 On 29 December 1895, Jameson's armed column crossed into the Transvaal and headed for Johannesburg.They hoped that this would be a three-day dash to Johannesburg before the Boer commandos could mobilise, and would trigger an uprising by the Uitlanders.The British Colonial Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, though sympathetic to the ultimate goals of the Raid, realized it would be a mistake since the uitlanders were not supportive.