want of rain, and am almost satisfied in my
own mind that Burke and party either reached the north coast, or at all
events went a very long way out, on a bearing of (firstly by account of
the natives) 311 1/2 degrees to or passing a salt lake or watercourse
(perhaps then fresh) where the natives report that the whites killed
their horse. They call the place Beitiriemalunie; there is also another
lake, salt now (perhaps then fresh) called Baramberrany. They gave no
particular intelligence as to the camels save mimicking their awkward way
of travelling with their heads thrown back. A bearing of 311 1/2 degrees
would take them near to Eyre's Creek; and I have no doubt that at that
time Burke and party went out from Cooper's Creek (in December last) they
would have to contend with too much water instead of the want of it, as
they must have travelled out of their way, very many miles often, to pass
the immense basins, swamps, and watercourses (boggy) that must have come
in their line of travel; and at that time all this country, perhaps to
Stuart's line of route, could have been thoroughly examined, as I can see
in many places large watercourses in the direction; and my belief is that
Burke's party were massacred on their return by their outward route, and
by one of their old camps. Whether they were all slaughtered or not it is
impossible to say from the traces and the considerable time that has
elapsed since they were killed. I will endeavour to examine the country
all round this locality for further traces of the party and camels; and
on return of my party, if not before, will push out a scouting party
towards Eyre's Creek and that quarter. I retain the two tins found near
the scene of the disaster. This for the present brings my journal to a
close.

JOHN MCKINLAY, LEADER.

* * *

[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., ha