,
What I have done, on many occasions, after I have been unkind, un-zero and selfishly feeling my own petty bullshit frustrations is to have them back again soon, or when I see them again I do something out-of-the-way to show concern for them. Am trying to balance out my mistakes this way. I know full well the shoe has fit me all too often and I do attempt and will continue to correct this elitist attitude,
Larry Schacht
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EE-1-S-38
Statement of June 3, 1978
3/6/78
I swore not to put down other doctors (the Hippocratic oath) which I have broken, so far. I won’t do it except to you in the future. I won’t say anymore because Joyce P. talked to people in medical staff about Lisa W.’s scan & it will get to her.
Martin Amos has a kink in his right ureter at the level of 4th lumbar vertebra there is none but the most minimal if any, evidence of back pressure on the kidney, urine flows fills as fully above or below the kink but the amount of obstruction is hard to know.
Tommy Beikman has an angular deformity of the bones of his forearm. May need to be reset & plated. If this is the case I recommend another country so it doesn’t have to be done again later.
[hand drawing of an arm showing deformity of bone in forearm]
Helen Swinney – Hope it heals but may not. In 6 weeks should know. If doesn’t then operation would be indicated. Again I suggest another country. Needs grafting at that point.
Also the baby that died did so conceivable because of an electrolyte or acid-base disturbance We must be able to measure these if we are to save lives scientifically. An electrolyte disturbance can be easily fatal. Could have been important in that case.
Elenor [Eleanor] Beam should be seen by GYN (Skinner) I would like opinion about abnormal cervix.
Marion Campbell – has pelvic mass. Will follow up.
LS [Larry Schacht]
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EE-1-S-55 – 56
Note discussing efficiency of cyanide
[Editor’s note: This memo is discussed more fully here.]
Cyanide is one of the most rapidly acting poisons. I had some misgivings about its effectiveness but from further research I have gained more confidence in it, at least theoretically. I would like to give about two grams to a large pig to see how effective our batch is to be sure we don’t get stuck with a disaster like would occurr [occur] if we used thousands of pills to sedate the people and then the cyanide was not good enough to do the job. I also want to order antedotes [antidotes] just in case we may need to reverse the poisoning process on people. Eli Lilly Co. puts out a kit or we could buy the chemicals.
- Sodium nitrite
- sodium thiosulfate both for Intravenous administration. We should get enough for about two hundred people.
Cyanide may take up to three hours to kill but usually is [it] is within minutes. If it had to be reversed it could be without significant damage to the central nervous system. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are Increase of respiratory rate at first and then depression, blue color, Headache, loss of consciousness, asphyxia and seizures which precede death (often).
An article I want from S.F. [San Francisco] Naughton M. Acute cyanide poisoning. Anseth Intensive care 2:351, 1974. We could say that a child was brought in to our free medical clinic who had ingested rat poison containing cyanide and we want this article on the subject.
Sorry I said “I would like to kill Debbie Blakey” In front of Jeff C [Carey]. He was not asking or prying. I was thinking out loud and forgot that you had not informed the collective. I will be damn careful in the future.
I think all workers in Georgetown should be required to have a good political understanding and be sensitive to the world struggle. Obviously have some talents which make them valuble [valuable] in the city but with out the political enlightenment they are dangerous. Information could be taken to them or they could be required to hand in five pages each two weeks about a book they are reading on communism, or the black liberation effort and you could get a good idea about where their committment [commitment] to the theoretical (and apparently essential) aspects of our movement Is and just how they relate to the cause. The more I hear and learn about the events in the world the less I tend to be Illusionary about life. Thank you for pointing out that I am holding on to life too much.
I think we should kill debbie B. even though this is not pragmatic and in fact could drive suicidal people into traitorous acts just to elicit a vengeful murderous ac from the group. Leaving People’s Temple is a form of suicide. It is suicide. I was grateful that I was included in the plan the other night as I was able to help out with Lillies [likely Lillie Mae Victor] water retention and urological disorder. I would not have minded taking the full responsibility for that therapeutic recommendation and that is one disease I feel morally responsible to cure.
I have some radio consultations I would like to get taken care of soon. I have requested to do so but apparently there has not been opportunity.
Larry Schacht
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EE-1-S-57
Note discussing methods of death, June 1978
6/1/78 –
Dad, There is a good chance I can develop germicidal means. Botulism and staphylococci in process now. But with time pressing in my confidence level is low; my expertise is lacking in this area. I am quite capable of organising the suicide aspect, and will follow through and try to convey concern and warmth throughout the ordeal, have told the rest of the team this and Joyce P. and myself will committ suicide after graduating our adult comrades on the team. If possible I will seek to fight.
I think Gene Chaiken is bright but he is a provocateur – how he suggested we have shot guns at the gate and Lee Ingram backed this up. I really AM NOT legally oriented and have difficulty with STRATEGY, I will kick in more information as time permits.
We do need to obtain – cyanide tablets (potassium or sodium cyanide) jars for canning vegetables so botulism can be produced. Joyce T. [Touchette] says we have none.
We can also ask for mace from the States. Tear gas canisters and gas masks – army surplus stores sell to anyone. The tear gas and mace comes in cartridges and with a gun.
We will need empty gelatin capsules #3 at least 1000 of them.
If immediate action requires we could use chloral hydrate and alcohol to sedate key soldiers between us and the weapons.
Thought is that we align ourselves
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EE-1-S-58
with the PPP and their pro-Soviet
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EE-1-S-59
The concept that protein is useful to you comes from the fact that glucose is produced from protein (called Gluconeogenesis) and I think that when you eat carbohydrate (CH2O abbreviated) insulin is called forth in an uncontrollable manner and causes wide swings in blood sugar. Low blood sugar calls forth epinephrine (adrenaline) and this causes nervousness, sweating, rapid heart rate. It may be that too much sugar is eaten to try to get out of hypoglycemic reaction and this causes release of greater amount of insulin and causes further hypoglycemia. Gluconeogenesis (protein and fat to glucose) provides a “back-door” gradual way of providing glucose, the only food substance the nervous system can use, and prevents the wide erratic swings. I will need accurate information. Daily food intake time, quantity, quality (protein, fat, carbohydrate)
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EE-1-S-60
and medical records of glucose tolerance test and we can do our own here. I can tell much more by the test results.
In morning fast —
Blood sugar tested.
Take 100 gm carbohydrate (glucose)
Blood sugar tested at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. 240 minutes, 300 min. 360 minutes. 420 minutes
To start we can check single blood sugar 2 hours after eating meal. Then follow the above test.
Larry Schacht
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Undated Memo to Jim Jones from Larry Schacht
EE-2-r-12a – 12b
Explanation of my hostility – I think it is wrong that Karen [Layton] asks me to sit next to her in a film come up with her hands on me in public in front of Jean Brown, Dick Tropp, Lee Ingram (who are alone). He did the day before Larry Layton’s landed in the SCU [Special Care Unit]. I do not like her manipulating me with public expressions of “affection”, I am not a Maser [Joe Mazor] or a Georgetown technocrat; I am a communist and I do have human desires. I do not need her & do not want her now. I was liberated when she told me she was making out with Maser. I was free! But since then you have said she is my “girlfriend” & you mention this when I see or speak with you. She misinterprets me. She told Phyllis I had a relationship with her. I do not. I do not want to hurt her but I am only human & I do not like being played with. I despise the games she played with me, leading me to suicidal fantasies and desire to be away. She can keep her [illegible word]! I volunteered to take on S.B. if it would help. I work with women who turn me on. Leslie W. [Wagner Wilson] for example. But don’t take advantage of my position or the knowledge I have about them. That self-control was leaking out as hostility. I was angry that she insults me & the above people Dick, Lee, Jean B. yet would never actually be with me. I will gladly go on alone & be loyal.
I even dislike her more for the Demands she put on you through the years.
This is the core of my hostility. But actually this sex bullshit is just a diversion from my job which is likely the real core of my resentment from authority. My job is hard & get my diversion seeking is always thwarted, denied while I see others as less confining responsibilities have their “fulfillment”. But I would not trade it, I would not trade it, I would not trade it. I would not trade the feeling of being a comrade to the people for the narcissism of a one-to-one trip. I take this stand & I mean it.
I don’t like to abuse the channel you open to us to discuss personal things. But this has affected my work somewhat & is important.
This is bullshit but I needed to write it.
L. [Larry] Schacht
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