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William Wright and the Supply Party
| Burke left Wright behind in Menindie in October 1860, charged with the duty of transporting the main body of supplies to the camp at Cooper's Creek. |
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1861 |
| 26 January |
After considerable delays and prevarication, Wright's party sets out. It comprises Becker, Beckler, Hodgkinson, Smith, Purcell, Stone, Belooch and the native guide Dick. The party makes very slow progress due to heat, lack of water, straying camels, unfamiliar horses, lack of a skilled navigator, hostile aborigines, a plague of rats, and severe malnutrition. |
| 13 February |
They reach Torowotto ('Duroadoo'). |
15 February -
10 March |
While Wright and Smith scout ahead for water, the rest of the party shuttle back and forth between Torowotto where there is water, and the 'Mud plain camp' where they have deposited their supplies guarded by Becker and Purcell. Several men begin to suffer from their inadequate diet. |
| 17 March |
They arrive at Poria Creek. |
| 30 March |
Kooliatto Creek. Becker and Purcell remain here with Beckler to recuperate for their return. The rest advance to Bulloo. |
| 21 April |
Beckler, after repeated requests from Wright, finally brings Becker and Purcell up to Bulloo. |
| 22 April |
Charles Stone dies. |
| 23 April |
William Purcell dies. |
| 29 April |
Ludwig Becker dies. Brahe's party, returning from Cooper's Creek and having found Wright's tracks, joins the camp at Bulloo. Brahe and Wright turn back to re-examine Camp LXV. |
| 13 May |
Brahe and Wright return to Bulloo. Delayed by the straying of their animals and the illness of most of their party, they return slowly via Poria Creek and Torowotto. |
| 5 June |
William Patton dies. |
| 18 June |
The party returns to Menindie. |
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