Brahe
and three horses for Cooper's Creek and reached the head waters of
that creek on Sunday, the 5th May, in about seventy miles, steering
about west-north-west. I did not find any water throughout the
distance, but crossed several fine large gum creeks, and saw an
immense number of native dogs.
Thursday, May 9th.--This morning I reached Cooper's Creek depot,
and found no sign of Mr. Burke having visited the creek, or of the
natives having disturbed the stores. I therefore retraced my steps
to the depot that remained at Koorliatto.
. . .
On the examination of Wright and Brahe before the Royal Commission,
it came out that they did not remain more than a quarter of an hour
at Cooper's Creek depot, casting only a hurried glance around; and
believing that no one had been there, never thought of opening the
cache to identify the fact. Had they done so, they would have found
the papers and letters deposited by Mr. Burke, and all would yet
have been well. It is much to be regretted, and may excite some
surprise, that Burke and my son, after opening and closing up the
cache, affixed no EXTERNAL token of their having been there.
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