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

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To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of his Majestys Treasury, &c.

The Humble petition of James Whitacre

and Robert Lowe.

Sheweth

That your petitioner James Whitacre being imployd as Clark & Fireman in the assay-office in His Majestys Min in the Tower, he is by that busines obligd to a constant attendance every day, & every hour of the day, to take in Gold & Silver assays: in the 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 & Silver Imported for which all trust & danger he nevertheless, has no Other allowance or Salary Vpon the Establishment nor more than 25li per Annum altho he is obligd to give 400li. security for his fidelity.

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

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly pray your Lordships wou'd please to consider their great trust, hazard, & attendance that they, Each of them, may receive such further allowance or additional salary, as to your Lordships great wisdom & goodness shall appear reasonable. And your &c