Petition for recovery of income lost and expenses incurred through the reorganisation of the Edinburgh Mint

<183r>

Edenbrough Septr 9th 1707

Honoured Sir.

I am much at a stand what to think or say concerning my Office of Engraver and Sinker to the Mint at Edenbrough for which I have a gift during life: Formerly when the Punshion's were made by Mr. Rotiers our Master worker had 250lib allowed to him to get them made and he bargained with the Rotiers for 200 pounds which he payd: And then every thing needfull to the compleeting of the Coyn came down with the Punshions which I my selfe received, and gave receit to the Privy-Counsel for them. And when I made the Punshions here at Edenbrough I had the 250 pounds payd to me for making of them, for my Sallary is but 50 pounds per Annum as sinker and that betwixt me and my Conjunct or college But now of late I have received Punshions for the heads & Reverses of the Shilling & Sixpence with some dyes sunk & finished from them but our Warden either did not know it or your gravers forgott to send down the small Punshions for the Armes of the Reverses & the letters for the inscriptions. The sixpence head Punshion was broken before I did see it and now it is all shaken & split with the sinking only of two dyes. I have made a new sixpence head and am going to make a new Reverse punshion for the shilling by reason the sides of the shields are some sunk and some broken but upon what account I should do this I know not And the best expedient I can think on is to refer my selfe to your honour's advise & Counsell what I shall do in the Matter. So beging pardon for this trouble & your honours Answer I am

Sir

your most humble servant

James Clark