Robert Lowe (porter) and James Whitacre (clerk and assayer's fireman) to Treasury

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To the Rht. Honourble. the Lords Commisrs. of his Majs. Trery, &c.

The Humble petition of Iames Whitacre

and Robert Lowe.

Sheweth

That yr. petitr. Iames Whitacre being imployd as Clark & Fireman in ye assay-office in His Majs. Min in ye Tower, he is by that busines obligd to a constant attendce. every day, & every hour of the day, to take in Gold & Silver assays: in ye working of which Assays, there are requird not only great care & skill, but he is also expos'd to great danger & hazard in his health, & life besides a continual Trust of the Gold & Silvr. Imported for wch all trust & danger his he nevertheless, He has no Other allowance or Salary Vpon the Establishmt. or nor more than 25li ꝑ Ann. altho he is obligd to give 400li. security for his fidelity.

And yr. petitr. Robt. Lowe, porter to his Majs. Mint is imployd & intrusted in Carrying Ingotts of Gold & Silver from ye assay office to the office of Receipt; & he is also employ'd & assisting at the taking-up, & delivery of the Gold & Silver Monys: besides ye Other parts & dutys of his Station; for all which trust & Service he has no more allowce. or salary upon ye Establishmt. than 25li. ꝑ Annum. Which Allowances of 25li yearly to yr. Lops. petitioners respectively being not a maintenance for a single person; & much short of ye trust & hazard wherein they are concernd by their respective Employmts.

Your Petitrs. therefore most humbly pray yr. Lops. wou'd please to consider their great trust, hazard, & attendance wil make {illeg} that they, Each of tm, may receive such further allowce. or additionl. salary, as to yr. Lops. great wisdom & goodness shall appear reasonable. And yr. &c