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[KPMG LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT 16.1
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We were previously principal accountants for Chester Bancorp, Inc. and, under
the date of January 28, 2000, we reported on the consolidated financial
statements of Chester Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998. On July 11, 2000, we were notified that our
appointment as principal accountants was terminated. We have read Chester
Bancorp, Inc.'s statements included in the second paragraph under Item 4 of its
Form 8-K dated July 17, 2000 and we agree with such statements.
Very truly yours,
/s/KPMG, LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
July 17, 2000
cc: Mr. Edward K. Collins
Chester Bancorp, Inc.
