Kenrick, Archbishop Peter Richard, St. Louis, Missouri, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 January 27

Since sending the names proposed by Bishop James Oliver Vandevelde of Chicago for the see he wishes to vacate, Kenrick has had occasion to fear lest the adjustment of that affair may be for a long time delayed by reason of none of those commended being willing to accept. Father Patrick Reilly is perhaps unable to separate himself from the college which he has established and Father William Elder may be nominated for another see before the application for Chicago is presented to the Sacred Congregation. At Vandevelde's suggestion, Kenrick commends Father Anthony O'Regan of this See as a proper person for Chicago . In a letter from Vandevelde before he communicated the names in Kenrick's last letter, he mentioned O'Regan as the person most likely to suit. A knowledge of O'Regan for the last 25 years enabled Kenrick to bear unqualified testimony to his prudence and learning. Although a good preacher, his voice is too weak to fill any large building and as a comparative stranger, he would scarcely be acceptalbe to the other Bishops. On this representation Vandevelde did not urge his name. O'Regan is about 20 years a priest; for many years he held the rank of President of St. Jarlath's, Tuam, which on Kenricks consenting to receive him, he resigned, bringing the highest testimonials from Tuam and Clonfert. He has been director of the St. Louis Seminary since he came to this diocese. Kenrick apprizes Bland of the additional recommendation which he made to the Sacred Congregation in a letter today. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.