DIARY OF MR. J. MCKINLAY,

LEADER OF THE BURKE RELIEF EXPEDITION:

BEING JOURNAL OF EXPLORATIONS IN THE INTERIOR OF AUSTRALIA,
TOGETHER WITH CHART.


TO THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS.

Depot Camp, Cudye-cudyena, or Buchanan Lake,

October 26, 1861.

Sir,

The following is a brief resume of the proceedings of the Burke Relief
Expedition since the date of my departure from Adelaide.

Started from Adelaide with the camels, etc., on 16th August, 1861, and
overtook the remnant of the party, horses, cart, etc. etc., nothing of
any particular note occurring on the journey to Blanchewater (Mr. Baker's
station) more than ordinary on such journeys, save the worthlessness of
the cart and consequent detention thereon. A few days before arriving at
said station, I was informed that the natives had brought in a report of
some white men and camels being seen at some inland water by them, or
rather others of Pando or Lake Hope tribe, but did not give the report
much credit knowing how easy a person may be misled from the statement he
hears from natives, and the probability of putting a wrong construction