[5] In a review of The Bushrangers, a Play; and Other Poems by Charles Harpur, a writer in The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser, 14 May 1853 stated: " "The Creek of the Four Graves" is a very fine piece of narrative and descriptive poetry combined, and would alone entitle the author to be held a true poet.

"[6] In a review of an 1899 edition of Poems by Charles Harpur in Freeman's Journal, the writer opined: " 'The Creek of the Four Graves' is a noteworthy performance not only in Australian verse, but also in modern English literature.

"[7] The Oxford Companion to Australian Literature states: "Its story of a group of settlers murdered by natives is presented with individuality and force.

Set in the Hawkesbury district and the Blue Mountains, the poem combines a realistic narrative with effective description of the local Australian scene.

"[8] The version of the poem text is that found in The Poetical Works of Charles Harpur (1984) edited by Elizabeth Perkins.