A letter from Eliza Allen Starr informs Riordan that Clarke has given up all hope of getting information from him for a biographical sketch of Bishop Thomas P. Foley . Riordan presumed Starr was taking care of the matter, but he apologizes for not helping Clarke earlier. Riordan has little to add to the article he sent Clarke from the Chicago papers. He would like to see the good, picus religious side of Foley's character made known. He gives examples of Foley's piety. After the fire, the rebuilding of churches was left up to the pastors except St. Mary's and the Cathedral. The diocese was never financially embarrassed and Foley borrowed a large amount for the building of Holy Name Cathedral but it has been paid. He was a good business man and he brought the payment of debt under his immediate supervision. Parishes had to meet their obligations immediately and in a business manner. Shortly after Foley arrived in the diocese, the shaken confidence of the diocese was restored. Riordan has often wondered what Foley might have done if he realized his influence over people. Not that he neglected his duty, but Riordan wondered if he fully realized the exceptional influence he could have used on occasion. For 20 years Foley was the most popular priest in Baltimore and he succeeded in duplicating this position after a few years in Chicago. His most enduring monument was the astonishing frequency with which people used his name. His popularity was accounted for by a splendid physique, a perfectly gentlemanly manner, a naturally gifted mind allowing him to converse on a variety of subjects, a happy facility of speech, and a memory that never failed. He was a good conversationalist and a noted letter writer. If there is to be any allusion to the events which led to the retirement of Bishop James Duggan, Riordan trusts events will be placed in their proper light and that no blame will be charged against the innocent. In the Fast particularily there was and perhaps still is a strong feeling against the priests who quarrelled with Duggan. But no men were actuated by higher motives in their actions than were these priests in their efforts to have Duggan removed. Foley was not long in recognizing this. His first important appointment was that of appointing Father John McMullen, the head of the opposition, as vicar general and, on his death, as administrator. The Holy See coincided with the Bishop and appointed McMullen first Bishop of Davenport. Father J.P. Roles, whom many considered the ring leader, was made pastor of St. Mary's, the Mother Church of the city. Riordan trusts Clarke will not overdraw the picture of the disordered condition of the diocese at the time of Foley's appointment. The clergy and people were united. The whole trouble originated in Duggan and he was not responsible. His mind was affected by an ailment of long standing. Without this there would have been no trouble of any kind. The troubles were more imaginary than real and caused no particular annoyance to Foley. The people and priests treated him so well he would not have known of any trouble except by previous knowledge. The disappearance of the trouble was due in a measure to Foley. All felt he knew what to do and could do it. Riordan cannot give accurate information on Foley's life and work in Baltimore. Archbishop James Gibbons will be glad to furnish Clarke this information. P.S. Foley had a strong and deep love for his mother, brothers, and sisters. He wrote a family letter every Friday. Attachment to his family caused his request to be buried in Baltimore. Foley's burial request was made known in a letter addressed to Riordan Riordan quotes this letter, or will. While jeolously guarding the money of the diocese, Foley had no love for it himself and gave freely to all who needed assistance. He was most considerate in dealing with his priests. He was a most impartial man and few found fault with his appointments. :: I-2-n A.L.S. 9pp. 4to.