My Brother's Keeper

A selection from Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism by Eric Burns on the brothers Franklin:

The apprenticeship, which was supposed to have brought the two Franklins closer together, had begun five years earlier, when Benjamin signed a document called an indenture, swearing to "readily obey" his brother. The indenture also required that the apprentice "shall not commit Fornication, nor contract Matrimony within the said term: At Cards, Dice or any other unlawful game he shall not play....He shall not...haunt Alehouses, Taverns, or Play-houses." Benjamin was, at the time he agreed to these terms, twelve years old.

In hindsight, such a document should have been drawn up with JB Doubtless upon the beginning of his apprenticeship here. Or perhaps I should have beaten him more when we were youths. I suppose it's all water under the bridge now.

A reminder that Eric Burns will join us tomorrow on the Northern Alliance Radio Network at noon to discuss Infamous Scribblers and, time permitting, perhaps also his earlier book, The Spirits of America: A Social History of Alcohol.

And, speaking of the invisible airwaves, rumor has it that JB Doubtless will be joining the notorious NIGP (Nihilist in Golf Pants) as a co-host tomorrow on The Patriot Insider, the lead-in for the NARN, heard from 9am-11am on AM-1280 The Patriot and on the internet. There is nothing wrong with your radio. Do not attempt to adjust the dial. We are controlling transmission.

Well, at least for four hours on Saturday we are. Tune in, turn on, and call in. 651-289-4488.