This is another draft letter to the king, covering multiple topics in a short space of time. Cromwell was trying to gather news on James Griffith ap Howell, or James ap Gruffydd ap Hywel in Welsh, a Welsh nobleman who was the first layman to go into exile for speaking against the king and his divorce. He was also an accomplice of Rhys ap Gruffydd, a Welsh nobleman (married to the sister of the Duke of Norfolk) who was executed in December 1531 for trying to rebel against King Henry. Howell was never caught, and moved between Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Europe through the 1530s and 1540s. As for the Turks and their army, they invaded Hungary with 60,000 troops. Hungary’s king was brother to the Holy Roman Emperor, who sent 80,000 men to repel the Turks, who fled, destroying the Austrian countryside of Styria in the process.
CROMWELL TO KING HENRY VIII, 18 June 1532 (LP v no. 1092)
Pleasithit yo most Royall mageste to be informed how the Friar Carmelite brought to me this morning a book, willing me on your gracious behalf with all speed, to send the same to your highness.
Which I have done accordingly, I cannot yet certify your Grace touching the conclusion of James Griffith ap Howell, matter for as much yet I have not spoken with the Master Treasurer (Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk) of your most honourable household, who undoubtedly this day will be at Westminster.
Strange news has arrived here from Rome and Venice, of the Turks return to and towards Italy with a marvellous puissant army, what shall be the success thereof our lord knows, it is supposed that great affliction will ensue not only the Pope and the See of Rome, but also to the Emperor and his confederates. Wherefore, it may please the holy trinity in whose infinite goodness power and will rests the order and tranquility of all things, to bring peace, good opinion, and quietness amongst Christian princes, and ever conserve, preserve and keep your highness in long life, good health with quietness of your most virtuous, most noble, and most charitable mind. At London the 18th of June.
CAROLINE ANGUS 