Copy, of about the end of the seventeenth century, by the antiquary Robert Mylne, of ‘Ane account of ane Embassie performed by William Steuart [Stewart], Commendator of Pittenweim, and Mr John Skeen to England, Denmark, and the Princess [Princes] of Germanie in Anno 1590'.
Scope and Contents
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.
Dates
- Creation: 1590.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
49 Leaves ; Small octavo.
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Arrangement
v + 44 folios.
Custodial History
The manuscript was bought by the National Library of Scotland with the aid of the Reid Fund.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bought, 1938.
Bibliography
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division
- Description rules
- International Standard for Archival Description - General
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk