On 7 April, 1540, Cromwell wrote to Ralph Sadler, newly the co-secretary to the King. How odd Cromwell must have felt to write to the Master Secretary after six official years in the role himself. The letter concerns sending Richard Pate to replace Thomas Wyatt and Thomas Legh with the Emperor, so that Wyatt could accompany the Prince of Salerno, Ferdinando Sanseverino, to England for a visit. The letter shows the teething problems of the role changing hands; whereas Cromwell and Henry could have discussed matters, now the King would tell Sadler, who would talk to Cromwell, who then had to explain his suggestion, and then Sadler reported back to Henry. At the time, Cromwell was at home at Austin Friars while Sadler was at court with the king. This was a long-standing arrangement that allowed Cromwell a bit of space from court when needed.  

Sadler and Thomas Wriothesley were the first men to share the role, a situation that would not last. Promoted into the role because of his favour and loyalty, Ralph Sadler was more than capable of the role, trusted by the king, and would give another 40 years of fine loyal service to the crown. Sadler’s partner in the role, Wriothesley, would soon become a traitor to his master in an attempt to gain his own favour before bullying Sadler out of the role. Wriothesley died alone in 1550 after eventually being spurned by the court.

This is one of the final letters sent out under the name Thaosm Cromwell, as Cromwell was then given an earldom and started signing letters as Thomas Essex.

THOMAS LORD CROMWELL TO SECRETARY RALPH SADLER, 7 April 1540 (Roy. 7 C. xvi, f. 149)

To my assured loving friend, Mr. Sadler, Esquire, one of the King’s Majesty’s two principal secretaries.

Master Secretary, after my right hearty commendations, by your letters addressed unto me by this bearer, I do perceive the King’s Majesty’s pleasure touching answer to Mr. Wyatt’s letters, which I received as I rode hither, and be now remitted unto me, I require you to signify to his Majesty that I shall, according to my most bounden duty, cause Mr. Pate to put himself in order, and give advertisement to Mr. Wyatt accordingly. Immediately upon the receipt of your answer to the letters which dispatch to Mr. Wyatt, I shall stay till that time upon the purpose following.

First, where his Majesty thinks that Mr. Pate might arrive in such season as Mr. Wyatt might well accompany the Prince of Salerno hither, surely I think the same, but whether Mr. Wyatt should have his opportunity to depart so soon after Mr. Pate’s coming as he might well accompany the said Prince or no, I doubt much, the time of the taking of his leave, and the receipt of such letters and matter as he should bring with him not being in his arbiter or appointment. And yet as I think it were not mete that he made too much haste even at his departure, lest thereby he should lose some knowledge worthy to be related after to the King’s Majesty. Again, under his Majesty’s correction, I think it more mete that Mr. Wyatt should animate the said prince of himself to come hither as though he had given no significance of it, then that he should accompany him, being there his highness’ ambassador.

The world which knows that an ambassador dares not conduct such a man without his Master’s knowledge may think otherwise of it then there is cause, seeing it shall be no doubt of it opened that neither he has desired license to come, nor yet shall be recommended by the Emperor. In my poor opinion, it should be well done that some warnings were sent to Calais for his entertainment if he come, and some order for the like at Dover etc. for his money after he shall be here arrived, without making any further suits unto him in this behalf. Wherein, nevertheless I refer me wholly to his Majesty’s pleasure as my bounden duty requires and shall upon your answer make the dispatch accordingly.

Touching Legh, I think the opinion good for his coming home with Mr. Wyatt, which I trust shall be composed in such ways as he shall not stick at it, and then his Majesty may object to him his contemptuous absence at his pleasure. And if his gracious pleasure be that I shall send the minute after it shall be devised, I shall accomplish his pleasure therein as shall appertain. Since the beginning of this letter, I am informed that Mr. Pate is there. I pray you send for him and help him to take his leave that he may repair hither with diligence, and in the mean season, his letters of credence shall be prepared. But as for instructions, I think he shall better take them at Mr. Wyatt’s hand as to learn the state of things, then we can advise him here, unless it shall please the King’s Majesty to commit any other secret matter unto him then I know of. Thus, most heartily fare you well. From London this Wednesday night

 Your assured friend

THOMAS CRUMWELL

Note added by attendant – My Lord Privy Seal to Mr Sadler.

Cromwell’s ledgers are printed in full in The Letters and Remembrances of Thomas Cromwell