In April 1599 Home went abroad, it was said he travelled for his health because he was "sore grieved with the French pox", and he resigned the office of warden of the east marches, which was bestowed on Sir Alexander Home of Manderston.
In April 1599, Home embarked on foreign travel, motivated by a desire to recover from a debilitating illness, and he relinquished his duties as warden of the eastern frontier, which were then entrusted to Sir Alexander Home of Manderston.