The account was written by John Skene (afterwards Lord Curriehill) (see folio 42 verso). The mission was to the Protestant princes, and its object was to bring about peace treaties between England and Spain and between France and Spain, or, failing that, an alliance of Denmark, Scotland, and the Germans which should assist the peaceful party against the obdurate. See ‘Calendar of the state papers relating to Scotland... 1547-1603’ (1898-1963), volume x, page xvi. The journal covers the mission of William Stewart and John Skene to England, Denmark, and Germany, from 9 June to 20 September, and that of Skene alone to Holland and England, from 20 September to 26 November. Skene gives an account of their visits to different courts (England, Denmark, Mecklenburg, Hessen, Saxony, Brandenburg, etc.), reports fully their conversations with rulers and with the Dutch States General, and describes the persons whom they met, the entertainment which they received, and the towns, buildings, etc., which they visited. His conversations with the Dutch government deal in part with the arrears of pay claimed from it by Stewart. In several places a blank is left for a word.

From notes found loose in the manuscript (folios iv-v), James Dennistoun appears to have contemplated publishing it.