As to the nature of the hitch that occurred, there is some light thrown on it by the statement from Mr. S.W.  Jameson to his brother that any movement must be postponed ‘until we have C.J.  Rhodes’ absolute pledge that authority of Imperial Government will not be insisted on,’ a point that is further alluded to in Telegram No. 6,537 of Appendix QQ of the 28th December.

Whatever the exact nature of the obstacle was, there can be no doubt that some at least of the Johannesburg confederates were much alarmed and took all possible steps to stay proceedings.

In addition to urgent telegrams special messengers were sent to impress on Dr. Jameson the necessity for delay.  One of these, Captain Holden, made his way across country.

According to Mr. Hammond’s evidence Holden arrived at Mafeking on the 28th December, and went in with the column.

The other messenger was Captain Maurice Heany, who left Johannesburg on the 26th December, and on the 27th telegraphed from Bloemfontein to Charter, Capetown, informing them that ‘Zebrawood’ (Colonel Rhodes) had asked him to ’stop “Zahlbar” (Dr. Jameson) till Heany sees him,’ and asking that a special train might be arranged for him.  Dr. Harris replied to Kimberley on the 28th informing him that a special train was arranged, and added, ’lose no time or you will be late.’

It is in evidence that this special train was provided by the Chartered Company, that Heany left by it, caught up the ordinary train at Vryburg, and that he reached Mafeking at 4.30 a.m. on Sunday, the 29th.

The evidence is that he was coming with an urgent message to stop Dr. Jameson; that on his arrival at Mafeking he waked up Mr. Isaacs, a local storekeeper, and purchased a pair of field boots and a kit-bag, and proceeded by special cart to Pitsani; and that he subsequently on the same evening accompanied Dr. Jameson on his inroad and was captured at Doornkop.{24}

On the 27th, after receiving the discouraging telegrams mentioned above from Johannesburg, Dr. Jameson telegraphed to Harris, Charter, Capetown, ’I am afraid of Bechuanaland Police for cutting wire.  They have now all gone forward, but will endeavour to put a stop to it.  Therefore expect to receive telegram from you nine to-morrow morning authorizing movements.  Surely Col.  F.W.  Rhodes advisable to come to terms at once.  Give guarantee, or you can telegraph before Charles Leonard arrived.’  This doubtless alludes to the necessity for guarantee mentioned in the message from S.W.  Jameson, and the alternative suggestion was that authority to proceed should be given before the arrival of the Johannesburg delegate at Capetown.

Two hours later on the same day he sends another message of the utmost importance.  He informs Harris, Charter, Capetown, as follows:  ’If I cannot, as I expect, communicate with Bechuanaland Border Police cutting, then we must carry into effect original plans.  They have then two days for flotation.  If they do not, we will make our own flotation with help of letter, which I will publish.’