John MCKINLAY, Leader.

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[Copy of letter buried at lake Massacre.]

S.A.B.R.  Expedition.

October 23rd, 1861.

To the Leader of any expedition seeking tidings of Burke and party: 

Sir,

I reached this water on the 19th instant, and by means of a native guide discovered a European camp one mile north, on west side of flat.  At or near this camp traces of horses, camels, and whites were found.  Hair, apparently belonging to Mr. Wills, Charles Gray, and Mr. Burke or King, was picked from the surface of a grave dug by a spade, and from the skull of a European buried by the natives.  Other less important traces—­such as a pannican, oil can, saddle stuffing, etc., have been found.  Beware of the natives; upon whom we have had to fire.  We do not intend to return to Adelaide, but proceed to west of north.  From information, all Burke’s party were killed and eaten.

I have, etc., John MCKINLAY.

P.S.  All the party in good health.  If you had any difficulty in reaching this spot, and wish to return to Adelaide by a more practicable route, you may do so for at least three months to come by driving west for eighteen miles, then south of west, cutting our dray track within thirty miles.  Abundance of water, and feed at easy stages.

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CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL.

(The preceding portion having been forwarded to Adelaide in October, 1861.)

Monday, October 28.

At 2.45 p.m. started Mr. Hodgkinson, Bell, Wylde, and Jack (native) with four saddle-horses and twelve packhorses and saddles.  Weather sultry, sky overcast.  Between 9 and 10 p.m. a heavy gale of wind from west, with a good deal of thunder and lightning, which blew our encampment quickly to the ground, after which we had a few squally showers from same quarter, but nothing of any consequence; towards morning the wind quite lulled.

Tuesday, October 29.

Wind variable from north-west to south, and very cloudy, in expectation of more rain; about 10 p.m. a native signal-fire south of this some distance.  Have seen none since my return—­no great loss; none have made their appearance during the night.

Wednesday, October 30.

At daylight quite a calm; then at 6 a.m. wind from south, then south-east, then east, with a beautiful clear sky and the air very agreeable.  During the afternoon wind back to south and then a fresh westerly breeze.  Native dogs rather troublesome, lay baits with strychnine.

Thursday, October 31.

At daylight found three baits gone and found close by two dead dogs.  Unpacking cart to put wheels in order, being rather loose, when one of the baits fell from limb of tree, where for the time they were put, and unfortunately our poor dog discovered it and ate it, and in a few moments was dead.  Wind as yesterday.  Sowed some melon (pie), pumpkins, orange pips, apricot, peach, and plum stones.  During the night a native signal-fire seen south.