FCNB CORP
424B3, 1999-06-22
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                                                Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
                                            Registration Statement No. 333-79735


                                    FCNB CORP

                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                                  TO BE HELD ON
                                 AUGUST 12, 1999


         FCNB Corp will hold a Special  Meeting  of  Shareholders  on  Thursday,
August 12, 1999 at 10:00 A.M.  local  time,  at FCNB's  headquarters,  7200 FCNB
Court, Frederick, Maryland, for the following purposes:

         (1) To  vote  on the  proposed  merger  of  First  Frederick  Financial
Corporation, the parent company of First Bank of Frederick, into FCNB.

         In the  merger  each  share of First  Frederick  common  stock  will be
automatically  converted  into 1.0434  shares of FCNB common  stock,  subject to
adjustment as provided in the merger agreement between FCNB and First Frederick,
and each  outstanding  option and warrant to purchase  shares of First Frederick
common stock will be converted into shares of FCNB common stock according to the
formula in the merger agreement. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.
A copy of the merger  agreement is attached as Exhibit A to the  combined  proxy
statement/prospectus.

         (2) To vote on the proposed  amendment to the Articles of Incorporation
of FCNB to increase  the number of  authorized  shares of FCNB common stock from
twenty million (20,000,000) to fifty million (50,000,000).

         (3) To transact any other  business  that may properly  come before the
meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

         Holders of FCNB  common  stock as of the close of  business on June 18,
1999 are entitled to notice of the meeting and to vote at the  meeting.  If your
shares  are  not  registered  in  your  own  name,  you  will  need   additional
documentation from your recordholder in order to vote personally at the meeting.

         The combined  proxy  statement/prospectus  follows  this notice,  and a
proxy card is enclosed.  To ensure that your vote is counted,  please  complete,
sign,  date and  return  the proxy  card in the  enclosed,  postage-paid  return
envelope, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person. If you attend
the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote your shares in person.  However,
attendance at the meeting will not of itself revoke a proxy.

                                        By Order of the Board of Directors

                                        /s/ Helen G. Hahn

                                        Helen G. Hahn, Secretary

June 21, 1999








    PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE
       ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.


<PAGE>

                       FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                                  TO BE HELD ON
                                 AUGUST 12, 1999


         First Frederick  Financial  Corporation  will hold a Special Meeting of
Shareholders  on Thursday,  August 12, 1999 at 10:00 A.M.  local time,  at Holly
Hills Country Club, 5502 Mussetter Road, Ijamsville, Maryland, for the following
purposes:

         (1) To vote on the proposed  merger of First  Frederick into FCNB Corp,
the parent company of FCNB Bank.

         In the  merger  each  share of First  Frederick  common  stock  will be
automatically  converted  into 1.0434  shares of FCNB common  stock,  subject to
adjustment as provided in the merger agreement between First Frederick and FCNB,
and each  outstanding  option and warrant to purchase  shares of First Frederick
common stock will be converted into shares of FCNB common stock according to the
formula in the merger agreement. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.
A copy of the merger  agreement is attached as Exhibit A to the  combined  proxy
statement/prospectus.

         (2) To transact any other  business  that may properly  come before the
meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

         Holders of First Frederick  common stock as of the close of business on
June 18, 1999 are  entitled to notice of the meeting and to vote at the meeting.
If your shares are not  registered  in your own name,  you will need  additional
documentation from your recordholder in order to vote personally at the meeting.

         The combined  proxy  statement/prospectus  follows  this notice,  and a
proxy card is enclosed.  To ensure that your vote is counted,  please  complete,
sign,  date and  return  the proxy  card in the  enclosed,  postage-paid  return
envelope, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person. If you attend
the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote your shares in person.  However,
attendance at the meeting will not of itself revoke a proxy.

                                        By Order of the Board of Directors

                                        /s/ Mary Jo Clark

                                        Mary Jo Clark, Secretary

June 21, 1999











    PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE
       ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.

<PAGE>

                       COMBINED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

        Proxy Statement                                 Proxy Statement
Special Meeting of Shareholders               Special Meetings of Shareholders
              of                                              of
           FCNB CORP                       FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
         August 12, 1999                                August 12, 1999

                                   Prospectus
             Relating to 1,964,915 shares of FCNB Corp common stock
                    ----------------------------------------

         This combined  proxy  statement and prospectus is being sent to holders
of the common stock of First Frederick Financial Corporation,  and to holders of
the common  stock of FCNB Corp.  The Board of  Directors  of First  Frederick is
seeking  proxies  from  its  shareholders  for  use at the  Special  Meeting  of
Shareholders  of  First  Frederick  to be held on  August  12,  1999,  or at any
postponement  or adjournment of the meeting,  and the Board of Directors of FCNB
is seeking  proxies  from its  shareholders  for use at the  Special  Meeting of
Shareholders  of FCNB to be held on August 12, 1999, or at any  postponement  or
adjournment  of the  meeting.  This proxy  statement/prospectus  is first  being
mailed on or about June 21,1999.

         The purposes of the special  meetings  are: (1) To vote on the proposed
merger of First  Frederick  into FCNB  under  the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger
between First Frederick and FCNB dated as of March 12, 1999. In the merger, each
share of First  Frederick  common stock will be converted  into 1.0434 shares of
FCNB common stock and each outstanding  option and warrant to purchase shares of
First Frederick  common stock will be converted into shares of FCNB common stock
according to the formula in the merger agreement. A copy of the merger agreement
is attached as Exhibit A to this proxy statement/prospectus.

         (2) At the FCNB shareholder meeting, to vote on a proposal to amend the
Articles of Incorporation of FCNB to increase the number of authorized shares of
FCNB  common  stock  from  twenty   million   (20,000,000)   to  fifty   million
(50,000,000).

         (3) To transact any other  business  that may properly  come before the
meetings or any adjournment or postponement of the meetings.

The date, time and place of the special meetings are as follows:

               FCNB                              FIRST FREDERICK

     Thursday, August 12, 1999               Thursday, August 12, 1999
     10:00 A.M.                              10:00 A.M.
     FCNB Corp                               Holly Hills Country Club
     7200 FCNB Court                         5502 Mussetter Road
     Frederick, Maryland  21703              Ijamsville, Maryland  21754


         This  proxy  statement/prospectus  is also  the  prospectus  for to the
issuance of up to  1,964,915  shares of FCNB common stock to be issued under the
merger agreement. FCNB common stock is listed on The Nasdaq National Market with
the symbol of "FCNB."

         NEITHER  THE  SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION,   THE  SECURITIES
COMMISSION OF ANY STATE NOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
OR ANY OTHER  FEDERAL  REGULATORY  AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  OF THESE
SECURITIES  OR THE  MERGER  DESCRIBED  IN THIS  PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS,  OR
DETERMINED IF THE DISCLOSURES IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS ARE ACCURATE OR
ADEQUATE,  OR IF THE MERGER IS FAIR.  ANY  REPRESENTATION  TO THE  CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.  THE SECURITIES  DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE MARYLAND  COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL
REGULATION OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AGENCY OF ANY STATE, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER
OR ANY SUCH AGENCY PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


          The date of this proxy statement/prospectus is June 18, 1999
<PAGE>

                     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FCNB CORP

         FCNB files annual,  quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  You may read and
copy any reports,  proxy  statements and other  information  FCNB files with the
Commission at the Public Reference Room of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington,  DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public
Reference  Room by calling the  Commission at  1-800-SEC-0330.  Copies of FCNB's
filings can also be obtained from  commercial  document  retrieval  services and
from the website maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.

         FCNB  has  filed  a  registration   statement  on  Form  S-4  with  the
Commission,  to register the FCNB common stock to be issued in  connection  with
the  merger.  This  combined  proxy  statement/prospectus,  which is part of the
registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the
registration statement and the exhibits.

         The  Commission  allows  companies  which file  information  with it to
provide  information by  "incorporating  by reference" into a proxy statement or
prospectus.  This means that important information can be disclosed by referring
you  to  another   document  that  is  filed  separately  with  the  Commission.
Information  incorporated  by reference is  considered  to be part of this proxy
statement/prospectus,  except for any information  that is superseded  either by
information  in a document  with a later date, or by  information  in this proxy
statement/prospectus.

         The  following  documents  filed  by FCNB  with the  Commission,  which
contain important  information about FCNB and its finances,  are incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus:

          (1)  FCNB's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
               1998;

          (2)  FCNB's  Current  Reports  on Form 8-K  dated  January  21,  1999,
               January 28, 1999, February 24, 1999 and March 16, 1999;

          (3)  FCNB's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
               31, 1999; and

          (4)  The   description  of  FCNB  common  stock  contained  in  FCNB's
               registration statement on Form 8-A filed April 24, 1987.

         All other documents filed by FCNB pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934  after the date of this proxy
statement/prospectus  and prior to final  adjournment  of the  meetings are also
incorporated by reference in this proxy  statement/prospectus  and considered to
be part of this proxy statement/prospectus from their dates of filing.

         FCNB WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY OF THE FCNB DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  AND NOT DELIVERED  (NOT INCLUDING
EXHIBITS  UNLESS SUCH  EXHIBITS ARE  SPECIFICALLY  INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE IN
THOSE   DOCUMENTS),   TO  ANY   PERSON   RECEIVING   A  COPY   OF   THIS   PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO:

         MARK A. SEVERSON, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER
         FCNB CORP
         7200 FCNB COURT
         FREDERICK, MARYLAND 21703
         (301) 662-2191

         IN ORDER  TO  INSURE  TIMELY  DELIVERY  OF  DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY
REFERENCE,  DOCUMENT REQUESTS SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY FCNB NO LATER THAN AUGUST 5,
1999.

         Neither  FCNB nor First  Frederick  has  authorized  anyone to give any
information or make any representation about the merger or the FCNB common stock
that   differs   from,   or   adds   to,   the   information   in   this   proxy
statement/prospectus  or in FCNB's  documents  that are publicly  filed with the
Commission.   Therefore,  if  anyone  does  give  you  different  or  additional
information,   you  should  not  rely  on  it.  The   delivery   of  this  proxy
statement/prospectus  and/or the  issuance of shares of FCNB common stock do not
mean that there have not been any  changes  in the


                                       2
<PAGE>

condition of FCNB since the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.  If you are
in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to offer to sell, or to ask for offers to
buy, the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus,  or if you are a
person to whom it is  unlawful to direct  offers or requests  for offers to buy,
then the offer presented by this proxy  statement/prospectus  does not extend to
you. This proxy statement/prospectus  speaks only as of its date except where it
indicates  that  another  date  applies.  Documents  that  are  incorporated  by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus speak only as of their date, except
where they specify that other dates apply.

             CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

         This proxy  statement/prospectus  contains forward-looking  statements,
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section  21E of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended,  about the
financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  business  of FCNB and First
Frederick  prior to the  merger;  about  the  financial  condition,  results  of
operations and business of FCNB following consummation of the merger,  including
statements relating to cost savings and business enhancements  anticipated to be
realized  as a result of the  merger;  and the  impact  of the  merger on FCNB's
financial performance,  and also including statements of goals, intentions,  and
expectations,  regarding or based upon  general  economic  conditions,  interest
rates, developments in national and local markets, and other matters, and which,
by their nature, are subject to significant uncertainties.

         Factors   which  may  cause   actual   results  to  differ  from  those
contemplated by these forward looking  statements  include,  but are not limited
to, the  following:  expected cost savings may not be fully  realized;  customer
loss and revenue loss following the merger may be greater than anticipated;  the
cost of, or difficulties related to integration of First Frederick into FCNB may
be  greater  than  anticipated;   and  changes  in  the  general  interest  rate
environment, reduced interest rate margins, or changes in economic conditions in
general,  nationally  or  regionally,  may result in a  deterioration  of credit
quality,  among other things. In addition,  FCNB's future financial  performance
may be  adversely  affected  if FCNB or First  Frederick  is unable to cause its
information,  communications  and  other  systems  and  equipment  to  correctly
recognize and process dates after December 31, 1999 as planned. Factors that may
cause actual results to differ from current "Year 2000" compliance plans include
increased  costs of  achieving  Year 2000  compliance,  delayed  timeframes  for
implementing and testing Year 2000 compliance measures,  and delays by FCNB's or
First Frederick's  vendors in becoming Year 2000 compliant,  or the inability of
such  vendors to become Year 2000  compliant by January 1, 2000.  FCNB's  and/or
First Frederick's  performance may also be adversely  affected by the failure of
its  customers  or  governmental  authorities  to become Year 2000  compliant by
January 1, 2000.  Because of these  uncertainties  and the  assumptions on which
forward looking statements in this proxy  statement/prospectus are based, actual
future results may differ materially from the results contemplated.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Additional Information About FCNB Corp............................................................................2

Cautionary Statements About Forward Looking Statements............................................................3

Summary Information...............................................................................................5

Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data....................................................................9

The Meetings.....................................................................................................14

The Merger.......................................................................................................16

FCNB Corp........................................................................................................26

Comparison of Shareholder Rights and Certain Provisions of the Articles of Incorporation
     of FCNB and First Frederick.................................................................................28

First Frederick Financial Corporation............................................................................31

Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of FCNB...............................................................47

Legal Matters....................................................................................................47

Experts..........................................................................................................47

Index to First Frederick Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................49

First Frederick Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................F-1

Exhibit A - Agreement and Plan of Merger........................................................................A-1

Exhibit B - Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law.........................................B-1
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>

                                     SUMMARY

The following  summary does not contain all of the information about FCNB, First
Frederick  and the  merger  contained  in this proxy  statement/prospectus.  You
should  read  this  summary  together  with the more  detailed  information  and
financial statements appearing elsewhere in this proxy  statement/prospectus and
the documents  incorporated by reference.  You should  carefully read the entire
proxy statement/prospectus.

THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER

FCNB CORP
7200 FCNB Court
Frederick, Maryland  21703
(301) 662-6191

         FCNB is a registered  bank holding  company.  As of March 31, 1999 FCNB
had  approximately   $1.29  billion  in  total  assets  and  $89.72  million  of
shareholders' equity. FCNB's principal subsidiary, FCNB Bank, currently operates
thirty-two  offices in Frederick,  Anne  Arundel,  Baltimore,  Carroll,  Howard,
Montgomery and Prince George's Counties,  Maryland, the District of Columbia and
Fairfax County, Virginia.

         As of June 18, 1999 there were  10,074,273  shares of FCNB common stock
outstanding. FCNB common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "FCNB".

         For additional  information  concerning  FCNB, its business,  financial
condition,  and results of operations,  see "Additional  Information  About FCNB
Corp" (page 2);  "Selected  Consolidated  Financial and Other Data" (page 9) and
"FCNB Corp" (page 26).

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
22 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland  21701
(301) 694-5500

         First  Frederick is the  registered  bank holding  company for its sole
bank subsidiary,  First Bank of Frederick.  First Bank operates five offices, in
Frederick  County,  Maryland and one office in Carroll County,  Maryland.  As of
March 31, 1999,  First  Frederick  had  approximately  $123.55  million in total
assets and $8.97 million of shareholders' equity.

         As of June 18,  1999 there  were  1,525,215  shares of First  Frederick
common stock outstanding, and options and warrants to purchase 357,967 shares of
First Frederick common stock.

         For additional  information  concerning First Frederick,  its business,
financial  condition,  and results of  operations,  see  "Selected  Consolidated
Financial  and Other Data" (page 9),  "First  Frederick  Financial  Corporation"
(page 31) and "Consolidated  Financial  Statements of First Frederick  Financial
Corporation" (page F-1)..

                                   THE MERGER

         General.  First  Frederick  and FCNB have entered into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger under which First Frederick will be merged into FCNB. As a result
of the merger,  each  outstanding  share of common stock of First Frederick will
automatically be converted into 1.0434 shares FCNB common stock.

         Each  warrant to purchase  shares of First  Frederick  common stock and
each option  under First  Frederick's  employee  and  director  option  plans to
purchase  First  Frederick  common stock will,  subject to the  agreement of the
holders,  be converted into the number of shares of FCNB common stock determined
by dividing the exercise price per share of the option or warrant by 20.125, and
subtracting the quotient from 1.0434.

         Additionally,  it  is  expected  that  First  Bank,  First  Frederick's
subsidiary bank, will be merged into

FCNB Bank simultaneously with the effectiveness of the merger of First Frederick
into FCNB, with FCNB Bank being the surviving institution.

         Option  Agreement.  In order to induce  FCNB to enter  into the  merger
agreement,  First Frederick has granted FCNB an option to purchase up to 378,923
shares of First Frederick common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share,
subject to  adjustment  and  limitation in certain  circumstances.  These shares
represent  19.9% of the  outstanding  First  Frederick  common  stock  following
exercise of the option.  The option is exercisable  only if events  described in
the option agreement occur. See "The Merger -- The Stock Option Agreement" (page
17).

         Closing  Date.  Under the merger  agreement,  the closing of the merger
will occur within thirty (30) days after the last condition to the  consummation
of the


                                       5
<PAGE>

merger contained in the merger agreement has been fulfilled or waived.  See "The
Merger -- Conditions to the Merger" (page 19).

         Exchange of First Frederick Stock Certificates. The conversion of First
Frederick  common stock  options and warrants  into FCNB common stock will occur
automatically upon effectiveness of the merger.  However,  until First Frederick
securityholders  surrender  their First  Frederick  certificates in exchange for
FCNB common stock  certificates,  they will not be entitled to receive dividends
or other distributions on FCNB common stock. Promptly after the effectiveness of
the  merger,  FCNB or FCNB's  exchange  agent  will mail  each  First  Frederick
securityholder information regarding the exchange of his or her securities.

         FIRST FREDERICK  SECURITYHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT FORWARD THEIR CERTIFICATES
TO FCNB,  THE  EXCHANGE  AGENT OR  FIRST  FREDERICK  UNTIL  THEY  HAVE  RECEIVED
TRANSMITTAL  FORMS.  SECURITYHOLDERS  SHOULD  NOT RETURN  CERTIFICATES  WITH THE
ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY.

         Each share of FCNB common stock  outstanding  immediately  prior to the
merger will be unchanged by the merger, and will continue to represent one share
of FCNB common stock. See "The Merger -- Surrender of Certificates" (page 21), "
- --  Consideration  to be Received by Shareholders of First Frederick" (page 16),
and "FCNB Corp -- Description of FCNB Common Stock" (page 26).

         If the merger had been effective as of December 31, 1998, it would have
had the following effect on FCNB's per share earnings:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Earnings per share
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                      Actual        Pro Forma
                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>
Basic                                                 $0.80           $0.81
Diluted                                               $0.80           $0.79
Basic (before merger related
  expenses                                            $1.12           $1.08
Diluted (before merger related
  expenses                                            $1.11           $1.06
</TABLE>


Based upon FCNB's  expectations of the earnings of First Frederick following the
merger,  it is anticipated  that the merger will be accretive to FCNB's earnings
within twelve months after  completion of the merger.  This expectation is based
on  assumptions  regarding  cost  savings,  operating  efficiencies  and  growth
opportunities  to be  achieved  as a  result  of  the  merger.  There  can be no
assurance that these  expectations  will be realized.  Current FCNB shareholders
will have a smaller  percentage  ownership of FCNB,  and their  relative  voting
power will be reduced,  because of the shares  being  issued to First  Frederick
shareholders.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER

         The Boards of  Directors of FCNB and First  Frederick  are in unanimous
agreement that the proposed  merger of First  Frederick into FCNB is in the best
interests  of each of  their  respective  companies.  The  acquisition  of First
Frederick and its  subsidiary,  First Bank,  will increase FCNB's deposit market
shares,  as of  December  31,  1998,  in the  Frederick  City market to 34% (the
highest in the market)  from 26%,  and to 28% from 23% in the  Frederick  County
market.  FCNB believes it will be able to achieve  significant cost savings as a
result of the proximity of all of First Bank's branches to branches of FCNB Bank
and the ability to consolidate locations. The merger will enable FCNB to provide
First Frederick's commercial and consumer customers with a substantially broader
array of loan,  deposit,  insurance,  investment,  securities and trust services
products  than  First  Frederick  currently  offers.  This  will  benefit  First
Frederick's customers and offer FCNB the opportunity to enhance its fee income.

         The Board of Directors of First  Frederick  believes that the merger is
an  attractive  option at this time in light of the available  alternatives  for
continued  growth  (which might in the future have required  First  Frederick to
have access to additional  capital) and  enhancement of shareholder  value.  The
Board of  Directors  of First  Frederick  has  determined  that  the  merger  is
desirable,  and in the best interests of its  shareholders.  In considering  the
terms and  conditions of the merger,  the Board of First  Frederick  considered,
among other things: the financial terms of the merger;  the financial  condition
and historical  performance of FCNB; the economic  impact of the merger on First
Frederick's  shareholders;  the  effect  of  the  merger  on the  customers  and
employees of First  Frederick;  the reputation  and business  practices of FCNB;
legal and regulatory issues; and the operational and competitive benefits of the
merger. See "The Merger -- Recommendation of the First Frederick Board;  Reasons
for the Merger" (page 18) and "-- Recommendation of the FCNB Board;  Reasons for
the Merger" (page 19).

         Recommendations  of the Board of Directors.  The  respective  Boards of
Directors of FCNB and First  Frederick  have  unanimously  approved the proposed
merger and recommend that their shareholders vote "FOR" the proposed merger.


                                       6
<PAGE>

               AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FCNB

         As part of its  approval of the merger,  the Board of Directors of FCNB
has approved a proposal to amend Article SIXTH of the Articles of  Incorporation
of FCNB to increase  the number of  authorized  shares of FCNB common stock from
twenty  million  (20,000,000)  to fifty million  (50,000,000).  The amendment is
necessary to enable FCNB to have sufficient shares of common stock available for
issuance in the future for general corporate purposes, including possible future
stock splits,  stock dividends and  acquisitions.  If the amendment is approved,
the additional  authorized shares will be available for issuance without further
shareholder  action. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FCNB UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS THAT
FCNB SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT.

                       SPECIAL MEETINGS AND VOTE REQUIRED

         First Frederick. The Special Meeting of Shareholders of First Frederick
at which the merger will be considered will be held on Thursday, August 12, 1999
at 10:00 A.M.  local time,  at Holly Hills Country Club,  5502  Mussetter  Road,
Ijamsville, Maryland.

         Holders of record of First  Frederick  common  stock as of the close of
business  on June 18,  1999  will be  entitled  to vote at the  First  Frederick
meeting.  At least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of First
Frederick common stock must be represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy
to conduct business at the First Frederick meeting.

         The  affirmative  vote of the  holders  of at least  two-thirds  of the
outstanding  shares of First  Frederick  common stock is required to approve the
merger.  Each share of First  Frederick  common stock is entitled to one vote in
respect of the  merger.  See "The  Meetings -- The First  Frederick  Shareholder
Meeting" (page 14).

         As of the  record  date for the First  Frederick  meeting,  there  were
1,525,215  shares of First  Frederick  common stock  outstanding.  Directors and
executive officers of First Frederick having the power to vote 413,270 shares of
First Frederick common stock (27.09% of the  outstanding)  have agreed that they
will vote all of the shares  they have the power to vote in favor of the merger.
See "The Merger -- Certain Related  Agreements and Interests of Certain Persons"
(page 23) and "The First Frederick  Shareholder  Meeting -- Purpose of the First
Frederick Shareholder Meeting and Vote Required" (page 14).  Additionally,  FCNB
will vote the 51,272  shares  (3.36%) of First  Frederick  Common Stock which it
owns for its own account in favor of the merger. Directors of FCNB owning 99,162
(6.50%)  shares of First  Frederick  Common Stock intend to vote in favor of the
merger.

         FCNB. The Special  Meeting of  Shareholders of FCNB at which the merger
and the  proposed  amendment  to the  FCNB  Articles  of  Incorporation  will be
considered  will be held on Thursday,  August 12, 1999 at 10:00 A.M. local time,
at FCNB headquarters, 7200 FCNB Court, Frederick, Maryland.

         Holders of record of FCNB  common  stock as of the close of business on
June 18, 1999 will be entitled to vote at the FCNB meeting.  At least a majority
of the  total  number  of  outstanding  shares  of  FCNB  common  stock  must be
represented at the meeting,  in person or by proxy,  to conduct  business at the
FCNB meeting.

         The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of all votes
entitled  to be cast at the FCNB  meeting is  required  to  approve  each of the
merger and the  amendment.  Each share of FCNB  common  stock is entitled to one
vote on each  matter  to be  considered.  As of the  record  date  for the  FCNB
meeting,  there were  10,074,273  shares of FCNB common  stock  outstanding  and
entitled to vote. As of June 18, 1999,  directors and executive officers of FCNB
having the power to vote  1,052,687  shares  (12.57%) of FCNB common  stock have
indicated that they intend to vote in favor of the merger and the amendment.

         Voting and  Revocation  of Proxies.  Shares of First  Frederick  common
stock represented by properly executed proxies received from recordholders at or
prior to the First Frederick meeting and not subsequently  revoked will be voted
as directed.  Shares as to which the "ABSTAIN"  box has been marked,  and shares
held in  street  name by  brokers  for which no  voting  instructions  are given
("broker non-votes"), will be treated as shares present and entitled to vote for
quorum purposes,  but will have the effect of a vote against the merger.  IN THE
ABSENCE OF  SPECIFIC  INSTRUCTIONS,  PROPERLY  EXECUTED  PROXIES  RECEIVED  FROM
RECORDHOLDERS  WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER. If you hold
your shares in street name,  please see the voting form  provided by your broker
for additional  information  regarding the voting of your shares. If your shares
are not registered


                                       7
<PAGE>

in your name, you will need additional  documentation  from your recordholder to
vote the shares in person.

         Any holder of First  Frederick  common stock who has  delivered a proxy
may revoke it at any time before it is voted by (i) delivering written notice of
revocation to Jacob H.  Goldstein,  President of First  Frederick,  prior to the
First  Frederick  meeting,  (ii) granting and delivering a later dated proxy, or
(iii) by attending the First Frederick meeting and voting the shares in person.

         Shares of FCNB common stock  represented by properly  executed  proxies
received from recordholders at or prior to the FCNB shareholder  meeting and not
subsequently revoked will be voted as directed. Shares as to which the "ABSTAIN"
box has been marked and broker  non-votes  will be treated as shares present and
entitled to vote for quorum purposes, but will have the effect of a vote against
the merger. IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC  INSTRUCTIONS,  PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES
RECEIVED FROM RECORDHOLDERS WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER
AND  FOR  THE  PROPOSAL  TO  APPROVE  THE   AMENDMENT  TO  FCNB'S   ARTICLES  OF
INCORPORATION.  If you hold your  shares in street  name,  please see the voting
form provided by your broker for additional  information regarding the voting of
your  shares.  If your  shares are not  registered  in your name,  you will need
additional documentation from your recordholder to vote the shares in person.

         Any holder of FCNB common stock who has delivered a proxy may revoke it
at any time  prior to the  exercise  of the  authority  granted  thereby  by (i)
delivering  written  notice of such  revocation  to Helen G. Hahn,  Secretary of
FCNB,  prior to the FCNB  shareholder  meeting,  (ii) granting and  delivering a
later dated proxy,  or (iii) attending the FCNB  shareholder  meeting and voting
the shares in person.

         Conditions  to the  Merger.  Completion  of the  merger is  subject  to
numerous conditions, including but not limited to, obtaining the approval by the
required vote of the  shareholders of each of First Frederick and FCNB,  receipt
of certain regulatory  approvals,  and the receipt of certain tax and accounting
opinions and letters. See "The Merger -- Conditions to the Merger" (page 19).

         Dissenters' Rights.  Holders of First Frederick common stock who object
to the merger and comply with certain  procedural  requirements  are entitled to
obtain payment in cash of the fair value of such holder's shares. In order to be
entitled to these  "appraisal  rights" a shareholder  must (a) deliver a written
objection to the merger at or prior to the First Frederick  shareholder meeting;
(b) ensure  that his or her shares are not voted (or deemed to have been  voted)
to approve the merger,  and (c) after the merger is consummated,  make a written
demand for payment within the required timeframe. If a judicial determination of
the fair  value of First  Frederick  common  stock held by such  shareholder  is
necessary,  such  determination  may result in a value  that is more than,  less
than, or equal to the consideration  which would have been paid by FCNB pursuant
to the merger  agreement.  FCNB will be entitled to not consummate the merger if
the holders of more than 5% of the  outstanding  First  Frederick  common  stock
exercise their  dissenters'  rights.  The exercise of  dissenters'  rights could
result in the merger not  qualifying  as a "pooling of  interests,"  which would
also entitle  FCNB to not  consummate  the merger.  Holders of FCNB common stock
will not be entitled to dissent from the merger or obtain the payment in cash of
the fair value of their shares. See "The Merger -- Dissenters' Rights" (page 24)
and "--Conditions to the Merger" (page 19).

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

         The merger has been structured so that  shareholders of First Frederick
will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the conversion of their shares of
common stock into shares of FCNB common stock, except to the extent they receive
cash in lieu of fractional  shares of FCNB common stock.  Holders of warrants or
options to purchase First Frederick common stock,  whose warrants or options are
not exercised and are converted into shares of FCNB Common Stock pursuant to the
merger agreement, may recognize income as a result of the merger. FCNB and First
Frederick  have  received an opinion of Kevin P. Kennedy,  Esquire,  special tax
counsel to FCNB, as to certain  anticipated  federal income tax  consequences of
the merger.  For a more extensive  discussion of the anticipated  federal income
tax  consequences  of the merger to shareholders  of First  Frederick,  see "The
Merger -- Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" (page 21).

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

         Certain  members of the management of First Frederick have interests in
the merger that are in  addition to their  interests  as  shareholders  of First
Frederick. In particular, Mr. Jacob H. Goldstein,  President of First Frederick,
will receive  payments  amounting to $290,000 in connection with the termination
of his  employment  agreement  with  First  Frederick,  and  will  enter  into a
consulting  agreement with FCNB. See "The Merger -- Certain  Related


                                       8
<PAGE>

Agreements and Interests of Certain Persons" (page 23).

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

         It is anticipated that the merger will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests under generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  See "The Merger --
Accounting Treatment" (page22).

COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

         Upon  consummation  of the merger,  holders of First  Frederick  common
stock and,  subject to their  agreement,  holders of  options  and  warrants  to
purchase shares of First  Frederick  common stock,  will become  shareholders of
FCNB.  Accordingly,  their  rights  will be  governed  by the  Maryland  General
Corporation  Law as it affects  large  public  companies,  and the  Articles  of
Incorporation,   as  amended,   and  Bylaws  of  FCNB.  Certain  differences  in
shareholders'   rights   arise  from   differences   between  the   Articles  of
Incorporation  and Bylaws of First  Frederick and FCNB,  including,  among other
things,  the number of authorized  shares of capital stock, the voting rights of
certain  shareholders,  the notice requirements for nominations of directors and
presentation of new business at meetings of shareholders, the number and term of
directors,   removal  and   vacancies  on  the  Boards  of  Directors   and  the
applicability  of certain  anti-takeover  provisions of law. See  "Comparison of
Shareholder  Rights and Certain  Provisions of the Articles of  Incorporation of
FCNB" (page 28).

MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

         FCNB common stock is traded by eight market makers and is quoted on The
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "FCNB". First Frederick common stock has
historically  been  traded  only on a  limited  basis,  generally  in  privately
negotiated  transactions.  No dealers offer to make a market in First  Frederick
common stock.

         The  following  table sets forth the last trade price per share of FCNB
common  stock as reported on Nasdaq on March 11,  1999,  the last  business  day
preceding the public  announcement  of the merger and the  equivalent  per share
price of First  Frederick  common stock.  The  equivalent  per share price shown
below is the product of  multiplying  the number of shares of FCNB common  stock
into which First  Frederick  common  stock will be  converted  by the last trade
price of FCNB common stock on March 11, 1999, of $19.875 per share.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     FCNB COMMON STOCK AT     EQUIVALENT PER SHARE PRICE OF
 CONVERSION RATIO       MARCH 11, 1999        FIRST FREDERICK COMMON STOCK
<S>                  <C>                       <C>
      1.0434                $19.875                   $20.74
</TABLE>

                 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

         The following tables show summarized historical financial data for FCNB
and First Frederick.  The information presented is based on historical financial
statements for each company. The financial and other data set forth below is not
complete and should be read together  with, and is qualified in its entirety by,
the more detailed information,  including the consolidated  financial statements
of FCNB and related notes,  appearing in its 1998 Annual Report to  Shareholders
and  Quarterly  Report  on Form  10-Q for the  quarter  ended  March  31,  1999,
incorporated by reference herein, and the consolidated  financial  statements of
First Frederick included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.


                                       9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA FOR FCNB

                                        At or for the three
                                      months ended March 31,                At or for the year ended December 31,
                                      ------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1999         1998         1998         1997         1996         1995         1994
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATING RESULTS:
Total interest income               $     22,499 $     19,926 $     85,421 $     74,675  $    63,802  $    58,463  $    50,123
Total interest expense (1)                11,943       10,010       43,835       35,978       28,725       25,721       19,132
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net interest income                       10,556        9,916       41,586       38,697       35,077       32,742       30,991
Provision for credit losses                  408          170        1,770        1,524          408        1,080          705
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net interest income after
provision  for
  credit losses                           10,148        9,746       39,816       37,173       34,669       31,662       30,286
Net securities gains (losses)                382          525        1,481          733          440          123          393
Noninterest income (excluding net
  securities gains (losses))               3,977        2,936       14,184       11,797       10,514       10,498        9,049
Noninterest expenses                      10,228        9,154       40,644       34,537       34,856       30,604       28,603
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Income before provision for income
taxes                                      4,279        4,053       14,837       15,166       10,767       11,679       11,125
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Provision for income taxes:
  Operating activities                     1,381        1,333        5,026        5,070        3,891        3,198        3,054
  Thrift bad debt reserve recapture            -            -        1,750            -            -            -            -
     Provision for income taxes            1,381        1,333        6,776        5,070        3,891        3,198        3,054
                                      ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Net income                                 2,898        2,720        8,061       10,096        6,876        8,481        8,071
                                      ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Other comprehensive income
(loss),net of
  taxes                                  (2,304)          510          212        2,919         (34)        2,875      (3,359)
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Comprehensive income                $        594 $      3,230 $      8,273 $     13,015  $     6,842  $    11,356  $     4,712
                                      ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Net income before merger-related
  Expenses                          $      2,972 $      2,720 $     11,222 $     10,381  $     8,787  $     8,784  $     8,298
                                      ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========

PER SHARE DATA:
Basic earnings                      $       0.29 $       0.27 $       0.80 $       1.01  $      0.69  $      0.86  $      0.83
Diluted earnings                            0.29         0.27         0.80         1.01         0.69         0.86         0.83
Basic earnings before
merger-related
  Expenses                                  0.30         0.27         1.12         1.04         0.88         0.90         0.86
Diluted earnings before
merger-related
  Expenses                                  0.29         0.27         1.11         1.03         0.88         0.89         0.85
Cash dividends declared                    0.155        0.101        0.436        0.340        0.301        0.301        0.269
Book value at period-end                    8.91         9.07         9.01         8.81         7.86         7.56         6.76
Shares outstanding at period-end      10,072,013   10,007,820   10,060,714    9,988,312    9,969,334    9,844,735    9,516,361
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
  Basic                               10,064,712    9,998,366   10,024,630    9,975,300     9,975,655   9,813,797    9,691,289
  Diluted                             10,105,033   10,089,348   10,114,648   10,042,062    10,010,423   9,839,105    9,712,245

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Total loans, net of unearned
income                              $    733,795 $    677,382 $    727,566 $    674,568     $583,826  $   501,283  $   445,814
Total assets                           1,290,517    1,086,167    1,337,224    1,083,898      911,945      771,038      716,609
Total deposits                           837,575      760,890      851,819      745,486      690,710      615,084      576,052
Federal funds purchased and
securities
  sold  under agreements to
repurchase                                52,565       50,419       92,287       84,827       55,203       32,251       29,896
Other short-term borrowings              253,145      175,538      248,155      154,793       78,593       34,253       30,953
Long-term debt                            40,250            -       40,250            -            -        5,680        7,000
Total shareholders' equity                89,722       90,818       90,610       88,016       78,332       74,382       64,350

PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
Return on average total assets(2)           0.90 %       1.02 %       0.70 %       1.04 %       0.84 %       1.15 %       1.19 %
Return on average total assets
before
  merger-related expenses(2)                0.93         1.02         0.98         1.06         1.07         1.19         1.22
Return on average shareholders'
equity(2)                                  12.92        12.14         8.80        12.35         9.24        12.25        12.97
Return on average shareholders'
equity
  before merger-related expenses(2)        13.25        12.14        12.25        12.70        11.81        12.69        13.34
Average equity to average assets            6.99         8.38         7.97         8.39         9.09         9.40         9.16
Cash dividends declared to net
income                                     53.80        36.95        54.45        34.29        43.00        34.82        31.11
</TABLE>

- ------------------------------------

(1)  Net of $108,000 and $300,000 of capitalized construction period interest in
     1996 and 1995, respectively.
(2)  Annualized.


                                       10
<PAGE>

            SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA FOR FIRST FREDERICK

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         At and for the three
                                        months ended March 31,            At and for the years ended December 31,
                                        -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                           1999        1998        1998        1997        1996        1995        1994
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATING RESULTS:
Total interest income                 $      2,527 $     2,097 $     9,219 $     8,185 $     7,006 $     6,016 $     4,754
Total interest expense                       1,090         946       4,018       3,460       2,924       2,759       2,005
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net interest income                          1,437       1,151       5,201       4,725       4,082       3,257       2,749
Provision for credit losses                     90          25         327         285         275         245         281
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net interest income after provision
  for credit losses
                                             1,347       1,126       4,874       4,440       3,807       3,012       2,468
Net securities gains (losses)                    -           1          39        (64)        (20)        (14)           3
Noninterest income (excluding net
securities
  gains (losses))                              196         189       1,389         513         441         371         292
Noninterest expenses                           962         844       4,342       3,180       2,906       2,592       2,436
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before provision for income
  taxes                                        581         472       1,960       1,709       1,322         777         327
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Provision for income taxes:
  Operating activities                         212         172         595         637         465         310           5
  Thrift bad debt reserve recapture              -           -           -           -           -           -           -
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Provision for income taxes                   212         172         595         637         465         310           5
Net income                                     369         300       1,365       1,072         857         467         322

Other comprehensive income (loss),
  net of taxes
                                               (87)          6          27         139         (13)        307        (323)
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Comprehensive income                  $        282 $       306 $     1,392 $     1,211 $       844 $       774 $        (1)
                                        ===========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Net income before merger-related
  expenses                            $        369 $       300 $     1,365 $     1,072 $       857 $       467 $       322
                                        ===========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

PER SHARE DATA:
Basic earnings                        $       0.24 $      0.20 $      0.90 $     $0.71 $      0.57 $      0.31 $      0.22
Diluted earnings                              0.21        0.18        0.79        0.64        0.52        0.29        0.20
Basic earnings before merger-related
  expenses                                    0.24        0.20        0.90        0.71        0.57        0.31        0.22
Diluted earnings before
  merger-related expenses
                                              0.21        0.18        0.79        0.64        0.52        0.29        0.20
Cash dividends declared                      0.100       0.085       0.357       0.232       0.099           -           -
Book value at period-end                      5.88        5.33        5.77        5.42        4.89        4.42        3.89
Shares outstanding at period-end         1,525,215   1,523,790   1,525,215   1,517,726   1,488,144   1,479,144   1,474,644
Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Basic                                  1,525,215   1,520,758   1,516,529   1,509,359   1,503,114   1,507,342   1,464,459
  Diluted                                1,732,434   1,704,556   1,728,429   1,676,392   1,647,644   1,630,033   1,637,373

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Total loans, net of unearned  income  $     95,260 $    75,869 $    90,493 $    74,705 $    65,813 $    52,074 $    46,846
Total assets                               123,545     103,644     123,057      95,537      90,065      78,890      73,392
Total deposits                             104,521      93,749     110,979      84,840      76,201      71,225      59,190
Federal funds purchased and
  securities sold under agreements
  to repurchase                              1,964       1,292       1,830       1,208         243         545         994
Other short-term borrowings                  7,544         148         564         974       5,823          75       7,280
Long-term debt                                   -           -           -           -           -           -           -
Total shareholders' equity                   8,970       8,120       8,806       8,220       7,280       6,535       5,737

PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
Return on average total assets(1)             1.23 %      1.20 %      1.27 %      1.14 %      1.01 %      0.58 %      0.49 %
Return on average total assets
  before merger-related expenses(1)           1.23        1.20        1.27        1.14        1.01        0.58        0.49
Return on average shareholders'
  equity(1)                                  17.86       15.00       16.87       14.01       12.43        7.24        6.05
Return on average shareholders'
equity before  merger-related expenses(1)    17.86       15.00       16.87       14.01       12.43        7.24        6.05
Average equity to average assets              6.91        8.03        7.57        8.15        8.18        8.08        8.08
Cash dividends declared to net income        41.19       43.00       39.63       32.65       17.39         N/A         N/A
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------

(1)  Annualized.


                                       11
<PAGE>
                   PRO FORMA COMBINED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         At or for the three
                                        months ended March 31,            At or for the years ended December 31, 1999
                                        -----------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1999         1998        1998         1997         1996         1995         1994
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATING RESULTS:
Total interest income                 $    25,026 $     22,023 $    94,640  $    82,860  $    70,808  $    64,479 $     54,877
Total interest expense (1)                 13,033       10,956      47,853       39,438       31,649       28,480       21,137
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Net interest income                        11,993       11,067      46,787       43,422       39,159       35,999       33,740
Provision for credit losses                   498          195       2,097        1,809          683        1,325          986
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Net interest income after provision
  for credit losses                        11,495       10,872      44,690       41,613       38,476       34,674       32,754
Net securities gains (losses)                 382          526       1,520          669          420          109          396
Noninterest income (excluding net
   securities gains (losses))               4,173        3,125      15,573       12,310       10,955       10,869        9,341
Noninterest expenses                       11,190        9,998      44,986       37,717       37,762       33,196       31,039
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Income before provision for income
  taxes                                     4,860        4,525      16,797       16,875       12,089       12,456       11,452
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Provision for income taxes:
  Operating activities                      1,593        1,505       5,621        5,707        4,356        3,508        3,059
  Thrift bad debt reserve recapture             -            -       1,750            -            -            -            -
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
  Provision for income taxes                1,593        1,505       7,371        5,707        4,356        3,508        3,059
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Net income                                  3,267        3,020       9,426       11,168        7,733        8,948        8,393
Other comprehensive income (loss),
  net of taxes                             (2,391)         516         239        3,058          (47)       3,182       (3,682)
                                        ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------
Comprehensive income                  $       876 $      3,536 $     9,665  $    14,226  $     7,686  $    12,130 $      4,711
                                        ==========  ===========  ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========  ===========
Net income before merger-related
  expenses                            $     3,341 $      3,020 $    12,587  $    11,453  $     9,644  $     9,251 $      8,620
                                        ==========  ===========  ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========  ===========

PER SHARE DATA: (2)(3)
Basic earnings                        $      0.28 $       0.26 $      0.81  $     0.97  $      0.67  $      0.79 $       0.75
Diluted earnings                             0.27         0.25        0.79        0.95         0.66          0.78        0.73
Basic earnings before
  merger-related expenses                    0.29        0.26        1.08         0.99          0.84         0.81         0.77
Diluted earnings before
  merger-related expenses                    0.28        0.25        1.06         0.97          0.82         0.80         0.75
Cash dividends declared                      0.147        0.098       0.425       0.330        0.269         0.259        0.224
Book value at period-end                     8.46         8.55        8.53        8.32         7.43          7.11         6.34
Shares outstanding at period-end        11,663,422   11,597,742  11,652,123   11,571,907   11,522,063   11,388,074   11,055,005
Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Basic                                 11,656,121  11,585,125   11,606,976   11,550,165   11,544,004   11,386,558   11,219,306
  Diluted                               11,912,655  11,867,882   11,918,091   11,791,209   11,729,575   11,539,881   11,420,680

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD-END):
Total loans, net of unearned  income  $   829,055 $    753,251 $   818,059  $   749,273  $   649,639  $   553,357 $    492,660
Total assets                            1,414,062    1,189,811   1,460,281    1,179,435    1,002,010      849,928      790,001
Total deposits                            942,096      854,639     962,798      830,326      766,911      686,309      635,242
Federal funds purchased and
securities
  sold under agreements to
repurchase                                 54,529       52,458      94,117       86,035       55,446       32,796       30,890
Other short-term borrowings               260,689      174,939     248,719      155,767       84,416       34,328       38,233
Long-term debt                             40,250            -      40,250            -            -        5,680        7,000
Total shareholders' equity                 98,692       99,131      99,416       96,236       85,612       80,917       70,087

PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
Return on average total assets(4)            0.93 %       1.03 %      0.75 %       1.05 %       0.86 %       1.10 %       1.13 %
Return on average total assets
  before merger-related expenses(4)          0.95         1.03        1.00         1.07         1.07         1.13         1.16
Return on average shareholders'
  equity(4)                                 13.34        12.38        9.46        12.49         9.51        11.82        12.43
Return on average shareholders'
  equity before merger-related
  expenses(4)                               13.64        12.38       12.63        12.81        11.87        12.22        12.76
Average equity to average assets             6.99         8.34        7.94         8.37         9.01         9.25         9.06
Cash dividends declared to net
  income                                    52.37        37.55       52.30        34.13        40.17        33.00        29.92
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------

(1)  Net of $108,000 and $300,000 of capitalized construction period interest in
     1996 and 1995, respectively.
(2)  The amounts shown reflect the conversion of First Frederick common stock at
     the  conversion  ratio of 1.0434  shares of FCNB common  stock per share of
     First Frederick common stock.
(3)  For additional  information  regarding the impact on pro forma combined and
     pro  forma   equivalent  per  share  cash  dividends  and  book  value  see
     "Comparative Pro Forma and Historical Data."
(4)  Annualized.


                                       12
<PAGE>

                    COMPARATIVE PRO FORMA AND HISTORICAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Three months ended
                                                     March 31,                        Years ended December 31,
                                                --------------------   --------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1999        1998        1998        1997       1996        1995        1994
                                                --------    --------   ---------   ---------   --------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
FCNB Common Stock
Basic Earnings per Common Share
  Historical                                  $    0.29   $    0.27  $     0.80  $     1.01  $    0.69  $     0.86  $     0.83
   Pro forma combined - 1.0434 Conversion Ratio    0.28        0.26        0.81        0.97       0.67        0.79        0.75
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
  Historical                                       0.29        0.27        0.80        1.01       0.69        0.86        0.83
   Pro forma combined - 1.0434 Conversion Ratio    0.27        0.25        0.79        0.95       0.66        0.78        0.73
 Dividends per Common Share:
  Historical                                       0.15        0.10        0.44        0.34       0.30        0.30        0.27
   Pro forma combined - 1.0434 Conversion Ratio    0.15        0.10        0.42        0.33       0.27        0.26        0.22
 Book value per Common Share (period end)
  Historical                                       8.91        9.07        9.01        8.81       7.86        7.56        6.76
   Pro forma combined - 1.0434 Conversion Ratio    8.46        8.55        8.53        8.32       7.43        7.11        6.34
First Frederick Common Stock (1)
Basic Earnings per Common Share
  Historical                                  $    0.24   $    0.20  $     0.90  $     0.71  $    0.57  $     0.31  $     0.22
   Pro forma equivalent - 1.0434 Conversion
Ratio                                              0.29        0.27        0.85        1.01       0.70        0.82        0.78
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
  Historical                                       0.21        0.18        0.79        0.64       0.52        0.29        0.20
   Pro forma equivalent - 1.0434 Conversion
Ratio                                              0.28        0.26        0.83        0.99       0.69        0.81        0.76
 Dividends per Common Share:
  Historical                                       0.10        0.08        0.36        0.23       0.10           -           -
   Pro forma equivalent - 1.0434 Conversion
Ratio                                              0.15        0.10        0.44        0.34       0.28        0.27        0.23
 Book value per Common Share (period end)
  Historical                                       5.88        5.33        5.77        5.42       4.89        4.42        3.89
   Pro forma equivalent - 1.0434 Conversion Ratio  8.83        8.92        8.90        8.68       7.75        7.41        6.61
- ------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  The pro forma equivalent  amount per common share for earnings,  dividends,
     and book value are based on a formula that  multiplies the  appropriate pro
     forma combined amounts by the conversion ratio of 1.0434.


                                       13
<PAGE>

                                  THE MEETINGS

THE FIRST FREDERICK SHAREHOLDER MEETING

         General. The special meeting of shareholders of First Frederick will be
held at Holly Hills Country Club, 5502 Mussetter Road, Ijamsville,  Maryland, on
Thursday, August 12, 1999, at 10:00 A.M. local time.

         The Board of  Directors  of First  Frederick  has  chosen  the close of
business  on June 18, 1999 as the record date for  purposes of  determining  the
shareholders  entitled  to  notice  of,  and to vote  at,  the  First  Frederick
shareholder  meeting. As of the record date for the First Frederick  shareholder
meeting there were 1,525,215  shares of First Frederick  common stock issued and
outstanding  and entitled to vote.  Shareholders of First Frederick are entitled
to one vote on all  matters to be acted on at the meeting for each share held of
record by them on the First Frederick  record date. The presence at the meeting,
in person or by proxy,  of the  holders  of a  majority  of the total  number of
outstanding shares of common stock of First Frederick is necessary to constitute
a quorum.  In the event that there are not  sufficient  votes for a quorum or to
approve the merger at the  meeting,  the meeting  may be  adjourned  in order to
permit further solicitation of proxies.

         Purpose of the First Frederick  Shareholder  Meeting and Vote Required.
The  purpose  of the First  Frederick  meeting  is to  consider  and vote on the
proposal to approve the merger  pursuant to which First Frederick will be merged
into  FCNB and each  outstanding  share of First  Frederick  common  stock  and,
subject to the  agreement  of the  holders,  each option and warrant to purchase
shares of First Frederick common stock, will automatically,  and without further
action,  be converted  into shares of FCNB common  stock,  and to transact  such
other  business as may properly  come before the meeting or any  adjournment  or
postponement  thereof.  See "The Merger -- Consideration to be Received by First
Frederick Shareholders."

         The  affirmative  vote of the holders of two-thirds of the  outstanding
shares of First  Frederick  common  stock is  required  to approve  the  merger.
Directors and  executive  officers of First  Frederick  having the power to vote
413,270 shares (27.09%) of First Frederick common stock have indicated that they
will vote in favor of the merger.  FCNB and directors of FCNB intend to vote the
150,434 shares (9.86%) of First Frederick common stock owned by them in favor of
the merger.

         THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST FREDERICK HAS UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED THE
MERGER AND  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS  A VOTE "FOR"  APPROVAL  AND ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER.

         Voting and  Revocation  of Proxies.  If the  enclosed  form of proxy is
properly  executed  and  returned  in time to be  voted at the  First  Frederick
meeting,  the  shares  represented  thereby  will be voted as  specified  by the
shareholder  executing  the  proxy.  In the  absence of  specific  instructions,
properly  executed  proxies  received  will be voted in favor of the proposal to
approve the merger. Management does not know of any matters that will be brought
before the  meeting,  other  than as  described  herein.  If other  matters  are
properly  brought  before the meeting,  the persons named in the proxy intend to
vote such  shares to which the  proxies  relate in  accordance  with  their best
judgment,  unless such authority is withheld. A proxy may be revoked at any time
prior to the exercise of the authority granted thereby by (i) delivering written
notice of such revocation to Jacob H. Goldstein,  President of First  Frederick,
prior to the  meeting,  (ii)  granting  and  delivering a later dated proxy with
respect to such shares,  or (iii) by attending  the First  Frederick  meeting in
person and voting the shares.  If your shares are not  registered  in your name,
you will need additional  documentation  from your recordholder in order to vote
personally at the meeting.

         Votes cast by proxy or in person at the First Frederick meeting will be
tabulated  by the  election  inspectors  appointed  for  the  meeting  who  will
determine whether or not a quorum is present.  Where, as to any matter submitted
to  the  shareholders  for  a  vote,  proxies  are  marked  as  abstentions  (or
shareholders appear in person but abstain from voting), such abstentions will be
treated  as  shares  that are  present  and  entitled  to vote for  purposes  of
determining the presence of a quorum.  Broker  non-votes will also be considered
present  for  purposes of  determining  a quorum.  Since  approval of the merger
requires the  affirmative  vote of the holders of two-thirds of the  outstanding
First Frederick shares, an abstention or broker non-vote will have the effect of
a vote against the merger.  If your shares are held in street  name,  please see
the voting form  provided by your broker for  additional  information  about the
voting of your shares.


                                       14
<PAGE>

         The  enclosed  proxy is  being  solicited  on  behalf  of the  Board of
Directors of First  Frederick,  and First  Frederick  will bear the cost of such
solicitation.  In addition to  solicitation  by mail,  officers,  directors  and
employees of First  Frederick may solicit  proxies by telecopier,  telegram,  in
person or  otherwise.  Such persons will not receive any  additional  or special
remuneration or payment for such solicitation. Additionally, officers, directors
or  employees  of FCNB may solicit  proxies by mail,  telecopier,  telegram,  in
person or  otherwise.  FCNB will pay all expenses of printing  and  distributing
this proxy statement/prospectus.

THE FCNB SHAREHOLDER MEETING

         General.   The  FCNB  shareholder   meeting  will  be  held  at  FCNB's
headquarters,  7200 FCNB Court,  Frederick,  Maryland,  on Thursday,  August 12,
1999, at A.M. local time.

         The Board of Directors of FCNB has chosen the close of business on June
18,  1999 as the  record  date for  purposes  of  determining  the  shareholders
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the FCNB  meeting.  As of the record date
for the FCNB  meeting,  10,074,273  shares of FCNB common  stock were issued and
outstanding.  Shareholders of FCNB are entitled to one vote on all matters to be
acted on at the FCNB  shareholder  meeting for each share of FCNB  common  stock
held of record by them on the record date. The presence at the FCNB  shareholder
meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the total number of outstanding
shares of FCNB common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum.

         Purpose of the FCNB Shareholder Meeting and Vote Required.  The purpose
of the FCNB  meeting is to (i)  consider and vote on the proposal to approve the
merger,  pursuant  to which  First  Frederick  will be merged into FCNB and each
outstanding  share of First Frederick common stock and, subject to the agreement
of the holders,  each outstanding warrant and option to purchase First Frederick
common stock,  will be converted into shares of FCNB common stock; (ii) consider
and vote upon an  amendment  to FCNB's  Articles  of  Incorporation  which would
increase the number of authorized  shares of common stock to fifty million;  and
(iii)  transact such other business as may properly come before the FCNB meeting
or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

         FCNB is not  required to obtain the  approval of FCNB  shareholders  in
order to  effect  the  merger  under  Maryland  law or the  rules of The  Nasdaq
National Market.  Given the number of shares to be issued in connection with the
merger,  however,  the FCNB Board of Directors  believes that it is important to
permit FCNB shareholders the opportunity to vote on the merger.

         The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the votes entitled
to be cast at the FCNB  shareholder  meeting is required to approve  each of the
merger and the amendment to FCNB's Articles of Incorporation.  Directors of FCNB
owning or having the power to vote or direct the voting of  1,052,687  shares of
FCNB common stock have indicated  their intention to vote in favor of the merger
and the amendment.

         THE FCNB BOARD HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED THE MERGER AND THE  AMENDMENT
AND  RECOMMENDS  THAT HOLDERS OF FCNB COMMON STOCK VOTE "FOR" THE MERGER AND THE
AMENDMENT.

         Voting and  Revocation  of Proxies.  If the  enclosed  form of proxy is
properly  executed  and  returned  in time to be voted  at the FCNB  shareholder
meeting,   the  shares  represented  thereby  will  be  voted  as  specified  by
shareholders. In the absence of specific instructions, properly executed proxies
received  will be voted in favor of the  proposal  to approve the merger and the
proposal  to  approve  the  amendment  to  FCNB's  Articles  of   Incorporation.
Management  does not know of any  matters  that will be brought  before the FCNB
shareholder  meeting,  other than as  described  herein.  If other  matters  are
properly brought before the FCNB shareholder  meeting,  the persons named in the
proxy intend to vote such shares to which the proxies relate in accordance  with
their best judgment unless such authority is withheld. A proxy may be revoked at
any  time  prior  to  the  exercise  of the  authority  granted  thereby  by (i)
delivering  written  notice of such  revocation  to Helen G. Hahn,  Secretary of
FCNB,  prior to the FCNB  shareholder  meeting,  (ii) granting and  delivering a
later dated  proxy with  respect to such  shares,  or (iii)  attending  the FCNB
shareholder  meeting in person and voting the shares. If your shares are held in
street name,  please see the voting form provided by your broker for  additional
information about the voting of your shares.

         Votes cast by proxy or in person at the FCNB  shareholder  meeting will
be  tabulated  by the  election  inspectors  appointed  for the meeting who will
determine whether or not a quorum is present.  Where, as to any matter submitted


                                       15
<PAGE>

to the FCNB shareholders for a vote,  proxies are marked as abstentions (or FCNB
shareholders appear in person but abstain from voting), such abstentions will be
treated  as  shares  that are  present  and  entitled  to vote for  purposes  of
determining the presence of a quorum.  Broker  non-votes will also be considered
present  for  purposes of  determining  a quorum.  Since  approval of the merger
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the votes entitled
to be cast,  an  abstention  or broker  non-vote  will have the effect of a vote
against the merger.

         The  enclosed  proxy is being  solicited on behalf of the FCNB Board of
Directors, and FCNB shall bear the entire cost of such solicitation. In addition
to solicitation by mail,  officers,  directors and employees of FCNB may solicit
proxies by telecopier,  telegram, in person or otherwise.  Such persons will not
receive any additional or special remuneration or payment for such solicitation.
FCNB may engage a paid proxy solicitation firm to assist it in obtaining proxies
from FCNB  shareholders on a timely basis.  As of the date hereof,  FCNB has not
engaged such a firm, and has not committed  itself to the payment of any fees in
connection therewith.

                                   THE MERGER

         FCNB and First Frederick  entered into the Agreement on March 12, 1999.
Following  shareholder approval of the merger, and the satisfaction or waiver of
other  conditions to the merger,  First  Frederick will be merged into FCNB. The
following  brief  description  of the merger and the merger  agreement  does not
purport  to be a  comprehensive  description  of all facets of the merger or the
documents prepared in connection therewith,  and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the merger  agreement in the form of Exhibit A attached  hereto and
made a part  hereof,  to which  shareholders  are urged to refer,  and the other
documents referred to herein.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

         The merger agreement  provides that First Frederick will be merged into
FCNB with FCNB surviving the merger.  Upon effectiveness of the merger,  each of
the  outstanding  shares of First  Frederick  common  stock and,  subject to the
agreement  of the  holders,  all  outstanding  warrants  and options to purchase
shares of First Frederick  common stock,  will  automatically  be converted into
shares of FCNB common stock.  See "The Merger -- Consideration to be Received by
Shareholders  of First  Frederick" and "FCNB Corp -- Description of FCNB Capital
Stock." Each share of FCNB common stock  outstanding  prior to the effectiveness
of the merger will be  unchanged,  and will  continue to represent  one share of
FCNB common stock.

                  THE  BOARDS  OF  DIRECTORS  OF FCNB AND FIRST  FREDERICK  HAVE
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AND RECOMMEND THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE "FOR" THE MERGER.

CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY SHAREHOLDERS OF FIRST FREDERICK

         Conversion of First Frederick Common Stock,  Warrants and Options. Upon
effectiveness of the merger,  each  outstanding  share of First Frederick common
stock,  except for shares of First Frederick held by First Frederick in treasury
or by any First  Frederick  subsidiary  (other  than in a  fiduciary  capacity),
shares of First  Frederick  held by FCNB or a FCNB  subsidiary  (other than in a
fiduciary  capacity),  and dissenting shares,  will  automatically,  and without
further action,  be converted into 1.0434 shares of FCNB common stock.  See "The
Merger -- Dissenter's Rights"

         Each warrant and option to purchase First Frederick common stock (other
than the stock  option  granted  to FCNB in  connection  with the  merger)  will
automatically,  subject to the  agreement  of the holders,  and without  further
action,  be converted into the number of shares of FCNB common stock  determined
by  dividing  the  exercise  price of the  warrant  or  option  by  20.125,  and
subtracting that quotient from 1.0434.

         No fractional  shares of FCNB common stock will be issued in connection
with the merger.  Holders of First  Frederick  common stock  entitled to receive
fractional  shares  of  FCNB  common  stock  will  receive  cash in lieu of such
fractional  shares,  without  interest,  based upon the value of a share of FCNB
common  stock equal to the average  closing  price of FCNB common stock during a
twenty (20) trading day period preceding the closing of the merger.

         Each share of FCNB common stock  outstanding  immediately  prior to the
merger will be unchanged by the merger, and will continue to represent one share
of FCNB common stock. See "FCNB Corp -- Description of FCNB Capital Stock."


                                       16
<PAGE>

         If the merger had been effective as of December 31, 1998, it would have
had the following effect on FCNB's per share earnings:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Earnings per share
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                       Actual        Pro Forma
                                                     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>
Basic                                                  $0.80           $0.81
Diluted                                                $0.80           $0.79
Basic   (before    merger   related
expenses)                                              $1.12           $1.08
Diluted   (before   merger  related
expenses)                                              $1.11           $1.06
</TABLE>

It is anticipated  that the merger will be accretive to FCNB's  earnings  within
twelve months after consummation, based upon FCNB's expectations of the earnings
of First Frederick following the merger.  These expectations include assumptions
regarding cost savings,  operating  efficiencies and growth  opportunities to be
achieved  as a result  of the  merger.  There  can be no  assurance  that  these
expectations will be realized.  FCNB  shareholders  will experience  dilution of
their percentage ownership interest in FCNB, and in their relative voting power.

         There can be no assurance as to the market,  trading or intrinsic value
of shares of FCNB common stock received by  shareholders  of First  Frederick in
exchange for their shares or by holders of First Frederick  options and warrants
to purchase First  Frederick  common stock.  There can be no assurance as to the
level at which  shares of FCNB  common  stock can be sold,  or as to  whether an
active and liquid market in FCNB common stock can be  maintained,  following the
merger.

THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         In connection  with the merger  agreement,  First Frederick has granted
FCNB an option (the "option"),  exercisable only in certain  circumstances  that
have not yet occurred, to acquire up to 378,923 shares of First Frederick common
stock,  or 19.9% of the aggregate  shares of First  Frederick  common stock that
would be outstanding  immediately  after the issuance of shares upon exercise of
the option  (and  without  reference  to other  options,  warrants  or rights to
acquire First Frederick common stock  outstanding as of the date of grant of the
option), at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.

         The  option is  exercisable  in whole or in part,  but  subject  to any
required  regulatory  approvals,  at any time after a "Purchase Event" occurs. A
Purchase Event, as defined in the option agreement, is any of the following: (1)
First Frederick without having received FCNB's prior written consent,  which may
be withheld in the sole  discretion of FCNB,  enters into an agreement  with any
person  to,  publicly  proposes  or  recommends  any offer of any  person to (i)
acquire, merge or consolidate, or enter into any similar transaction, with First
Frederick; (ii) purchase, lease or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of
the assets of First Frederick; or (iii) purchase or otherwise acquire securities
representing 15% or more of the voting power of First Frederick;  (2) any person
acquires  beneficial  ownership or the right to acquire beneficial  ownership of
15% or more of the outstanding  shares of First Frederick common stock (the term
"beneficial  ownership,"  for purposes of the option  agreement  has the meaning
assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
regulations  promulgated  thereunder);  or (3) any person shall have made a bona
fide proposal to First Frederick by public announcement or written communication
that is or becomes the subject of public  disclosure to acquire First  Frederick
by merger, share exchange,  consolidation,  purchase of all or substantially all
of its assets or any other similar  transaction,  and  following  such bona fide
proposal: (i) the shareholders of First Frederick vote not to approve the merger
agreement with FCNB at the First Frederick  shareholder  meeting or the Board of
Directors of First Frederick  withdraws,  modifies or changes it  recommendation
regarding  the merger into FCNB to the  shareholders  of First  Frederick as set
forth in this proxy  statement/prospectus in a manner detrimental to approval of
the  merger by  shareholders  of First  Frederick;  or (ii) the First  Frederick
shareholder  meeting  is not  held  prior  to  the  termination  of  the  merger
agreement.

         If a Purchase  Event  occurs,  and First  Frederick has entered into an
agreement  with respect to the  acquisition,  merger or  consolidation  of First
Frederick,  the  sale  of  all or  substantially  all of  the  assets  of  First
Frederick,  or similar business  combination  transaction,  or other transaction
inconsistent with the consummation of the merger (an "other transaction"), then,
at the election of FCNB, and in lieu of the exercise of the option,  and subject
to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals,  notices or certifications,
FCNB may  require  the  purchase  of the option  from FCNB at any time before or
after the  effectiveness  of such  other  transaction,  by payment in cash of an
amount equal to the excess of the per share value of the other  transaction over
the exercise  price  multiplied  by the number of shares  subject


                                       17
<PAGE>

to the option.  First  Frederick  has agreed that it will cause the other party,
and its parent company,  if any, to the other transaction to expressly assume as
an obligation of such other party the obligation to make the described payment.

         The option  will  expire and  terminate,  to the extent not  previously
exercised,  upon the earlier  of: (i) the  effective  time of the  merger;  (ii)
termination of the merger  agreement in accordance with the provisions  thereof,
other than a termination based upon, following or in connection with either: (a)
a material breach by First Frederick of a Specified Covenant (as defined below);
or (b) the  failure of First  Frederick  to obtain  shareholder  approval of the
merger agreement by the vote required under applicable law, if either (a) or (b)
follows the occurrence of a Purchase Event; or (iii) 12 months after termination
of the merger  agreement  based upon a material  breach by First  Frederick of a
Specified  Covenant  or the  failure of First  Frederick  to obtain  shareholder
approval of the merger  agreement by the vote required under  applicable law, in
either case following the occurrence of a Purchase Event.  "Specified  Covenant"
means any material representation,  warranty, covenant or agreement contained in
the merger agreement.

         The  grant  of the  option  by  First  Frederick  was a  condition  and
inducement to FCNB's willingness to enter into the merger agreement. Exercise of
the option may tend to make the  acquisition of a controlling  interest in First
Frederick more expensive to any prospective  acquiror of First Frederick,  other
than FCNB,  and therefore may decrease the likelihood  that another  prospective
acquiror will seek a business combination with First Frederick, and may increase
the probability  that the merger will be consummated,  even if another  business
combination would be beneficial to holders of First Frederick common stock.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE FIRST FREDERICK BOARD; REASONS FOR THE MERGER

         The  First  Frederick  Board  believes  that the  merger is in the best
interests of the First Frederick shareholders and has authorized consummation of
the merger  agreement,  subject to the approval of the  shareholders and certain
other conditions set forth in the merger agreement.

         In September 1998, First Frederick's  management and Board of Directors
concluded that the long range interests of its shareholders would be best served
by considering the following strategic alternatives: (i) internal growth through
branching;   (ii)  external   growth  through   acquisition;   (iii)   exploring
opportunities  of a "merger of equals";  and (iv) a sale to, or merger  with,  a
larger financial institution. The First Frederick Board evaluated each strategic
alternative  into the fourth quarter of 1998,  although the Board did not pursue
any single strategy.

         Based on its  evaluation of conditions  in the  securities  markets and
bank merger  activities in late 1998, the First  Frederick  Board  determined in
January  1999,  that the sale or merger  option would be the most  beneficial to
shareholders.  Thereafter,  the Board authorized management to contact potential
merger partners  identified by the Board's Executive  Committee.  Of the various
potential  merger partners  identified,  the Board determined that a merger with
FCNB would be most  beneficial to shareholders in light of, among other factors,
(i)  the  overall  economic  effect,  both  immediate  and  long  term,  on  the
shareholders;  (ii)  the  historical  and then  current  operating  results  and
financial  condition of First  Frederick;  (iii) the proposed  exchange ratio to
convert  First  Frederick  common  stock  into  FCNB  common  stock;   (iv)  the
possibility of obtaining a more  favorable  price for First  Frederick's  common
stock in the future;  (v) FCNB's  reputation and operating  record;  (vi) FCNB's
banking  philosophy and customer  relationships;  (vii) FCNB's dividend  payment
record;  (viii)  FCNB's  listing  on The Nasdaq  National  Market;  (ix)  future
appreciation  potential of FCNB's common stock; (x) any antitrust or other legal
and  regulatory  issues  arising  out of the  merger;  and (ix) the  social  and
economic effect on First Frederick's employees, depositors and customers.

         The First  Frederick  Board also  believes  that the merger will permit
greater  flexibility  in responding to the  expanding  financial  needs of First
Frederick's  customers and in meeting the increasing  competition for furnishing
financial  services.  The merger will make the considerable  commercial  lending
resources and expertise of FCNB  directly  available to commercial  customers of
First Frederick, including FCNB's higher legal lending limit. As a part of FCNB,
First Frederick customers will be offered some services not presently offered by
First Frederick.

         The  merger  will give  First  Frederick's  customers  access to FCNB's
banking  system  with  its 32  full  service  branches  in  Frederick,  Carroll,
Montgomery,  Baltimore,  Howard,  Anne Arundel and Prince  George's  counties in
Maryland, Washington D.C. and Fairfax County, Virginia.


                                       18
<PAGE>

         The Board of Directors of First  Frederick  believes that the merger is
desirable,  and in the best interest of, First  Frederick and its  shareholders.
ACCORDINGLY, THE FIRST FREDERICK BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE
MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT FIRST FREDERICK'S SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE FCNB BOARD; REASONS FOR THE MERGER

         The Board of Directors  of FCNB  believes  that the proposed  merger of
First  Frederick  with and into  FCNB is in the best  interests  of FCNB and its
shareholders.  The  acquisition of First  Frederick will increase FCNB's deposit
share in the Frederick  City market to 34% (the highest in the market) from 26%,
and to 28% from 23% in the Frederick County market. The merger will also present
FCNB with  substantial  opportunities  to  increase  income,  as a result of the
ability to provide additional  products not currently provided by First Bank, to
customers  of First  Bank.  FCNB also  expects  significant  cost  savings to be
derived  from the  merger,  as a result  of the  consolidation  of five of First
Bank's six  branches  with  nearby  FCNB Bank  branches,  and the  reduction  of
administrative overhead.  There can be no assurance,  however, that FCNB will be
able to  successfully  retain  and  integrate  First  Frederick's  business  and
customers with its own, that FCNB will recognize the  anticipated  cost savings,
or that FCNB's income or earnings will increase as a result of the merger.

         In considering the merger, the Board of Directors reviewed  information
prepared by FCNB's personnel,  who were assisted by independent  analysts having
expertise in the valuation and acquisition of banking institutions.

         ACCORDINGLY,  THE FCNB BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED THE
MERGER AND  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF FCNB COMMON STOCK VOTE "FOR"
THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.

CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

         The  obligation of First  Frederick to consummate the merger is subject
to various  conditions,  including the following:  (i) the continued accuracy of
the  representations  and  warranties  of  FCNB;  (ii) the  performance,  in all
material  respects,  of all of the  covenants  and  agreements of FCNB under the
merger  agreement;  (iii) the approval of the merger by the shareholders of each
of  First  Frederick  and  FCNB;  (iv)  the  effectiveness  of the  registration
statement  (of which this proxy  statement/prospectus  forms a part) on Form S-4
relating  to the FCNB  common  stock to be  issued to  securityholders  of First
Frederick in the merger;  (v) the approval for quotation on The Nasdaq  National
Market, upon notice of issuance, of the shares of FCNB common stock to be issued
to First  Frederick  securityholders  in  connection  with the merger;  (vi) the
absence  of a  material  adverse  change in the  business,  operations,  assets,
financial  condition,  prospects  or results of  operations  of FCNB;  (vii) the
absence of any order,  decree,  or injunction (or proceeding  seeking any of the
foregoing)  enjoining  or  prohibiting   consummation  of  the  merger  and  the
transactions  contemplated  by the merger  agreement;  and (viii) the receipt of
certain legal and tax opinions from counsel to FCNB.

         The  obligation of FCNB to consummate  the merger is subject to various
conditions,   including  the  following:  (i)  the  continued  accuracy  of  the
representations and warranties of First Frederick; (ii) the performance,  in all
material  respects,  of the  obligations  of First  Frederick  under the  merger
agreement;  (iii) the  receipt  of all  requisite  regulatory  approvals,  which
approvals  shall  not  contain  conditions  other  than  those as are  generally
imposed, and which are not, in the opinion of FCNB, unduly burdensome;  (iv) the
approval of the merger by the  shareholders of each of First Frederick and FCNB;
(v) the  receipt  of an  opinion of FCNB's  independent  accountants,  or FCNB's
otherwise  satisfying itself,  that the merger can be accounted for as a pooling
of interests;  (vi) the absence of any material  adverse change in the business,
operations,  assets, financial condition,  prospects or results of operations of
First  Frederick;  (vii) the absence of any injunction,  proceeding,  statute or
regulation  preventing  consummation of the merger or making it unlawful,  or in
the reasonable judgment of FCNB,  inadvisable,  to consummate the merger; (viii)
the  absence  of  litigation  which,  if  successful,  would  in the  reasonable
judgement of FCNB,  have a material  adverse effect on the financial  condition,
operations,  business or prospects  of First  Frederick;  (ix) the  execution of
noncompetition  agreements by the directors of First Frederick;  (x) the receipt
of the tax opinion from counsel to FCNB;  and (xi) the receipt of a satisfactory
letter from First Frederick's outside accountants,  and an opinion of counsel to
First Frederick.

         See "The Merger --  Termination,"  "-- Certain  Related  Agreements and
Interests of Certain Persons" and "-- Accounting Treatment."


                                       19
<PAGE>

         Pending  effectiveness  of the merger,  First  Frederick is required to
conduct its  business in the  ordinary  course,  and in  substantially  the same
manner as it has conducted business to date.  Additionally,  First Frederick has
agreed not to take certain actions without the prior consent of FCNB, including,
but not limited to, paying  dividends;  redeeming,  repurchasing  or issuing any
shares of common stock;  incurring any obligations or liabilities  except in the
ordinary  course of  business;  granting  any salary  increases;  effecting  any
merger,  sale of  assets  or other  transaction  not in the  ordinary  course of
business;  or soliciting or authorizing  any inquiries or proposals with respect
to any extraordinary transactions other than the merger.

         Pending  effectiveness of the merger,  FCNB is required to use its best
efforts to preserve its business  organization  intact in all material respects;
maintain good relationships with its employees; and preserve the goodwill of its
customer and other business  relationships.  FCNB has agreed not to take certain
actions without the prior written consent of First Frederick,  including actions
which would adversely  affect (i) the ability to obtain the necessary  approvals
of  governmental  authorities  required  for the merger;  (ii) the status of the
merger as a tax free  reorganization;  (iii) the  eligibility  of the merger for
treatment  as a  pooling  of  interests;  or (iv) its  ability  to  perform  the
covenants and agreements under the merger agreement.

         The merger agreement provides that as promptly as practicable after the
date of the merger  agreement and First  Frederick  furnishing  any  information
regarding  First  Frederick  required  to  be  included,   FCNB  will  file  the
registration  statement with the Commission and applications or notices with the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the "Federal Reserve"),  the Maryland
Commissioner of Financial Regulation, and any other appropriate state or federal
regulatory  agency for  approval  of the  merger.  The  approval  of the Federal
Reserve has been received and the mandatory waiting period has expired,  and the
approval  of the  Maryland  Commissioner  of  Financial  Regulation  for FCNB to
acquire First Fredrick has been received.

TERMINATION

         The merger agreement may be terminated,  and the merger  abandoned,  at
any  time  prior  to  the  effectiveness  of the  merger,  whether  or not  such
termination occurs before or after approval of the merger by the shareholders of
First  Frederick and FCNB, and without  further action by  shareholders of First
Frederick  and FCNB, in the following  circumstances:  (i) by mutual  consent of
First Frederick and FCNB; (ii)  unilaterally by either FCNB or First  Frederick,
at any time after December 31, 1999,  except that if First Frederick  engages in
communications  related to an  "unsolicited  acquisition  proposal"  (as defined
below)  First  Frederick  may  not  terminate   under  this   provision;   (iii)
unilaterally,  by either  First  Frederick  or FCNB in the  event of a  material
breach by the other of any  representation,  warranty or agreement  contained in
the merger agreement;  (iv) unilaterally,  by either First Frederick or FCNB, in
the  event  that  any of the  conditions  to the  obligation  of such  party  to
consummate  the merger  cannot be satisfied by December 31, 1999,  provided that
the terminating  party is not in material  breach of a material  representation,
warranty or agreement at the time of termination; (v) unilaterally,  by FCNB, if
the merger is not approved at the FCNB shareholder  meeting;  (vi) unilaterally,
by First  Frederick,  if the  merger  is not  approved  at the  First  Frederick
shareholder  meeting; or (vii) unilaterally,  by either First Frederick or FCNB,
if any  governmental  or  regulatory  approval  required  for the merger and the
transactions   contemplated   by  the  merger   agreement  is  denied  by  final
non-appealable order, or the time for appeal has expired, except that the denial
of an  application  relating  to the merger of First Bank and FCNB Bank will not
entitle  First  Frederick to terminate  the merger.  If the merger  agreement is
terminated  under any of the  foregoing  circumstances,  no party shall have any
liability or obligation  to the other  relating to the merger  agreement,  other
than with respect to  confidentiality  of documents and expenses,  and except in
the event of a willful breach of a material provision.

         For  purposes  of the merger  agreement,  an  "unsolicited  acquisition
proposal" is defined as any proposal for a merger, consolidation, share purchase
or  exchange,  purchase  and  assumption  or similar  extraordinary  transaction
involving First Frederick or First Bank or all of their respective assets, which
is received by First Frederick without violation of its agreement not to further
seek or encourage any proposals for such transactions.

AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

         Any of the terms and conditions of the merger  agreement may be amended
or modified by First Frederick and FCNB in writing,  at any time before or after
approval  by  shareholders,  except  that no  amendment  or  modification  after
approval by the  shareholders  of First Frederick may reduce the value or change
the form of consideration to be received


                                       20
<PAGE>

by  shareholders  of  First  Frederick.  Any  term or  condition  of the  merger
agreement  may be waived at any time,  in writing,  by the party  which,  or the
shareholders  of which,  is  entitled  to the  benefit  of such  waived  term or
condition. See "The Merger -- Conditions to the Merger."

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MERGER

         The  closing  of the  merger  shall  take  place  within 30 days of the
receipt  of  all  required   approvals  and  authorizations  of  government  and
regulatory authorities and the expiration of all applicable waiting periods, and
the  satisfaction  or waiver of all  conditions to the merger.  The merger shall
become  effective  upon the later of the filing of  Articles  of Merger with the
Maryland  Department of  Assessments  and Taxation or the date indicated in such
Articles of Merger.  It is expected that the merger will become effective within
one business day of the closing.

SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATES

         Upon   effectiveness  of  the  merger,   certificates   which  formerly
represented  shares of First Frederick  common stock,  options to purchase First
Frederick common stock or warrants to purchase First Frederick common stock will
represent  the number of shares of FCNB  common  stock  into which such  shares,
options or warrants, as the case may be, shall have been converted,  except that
until  exchanged  for FCNB  common  stock  certificates,  the  holders  of First
Frederick common stock  certificates,  options or warrants,  as the case may be,
will not be entitled to receive dividends or other  distributions or payments on
FCNB common stock.

Promptly following  effectiveness of the merger, FCNB or American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company, FCNB's transfer agent (the "Exchange Agent"), will mail to each
First  Frederick  shareholder  and each  holder of First  Frederick  options and
warrants  information  regarding  the  exchange  of his or her  shares  of First
Frederick  common  stock,  options or  warrants,  as the case may be,  including
procedures  to be followed  in the event that  certificates  representing  First
Frederick  common stock,  options or warrants  have been lost.  HOLDERS OF FIRST
FREDERICK   COMMON  STOCK,   OPTIONS  AND  WARRANTS  SHOULD  NOT  DELIVER  THEIR
CERTIFICATES  UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED  TRANSMITTAL FORMS, AND SHOULD NOT RETURN
CERTIFICATES  WITH THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY.  Upon  surrender of  certificates
representing  shares of First Frederick common stock,  options and warrants,  as
the case may be,  the  Exchange  Agent  will  issue to such  holder  one or more
certificates  representing  the number of whole shares of FCNB common stock into
which such holder's  shares,  options and/or warrants shall have been converted,
together with a check representing payment, without interest, of cash in lieu of
any fractional  share of FCNB common stock to which such holder may be entitled,
and, if appropriate,  a check  representing  payment,  without interest,  of any
dividend or other cash payment or  distribution  on such holder's shares of FCNB
common stock which may have been withheld as a result of such  holder's  failure
to earlier surrender his or her First Frederick certificates for redemption.

         If any holder of First  Frederick  common  stock,  options or  warrants
shall not have surrendered his or her certificates for exchange within two years
of the  effectiveness  of the  merger,  the shares to which such  securityholder
would be entitled  may, at the option of FCNB,  be sold and the proceeds of such
sale, together with any cash in lieu of fractional shares and previously accrued
dividends,  held in a non-interest bearing account for such holder's benefit. In
such event, such holder's only right shall be to collect,  without interest, and
subject to applicable laws of escheat,  such net proceeds,  cash and accumulated
dividends, upon surrender of his or her First Frederick certificates.

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

         FCNB and  First  Frederick  have  received  an  opinion  from  Kevin P.
Kennedy,  Esquire,  special tax counsel to FCNB in respect of the merger,  as to
certain federal income tax consequences of the merger. The opinion provides that
the merger of First  Frederick  into FCNB pursuant to the merger  agreement will
qualify  as a  reorganization  under  Section  368(a)(1)(A)  of  the  Code.  The
following is a description of the expected  federal income tax  consequences  of
the merger to FCNB, First Frederick and the shareholders of First Frederick.

         No gain or loss will be recognized by First Frederick upon consummation
of the merger.

         No gain or loss will be  recognized  by FCNB upon the  receipt of First
Frederick's assets in exchange for FCNB common stock, cash and the assumption of
First  Frederick's  liabilities.  The federal  income tax basis of the assets of
First  Frederick  in the hands of FCNB will be the same as the tax basis of such
assets in the hands of First


                                       21
<PAGE>

Frederick  immediately  prior to the effective  time of the merger.  The holding
period of the assets of First  Frederick  transferred  to FCNB will  include the
period  during  which  such  assets  were held by First  Frederick  prior to the
effective time of the merger.

         No  gain or  loss  will be  recognized  by the  shareholders  of  First
Frederick on the receipt of shares of FCNB common stock  pursuant to the merger.
The federal  income tax basis of the shares of FCNB common  stock  received by a
shareholder  of  First  Frederick  will be the same as the  basis  of the  First
Frederick  shares  surrendered in exchange  therefor.  The holding period of the
FCNB common stock received by a shareholder of First  Frederick will be the same
as the holding  period of the First  Frederick  shares  surrendered  in exchange
therefor provided the stock was held by the shareholder as a capital asset.

         Cash received by  shareholders of First Frederick in lieu of fractional
shares of FCNB common stock will be treated as received by such  shareholders as
distributions  in  redemption  of such  shares,  subject to the  conditions  and
limitations of Section 302 of the Code

         Shareholders  of First  Frederick  who  receive  solely  cash for their
shares will be treated as having received such cash in redemption of such shares
subject to the limitations and conditions of Section 302 of the Code.

         The opinion of Mr.  Kennedy is not binding on the IRS and the IRS could
disagree  with  the  conclusions   reached   therein.   In  the  event  of  such
disagreement, there is no assurance that the IRS would not prevail in a judicial
or administrative proceeding.

         As a result of the  complexity  of the tax laws and the  impact of each
shareholder's  particular circumstances upon the tax consequences of the merger,
the information set forth above regarding the federal income tax consequences of
the  merger is not  intended  to be  individualized  tax or legal  advice to the
shareholders of First Frederick.  EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN
TAX OR  FINANCIAL  COUNSEL  AS TO THE  SPECIFIC  FEDERAL,  STATE,  AND LOCAL TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, IF ANY, TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER.

         Holders of options  and  warrants to purchase  First  Frederick  common
stock who will have their options and warrants  cancelled in exchange for shares
of FCNB common stock may have special tax consequences.  The tax consequences to
the holders of such options and  warrants  will depend upon a number of factors,
which  vary from  holder to  holder.  The tax  consequences  could  include  the
recognition  of personal  service wage income.  Personal  service wage income is
generally  subject to taxation  under the Federal  Insurance  Contributions  Act
("FICA"), which includes both social security and medicare taxes, in addition to
federal  income  taxation.  HOLDERS OF OPTIONS AND  WARRANTS  TO PURCHASE  FIRST
FREDERICK  COMMON STOCK WHO RECEIVE FCNB COMMON STOCK IN  CANCELLATION  OF THEIR
OPTIONS ARE URGED TO CONSULT  WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE RECEIPT OF FCNB COMMON STOCK.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

         It is anticipated that the merger will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests under generally accepted accounting principles. The obligation of FCNB
to consummate the merger is  conditioned  upon the receipt by FCNB of an opinion
of its  independent  accountants  or FCNB otherwise  satisfying  itself that the
merger can be accounted for as a pooling of interests,  under generally accepted
accounting  principles,  if consummated in accordance with the merger agreement.
Under the pooling of interests method of accounting, the historical basis of the
assets and  liabilities  of FCNB and First  Frederick  will be  combined  at the
closing and carried forward at their  previously  recorded  amounts.  Income and
other financial  statements of FCNB issued after consummation of the merger will
be restated  retroactively  to reflect the  consolidated  operations of FCNB and
First Frederick as if the merger had taken place prior to the periods covered by
such financial statements.

         In order for the merger to qualify for pooling of interests  accounting
treatment,  substantially all of the outstanding common stock of First Frederick
must be exchanged for FCNB common stock. In the event that any of the conditions
to the pooling of interests  method of accounting  treatment are not  satisfied,
the merger would not qualify for the pooling of interests  method of accounting,
and a condition to the  consummation  of the merger would not be fulfilled.  See
"The Merger -- Conditions to the Merger."


                                       22
<PAGE>

         Under  generally  accepted  accounting   principles,   the  pooling  of
interests  method  records  neither the acquiring of assets nor the obtaining of
capital.  Therefore, all costs incurred to effect a combination accounted for as
a pooling of  interests  are  expenses of the  combined  enterprise  rather than
additions to assets or  reductions to  shareholders'  equity.  Accordingly,  the
costs  incurred  in  connection  with the merger  will be charged to expense and
deducted in determining the results of operations of the combined entity.

         Expenses  of a pooling  of  interests  typically  include,  but are not
limited to, registration fees and expenses,  proxy solicitation costs, legal and
accounting  fees,  salaries and other expenses related to services of employees,
and costs of combining  operations  of the  previously  separate  companies.  In
connection with the merger,  additional accounting adjustments and accruals will
be required to recognize  certain  specific  one-time costs  associated with the
merger. These adjustments and accruals will cause significant  reductions to the
combined  entity's  results  of  operations  for the  initial  period  following
consummation of the merger.

         First  Frederick has an employment  agreement with its  President,  and
FCNB has entered into an agreement  regarding the termination of that agreement.
See "The Merger -- Certain Related Agreements and Interests of Certain Persons."
This  employment  agreement  provides  for a change in control  payment upon the
change in control of First Frederick, which will occur upon the effectiveness of
the merger, as well as certain incentive bonus payments.  This liability will be
paid at the closing in accordance with the employment termination agreement, and
will be  recognized  through a charge to  "salaries  and  employee  benefits" of
approximately  $290,000. The after tax effect of recognizing this liability will
reduce the combined entity's results of operations by approximately  $175,000 in
the initial period after closing. FCNB will recognize approximately $2.8 million
of one-time merger related charges in the first period following consummation of
the merger.  These charges  relate to expenses  incurred in connection  with the
merger,  including  accounting  and legal  expenses,  lease  termination  costs,
charges  required to align the accounting  policies of FCNB and First  Frederick
relating to the reserve for loan  losses,  and data  processing  conversion  and
termination  costs,  and will  result in a reduction  of FCNB's  earnings in the
initial  period  after  closing of  approximately  $1.7  million on an after tax
basis.

CERTAIN RELATED AGREEMENTS AND INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS

         Support  Agreement.  As a  condition  to  the  obligation  of  FCNB  to
consummate the merger each of the directors of First  Frederick has entered into
an  agreement  with  respect to the voting of shares of First  Frederick  common
stock which they own or control in their  individual  capacities  (the  "Support
Agreement").  Pursuant to the Support  Agreement,  the  directors  and executive
officers of First  Frederick  have agreed  that they will vote an  aggregate  of
413,270 shares of First  Frederick  common stock which they possess the power to
vote or direct  the voting of, or  approximately  27.09% of the total  number of
shares of First Frederick common stock outstanding,  in favor of the merger, and
against any other merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or
other extraordinary  transaction  involving First Frederick.  See "The Merger --
Termination."  See "The First  Frederick  Shareholder  Meeting -- Purpose of the
First Frederick Shareholder Meeting and Vote Required."

         Management and  Operations of FCNB Following the Merger.  Following the
effectiveness of the merger, the officers and directors of FCNB and FCNB Bank as
of the  effectiveness  of the merger  will  continue  to serve as  officers  and
directors of FCNB and FCNB Bank. It is anticipated that most of the employees of
First  Frederick  will become  employees of FCNB Bank.  FCNB has agreed that all
employees of First  Frederick who continue as employees of FCNB will be provided
with benefits which, on the whole are substantially similar to those provided by
FCNB to its similarly situated employees.

         Employment  Termination  and Consulting  Agreements.  FCNB and Jacob H.
Goldstein,  President  of  First  Frederick,  have  entered  into  an  agreement
regarding the  termination  of Mr.  Goldstein's  employment  contract with First
Frederick  and the  payment  of the  amounts  to  which  he  would  be  entitled
thereunder.  FCNB and Mr.  Goldstein  have  agreed that FCNB shall pay, or cause
FCNB  Bank to pay,  Mr.  Goldstein  in a lump sum at the  effective  time of the
merger, an aggregate of $290,000 in lieu of bonus and change in control payments
to which he would  otherwise have been entitled  under his  employment  contract
with First Frederick. FCNB and Mr. Goldstein have also entered into a consulting
agreement under which Mr.  Goldstein  would serve as a management  consultant to
FCNB and FCNB Bank,  assisting it in  maintaining  the  business and  employment
relationships  previously  developed by First  Frederick and First Bank,  and on
such other  matters as they may agree upon.  Mr.  Goldstein  will be entitled to
compensation  at a rate of


                                       23
<PAGE>

$52,000 per year during the term of the  consulting  agreement.  The  consulting
agreement has a term of two years from the effective date of the merger.

         Non-Competition Agreements. As a condition of the obligation of FCNB to
consummate  the merger,  each  director of First  Frederick  has entered into an
agreement  restricting  such  director's  ability  to  engage in  activities  in
competition  with FCNB and FCNB Bank from the effective time of the merger until
June 30, 2002 (the "Non-Compete").

         The Non-Compete  provides that from and after the effective time of the
merger  until  June  30,  2002  (the  "Covenant  Period"),  subject  to  limited
exceptions for certain existing and advisory  relationships,  the director shall
not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate in the ownership, management,
operation,  control or financing of, or otherwise be connected  with or have any
interest  in,  whether  as  organizer,  director,  advisory  director,  officer,
employee, consultant,  partner, contractor,  stockholder (other than as a holder
of less than 2% of the capital stock of a financial  institution reporting under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), or otherwise, of any financial institution
competitive with FCNB or FCNB Bank which has a branch or loan production  office
(or in the case of financial  institutions  other than banking (including thrift
institutions,  an office) in Frederick County,  including but not limited to any
entity  engaged in, or which  controls  any entity  engaged in,  retail  banking
services,  commercial banking services,  deposit production,  loan production or
commercial lending services and mortgage banking services.  The Non-Compete also
contains  provisions  regarding the use and disclosure of  confidential or other
non-public  information  of  FCNB  and  First  Frederick,  the  solicitation  of
customers of First  Frederick  and the  solicitation  and hiring of employees of
First Frederick during the Covenant Period.

         Options and Warrants. In connection with the 1988 organization of First
Bank,  certain of the current directors of First Frederick  received warrants to
purchase  shares of First Bank common stock,  which were converted into warrants
to purchase First Frederick  common stock in connection with the holding company
formation.  The  warrants,  which  expire on  December  7, 2008,  are  presently
exercisable at an exercise price of $4.54 per share. Commencing in 1994, certain
directors  received  options to purchase shares of First Frederick common stock,
at exercise prices ranging from $4.01 to $8.34 per share.  Upon  consummation of
the  merger,  and  subject  to the  agreement  of each  director  involved,  the
following  directors  will receive the number of shares of FCNB common stock set
forth  opposite  his name upon  conversion  of such  director's  options  and/or
warrants:  Mr.  Barrick - 11,861  shares;  Mr.  Goldstein - 41,201  shares;  Mr.
Buterbaugh - 9,259 shares;  Mr. Dredden - 5,355 shares;  Mr. Fitzgerald - 22,085
shares;  Mr. Jenkins - 61,100 shares; Mr. Kline - 19,230 shares; Mr. McClellan -
11,206 shares;  Mr. Weinberg - 31,636 shares;  Mr. Windsor - 11,625 shares;  Mr.
Rauh - 1,107 shares; Mr. Vona - 1,930 shares; and Mr. Kallstrom - 524 shares. In
addition,  Mr. Joseph Vona, the father of current  director Joseph H. Vona, owns
warrants to purchase  shares of First Frederick  common stock which,  subject to
his agreement, will be converted into 19,840 shares of FCNB common stock.

         Indemnification of Directors. FCNB has acknowledged and agreed that all
rights  of  indemnification,  and  all  limitations  on  liability,  which  were
applicable to First  Frederick's  directors,  officers and  employees  under its
Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or other governing documents, continue in full
force and effect with respect to matters  arising prior to the  effective  time,
and that FCNB will honor such obligations.

RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OF FCNB COMMON STOCK BY CONTROLLING PERSONS

         The FCNB  common  stock  issued in  connection  with the merger will be
freely transferable under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities
Act"),  except for shares issued to any First Frederick  shareholders who may be
deemed to be affiliates of First Frederick  under Rule 145 promulgated  pursuant
to the  Securities  Act.  This proxy  statement/prospectus  is not to be used by
affiliates  of  First  Frederick  or  other  persons  who  may be  deemed  to be
underwriters  under Rule 145(c) for resale of shares received in connection with
the merger.

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

         Any  shareholder  of First  Frederick who does not vote in favor of the
merger and the  transactions  contemplated  by the merger  agreement and who has
given prior written notice to First Frederick of such shareholder's objection to
the proposed  transaction  and who otherwise  complies with the  procedures  set
forth  in Title 3,  Subtitle  2 of the  Maryland  General  Corporation  Law (the
"MGCL"),  shall be entitled to receive payment in cash of the fair value of


                                       24
<PAGE>

such  shareholder's  shares of First Frederick  common stock. A copy of Title 3,
Subtitle 2 of the MGCL is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

         Shareholders  of FCNB are not entitled to demand the payment in cash of
the fair value of their shares of FCNB common stock.

         A First  Frederick  shareholder  wishing to demand  payment of the fair
value of any part of all of his or her shares of First  Frederick  common  stock
must submit a written notice to the Secretary of First  Frederick at or prior to
the meeting,  stating that such shareholder  objects to the proposed merger. The
shareholder  must  then not vote  those  shares in favor of the  merger.  Merely
voting  against  the  merger  or not  voting  in  favor of the  merger  will not
constitute  notice of objection or dissent and will not entitle a shareholder to
payment  in cash of the  value  of his or her  shares.  Promptly  following  the
effectiveness  of the merger,  FCNB, as the successor to First  Frederick,  will
notify in writing  each  shareholder  of First  Frederick  who filed a notice of
objection  to the  merger,  of the date on which the  Articles  of  Merger  were
accepted for record.  Within  twenty (20) days of the date on which the Articles
of Merger were accepted for record, an objecting shareholder must make a written
demand for payment of the fair value of his or her stock, stating the number and
class of shares for which payment is demanded. The notice of objection should be
sent to First  Frederick at 22 West Patrick Street,  Frederick,  Maryland 21701,
Attention: Jacob H. Goldstein. The demand for payment should be sent to FCNB, as
the  successor  to First  Frederick,  at 7200 FCNB Court,  Frederick,  Maryland,
21703, Attention: Mark A. Severson, Senior Vice President and Treasurer.

         FCNB's notice of the date on which the Articles of Merger were accepted
may  contain  an offer of  payment  and  certain  financial  disclosures.  If an
objecting  shareholder who has followed all of the procedural  steps required to
demand payment of fair value has not received payment for his or her shares,  he
or she may,  or FCNB  may,  within  fifty  (50)  days of the  acceptance  of the
Articles  of  Merger,  petition  the  court of equity in  Frederick  County  for
appraisal of the fair value of his or her shares of First Frederick common stock
as of the date of the First Frederick shareholder meeting, without including any
appreciation or depreciation resulting directly or indirectly from the merger or
its proposal. Any shareholder who files a notice of objection, but fails to file
a written  demand for the payment of fair value in a timely manner will be bound
by the shareholder vote and will not be entitled to receive payment in cash as a
holder of dissenting  shares.  A shareholder  who demands payment for his or her
stock as a dissenting shareholder has no right to receive any dividends or other
distributions on such shares (or the shares of FCNB common stock into which such
dissenting  shares would be  converted),  after close of business on the date of
the First Frederick shareholder meeting at which the merger is approved, and has
no other rights,  including voting rights,  with respect to such shares,  except
the payment of fair value.  The rights of a shareholder who demands payment will
be restored if the demand for payment is  withdrawn,  a petition of appraisal is
not filed within the time required,  a court  determines that the shareholder is
not entitled to relief, or the merger is abandoned or rescinded.

         If the court  finds that the  objecting  shareholder  is entitled to an
appraisal  of his or her stock,  the court  shall  appoint  three  disinterested
appraisers  to  determine  the fair value of the stock.  Within  sixty (60) days
after  appointment  (or  such  longer  period  as the  court  may  direct),  the
appraisers  shall  file with the court and mail to each  dissenting  shareholder
their report stating their conclusion as to the fair value of the stock.  Within
fifteen  (15) days after the filing of the  report,  any party may object to the
report and request a rehearing.  The court, upon motion of any party, will enter
an order either confirming,  modifying or rejecting the report and, if confirmed
or modified,  enter  judgment  directing  the time within which  payment must be
made. If the report is rejected, the court may determine the fair value or remit
the proceeding to the same or other appraisers. Any judgment entered pursuant to
a court proceeding will include interest from the date of the shareholders' vote
at the meeting,  unless the court finds that the shareholder's refusal to accept
a written  offer to purchase the shares was  arbitrary  and  vexatious or not in
good faith.

         The  expenses of the  appraisal  proceedings,  not  including  fees and
expenses of counsel,  and not including fees or expenses of experts if FCNB made
an offer of payment for the  dissenting  shareholder's  stock or if the value of
the stock as  determined  in the  appraisal  proceeding  materially  exceeds the
amount offered by FCNB, will be the  responsibility  of FCNB, except that all or
any part of such expenses may be assessed  against any or all of the  dissenting
shareholders  to whom an  offer to pay for such  shareholder's  shares  has been
made,  if the  court  finds the  failure  to accept  such  offer was  arbitrary,
vexatious or not in good faith.


                                       25
<PAGE>

                                    FCNB CORP

         Financial and other information relating to FCNB is set forth in FCNB's
Annual  Report to  Shareholders  for the year ended  December  31,  1998 and its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, incorporated
by reference  herein.  Additional  financial and other  information  relating to
FCNB, including information relating to FCNB's directors and executive officers,
is included in FCNB's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K,  and FCNB's proxy  statement
relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 20, 1999, copies of
which may be obtained without cost from FCNB. See "Additional  Information About
FCNB Corp."

HISTORY AND BUSINESS

         FCNB was  organized  in 1986 to serve as the  holding  company for FCNB
Bank,  its  principal  operating  subsidiary.  FCNB Bank,  which was  originally
chartered in 1818, was converted  from a national bank to a Maryland  commercial
bank in 1993,  and is  engaged  in a general  commercial  and  consumer  banking
business,  serving  individuals  and  businesses  in  Frederick,  Anne  Arundel,
Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland,
the District of Columbia and Fairfax County,  VA. FCNB Bank is the fifth largest
commercial  banking  institution  headquartered in Maryland.  At March 31, 1999,
FCNB had assets of approximately $1.29 billion,  total deposits of approximately
$837.58 million, and total shareholders' equity of approximately $89.72 million.
The principal executive office of FCNB is located at 7200 FCNB Court, Frederick,
Maryland 21703, and its telephone number is (301) 662-2191.

         Over the past  five  years,  FCNB has  achieved  significant  growth in
assets. From 1994 to 1998, FCNB's assets grew at a 14.3 % compound annual growth
rate. FCNB has achieved its growth both internally and through acquisition. FCNB
has  completed  four  whole  bank  acquisitions  since  1995,  consummating  the
acquisition of Elkridge Bank (March 1995),  Laurel Federal Savings Bank (January
1996),  Odenton  Federal Savings and Loan  Association  (April 1996) and Capital
Bank (November  1998), as well as a number of branch  transactions.  In December
1998,  FCNB also completed the acquisition of Frederick  Underwriters,  Inc. and
its affiliated companies, a general lines insurance agency.

         FCNB has also had a history of  earnings  growth.  Net  income  (before
extraordinary  charges and merger related  expenses)  grew at a compound  annual
growth rate of 7.6% from 1994 to 1998.  For the five year period from January 1,
1994 to December  31,  1998,  FCNB's  average  annual  return on average  equity
(before merger-related expenses) was 12.56%.

         FCNB  routinely  explores   opportunities  for  additional  growth  and
expansion of its core banking  business and related  activities,  including  the
acquisition  of companies  engaged in banking or other related  activities,  and
internally generated growth. There can be no assurance,  however, that FCNB will
be able to grow, or if it does, that any such growth or expansion will result in
an increase in FCNB's  earnings,  dividends,  book value or market  value of its
securities.

DESCRIPTION OF FCNB CAPITAL STOCK

         FCNB  is  authorized  to  issue  an  aggregate  of  twenty-one  million
(21,000,000)  shares of capital stock,  of which twenty million  (20,000,000) is
common  stock,  par value  $1.00  per  share,  and one  million  (1,000,000)  is
undesignated  preferred  stock. As of the record date for the FCNB meeting there
were  10,074,273  shares of FCNB  common  stock  outstanding,  held of record by
approximately 2,973 shareholders, and options to purchase 294,139 shares of FCNB
common  stock were issued and  outstanding.  No shares of  preferred  stock were
outstanding  as of that  date.  The FCNB Board of  Directors  has  proposed  for
approval at the FCNB meeting an amendment  to FCNB's  Articles of  Incorporation
which would  increase  the number of  authorized  shares of FCNB common stock to
fifty million (50,000,000).

         FCNB Common  Stock.  Each share of FCNB common stock is entitled to one
vote on all  matters  to be  submitted  to a vote of  shareholders,  and are not
permitted to cumulate  votes in the election of  directors.  The holders of FCNB
common stock are not entitled to any preemptive or preferential right to acquire
any shares of any class of capital stock or other securities of FCNB,  except as
the FCNB Board may expressly  provide in connection with any offering of capital
stock or other securities.  Holders of FCNB common stock are entitled to receive
dividends as and when declared by the FCNB Board.


                                       26
<PAGE>

         FCNB  maintains a Dividend  Reinvestment  and Stock  Purchase Plan (the
"DRI Plan") providing for the purchase of additional shares of FCNB common stock
by  reinvestment  of cash dividends  paid on  outstanding  shares of FCNB common
stock and/or by optional direct cash payments by shareholders.  Shares purchased
under the DRI Plan with reinvested cash dividends and optional cash payments can
be acquired at 97% of current  market  prices.  No commissions or other fees are
charged.  Optional cash payments  pursuant to the DRI Plan are limited to $2,500
for any shareholder in each calendar  quarter.  The DRI Plan allows FCNB, at its
election, to use shares purchased in the open market, or authorized but unissued
shares, to satisfy demand under the plan.

         Upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or winding up of FCNB,  the holders of
FCNB common stock would be entitled to ratably receive all of the assets of FCNB
available for  distribution  after payment of all debts and liabilities of FCNB,
subject to the rights,  if any, of the holders of any class of  preferred  stock
which may be issued  with a priority  in  liquidation  or  dissolution  over the
holders of FCNB common stock.

         Preferred  Stock. The FCNB Board may, from time to time, by action of a
majority of the Board of Directors, issue shares of the authorized, undesignated
preferred  stock, in one or more classes or series.  In connection with any such
issuance, the Board may by resolution determine the designation,  voting rights,
preferences  as  to  dividends,  in  liquidation  or  otherwise,  participation,
redemption,  sinking  fund,  conversion,  dividend  or other  special  rights or
powers,  and the limitations,  qualifications and restrictions of such shares of
preferred  stock.  As of the date  hereof,  no  shares  of  preferred  stock are
outstanding.

MARKET FOR FCNB COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

         Market for Common  Stock.  FCNB common stock is listed for quotation on
The Nasdaq  National  Market under the symbol  "FCNB."  Eight  brokerage  firms,
Ferris,  Baker,  Watts & Co., Legg Mason Wood Walker,  Inc.,  Ryan,  Beck & Co.,
Wheat First Securities, Inc. Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P., Janney Montgomery
Scott,  Inc.,  F.J.  Morrisey & Co.,  Inc.,  and  Friedman,  Billings,  Ramsey &
Company,  Inc.,  currently  offer to make a  market  in FCNB  common  stock on a
regular basis.

         Dividends.  Holders  of FCNB  common  stock  are  entitled  to  receive
dividends  as and when  declared by the FCNB Board of  Directors.  Historically,
FCNB has paid  quarterly  cash  dividends on or about January 31, April 30, July
31, and October 31 of each year.  Funds for the payment of dividends  will,  for
the  foreseeable  future,  be obtained  primarily from dividends paid to FCNB by
FCNB Bank, which dividends are subject to statutory limitations.

         In  addition,  FCNB and its banking  subsidiary  are subject to capital
ratio requirements  imposed by the Federal Reserve. The effect of the payment of
dividends on FCNB's or its  subsidiary's  capital  ratios may be a factor in the
determination  of the FCNB Board,  or the ability of FCNB, to pay dividends.  To
the extent that such ratios are inadequate  for regulatory  purposes or would be
if  dividends  were paid by its banking  subsidiary  to FCNB,  or by FCNB to its
shareholders,  FCNB's  banking  subsidiary  or  FCNB,  as  applicable,  would be
precluded from paying  dividends.  Although the management of FCNB believes that
sufficient funds for the payment of dividends will be available, there can be no
assurance  that funds for the payment of dividends will continue to be available
in sufficient  amounts to pay dividends in accordance with FCNB's past practice,
or even if  available,  that the FCNB  Board of  Directors  will elect to expend
resources in the payment of dividends,  as opposed to retaining earnings to fund
growth or expansion, or for other corporate purposes.


                                       27
<PAGE>

         Set forth  below are the high and low  closing  prices for FCNB  common
stock for each quarter since January 1, 1997, as reported by The Nasdaq National
Market, as well as the amount of cash dividends declared in each quarter.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Quarter Ended           High          Low         Dividends Declared
     -------------           ----          ---         ------------------
<S>                        <C>           <C>                <C>
March 31, 1999              $22.50        $18.88             $0.155
June 30, 1999(1)            $20.50        $18.50             $0.160

March 31, 1998              $24.38        $20.81             $0.101
June 30, 1998               $24.94        $24.44             $0.106
September 30, 1998          $26.81        $23.88             $0.112
December 31, 1998           $24.50        $23.00             $0.117

March 31, 1997              $15.34        $13.64             $0.081
June 30, 1997               $15.00        $13.64             $0.081
September 30, 1997          $23.87        $13.98             $0.086
December 31, 1997           $23.69        $20.80             $0.092
</TABLE>

(1)      Through June 15, 1999.

           COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF
            THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FCNB AND FIRST FREDERICK

         Following effectiveness of the merger of First Frederick into FCNB, the
former  holders of First  Frederick  common  stock will  become  holders of FCNB
common stock,  and the rights of such holders will be determined by reference to
the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") as it applies to large, public
companies, and the Restated Articles of Incorporation ("Articles") and Bylaws of
FCNB, rather than the Articles of Incorporation ("Articles") and Bylaws of First
Frederick.

         Authorized  Shares.  The Articles of FCNB  authorize  the FCNB Board of
Directors to issue, without further authorization by shareholders,  up to twenty
million  (20,000,000)  shares of FCNB common stock, and one million  (1,000,000)
shares of preferred  stock having such rights as the Board in its discretion may
determine.  At the FCNB meeting, the FCNB shareholders will consider and vote on
an amendment to FCNB's  Articles  which will  increase the number of  authorized
shares of common stock to fifty million  (50,000,000).  See "Description of FCNB
Capital  Stock" and  "Amendment to the Articles of  Incorporation  of FCNB." The
existence of a class of authorized,  undesignated preferred stock could have the
effect of  discouraging  or rendering  more  difficult an attempted  takeover of
FCNB,  or,  alternatively,   of  facilitating  a  negotiated  acquisition.   The
availability  of additional  shares of capital stock for issuance could have the
effect of diluting the ownership  interest of holders of FCNB common stock.  The
Articles of First Frederick  authorize the issuance of five million  (5,000,000)
shares of capital  stock,  two million  (2,000,000)  of which are  designated as
common stock and three million  (3,000,000) of which are undesignated and may be
designated  with such  rights  as the First  Frederick  Board of  Directors  may
determine.

         Voting  Rights.  The holders of FCNB common  stock are  entitled to one
vote per share on all matters submitted for a vote of shareholders,  and are not
permitted  to cumulate  votes in the  election of  directors.  The  undesignated
preferred shares  authorized by FCNB's Articles could be issued with such voting
rights as the FCNB Board of Directors  determines  at the time of issuance.  The
holders of First  Frederick  common  stock are entitled to one vote per share on
all matters  submitted  for the vote of  shareholders,  and are not permitted to
cumulate votes in the election of directors.

         Directors.  The  Articles  and the  Bylaws  of FCNB call for a Board of
Directors of between  three and fifteen  directors,  with the exact number to be
determined  by the  resolution of the Board of  Directors.  Currently  there are
fourteen directors,  divided into one class of four directors and two classes of
five directors.  At each annual  meeting,  one class is elected for a three year
term and until their successors  shall have been duly elected and qualified.  In
determining  the rights of any class or series of  preferred  stock which may in
the future be issued,  the Board of  Directors


                                       28
<PAGE>

of FCNB may  provide  that any such class or series is  entitled to elect one or
more  directors  separately  from the holders of other classes of capital stock.
The Bylaws of First  Frederick call for the size of the Board of Directors to be
determined  by  resolution  of the  Board of  Directors.  Currently,  there  are
fourteen  directors,  divided into three classes.  At each annual  meeting,  one
class is elected for a three year term,  and until their  successors are elected
and qualified.

         The Articles of FCNB provide that directors may be removed at any time,
but only for cause and upon the vote of the holders of eighty  percent  (80%) or
more of the total number of votes  entitled to be cast generally in the election
of directors.  The  provision  regarding the removal of directors may be amended
only upon the vote of holders of eighty  percent (80%) of all votes  entitled to
be cast in the election of directors.  The Articles of First  Frederick  provide
that directors may be removed only for cause and upon the vote of the holders of
eighty  percent  (80%)  of the  votes  entitled  to be cast in the  election  of
directors.

         Special  Meetings.  Special meetings of the shareholders of FCNB may be
called by the  Chairman  of the Board,  President  or a majority of the Board of
Directors,  or by the  request of the holders of at least  twenty  five  percent
(25%) of the votes  entitled to be cast at the meeting.  FCNB's  Bylaws  provide
that if any matter to be acted upon at the meeting is substantially  the same as
a matter  voted upon at any  special  meeting of  shareholders  held  during the
preceding  twelve  months,  the holders of at least fifty  percent  (50%) of the
votes  entitled to be cast at the meeting  must request the meeting with respect
to such matter. Additionally,  shareholders of FCNB requesting a special meeting
must pay the  reasonably  estimated  costs of preparing  and mailing a notice of
such meeting prior to issuance of a notice for the meeting.  Special meetings of
the shareholders of First Frederick may be called for any legitimate  purpose by
the Board of Directors  or the  President,  or upon the request of  shareholders
owning in the aggregate at least twenty five percent (25%) of the votes entitled
to be cast at the meeting.  First Frederick's  Bylaws provide that if any matter
to be acted upon at the meeting is substantially the same as a matter voted upon
at any special meeting of shareholders  held during the preceding twelve months,
the holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes  entitled to be cast at
the meeting must request the meeting with respect to such matter. The conduct of
business at special  meetings of both FCNB and First Frederick is limited to the
matters set forth in the notice.

         Amendment  of  Articles/Bylaws.  Except  where  applicable  law  or the
Articles of FCNB provide  otherwise,  the Articles of FCNB may be amended by the
affirmative  vote of  two-thirds of the votes  entitled to be cast thereon.  The
provision of the FCNB  Articles  relating to removal of directors may be amended
only upon the vote of the holders of eighty  percent (80%) of the votes entitled
to be cast in the election of directors, voting as a single class.

         Except to the extent a greater  vote is required by law or the Articles
of FCNB, the Bylaws of FCNB may generally be amended by the majority vote of the
shareholders or the Board of directors. Except to the extent that a greater vote
is required by law or the Articles of First Frederick,  First Frederick's Bylaws
generally  provide  that the Bylaws may be amended by the vote of a majority  of
the Board of Directors or by the vote of a majority of the votes  entitled to be
cast on the amendment.  Any amendment to the First  Frederick  Bylaw  provisions
relating  to  (i)  the  election  of  the  Board  of  Directors  (including  the
classification  of the  Board  of  directors);  (ii)  the  number  and  term  of
directors;  (iii) Board action by unanimous written consent or (iv) requirements
relating  to  the  amendment  of  the  Bylaws,   may  be  adopted  only  by  the
authorization  of not less  than  seventy-five  percent  (75%) of the  aggregate
number of the votes  entitled  to be cast by  shareholders  (voting  as a single
class), or by the Board of Directors, as applicable.

         Consideration  of Business  Combinations.  The Articles of FCNB provide
that where the Board of Directors  evaluates any actual or proposed  transaction
which would or may involve a change in control of FCNB,  the Board of  Directors
shall, in connection with the exercise of its business  judgement in determining
what is in the best  interests  of FCNB and its  shareholders  and in making any
recommendation  to its  shareholders,  give due  consideration  to all  relevant
factors,  including,  but not limited to the economic effect, both immediate and
long  term,  upon  FCNB's  shareholders,  if  any,  not  to  participate  in the
transaction;  the social and economic  effect on the  employees,  depositors and
customers of, and others  dealing  with,  FCNB and its  subsidiaries  and on the
communities in which FCNB and its subsidiaries  operate or are located;  whether
the proposal is acceptable based on the historical and current operating results
or financial condition of FCNB; whether a more favorable price could be obtained
for the FCNB common stock or other securities in the future;  the reputation and
business  practices of the offeror and its  management  and  affiliates  as they
would affect the employees of FCNB and its subsidiaries; the future value of the
stock or other  securities  of  FCNB;  and any  antitrust  or  other  legal  and
regulatory  issues that are raised by the  proposal.  If the Board of  Directors
determines that any such transaction should be rejected,  it may take any lawful
action to defeat such  transaction.  The Articles of First Frederick  contains a
comparable provision.


                                       29
<PAGE>

         Advance Written Notice of Shareholder  Proposals and  Nominations.  The
Articles of FCNB provide that any  shareholder  entitled to vote at a meeting of
shareholders who desires to nominate any person for election as director of FCNB
or who  desires to bring up any new  business at the  meeting,  but who does not
seek to have  such  nomination  or  proposal  included  in the  proxy  materials
prepared  by FCNB,  give at least 30 days,  but not more  than 60 days,  written
notice to FCNB of such nomination or business. Where less than 31 days notice of
the  meeting  was given to  shareholders  by FCNB,  notice  must be given by the
shareholder  within 10 days of the date on which the  meeting was  announced  to
shareholders.  If notice by the shareholder is not given in proper form and in a
timely  manner,  the  matter  will  be laid  over  until  the  next  meeting  of
shareholders  held  more  than  30 days  following  the  meeting  at  which  the
nomination or proposal, was made. The Bylaws of First Frederick require at least
60 days but not more  than 90 days  notice  of any  shareholder  nomination  for
election  as a  director,  provided  that if less  than 70 days  notice or prior
public disclosure of the meeting at which the election of directors will be held
is given, notice must be given by the shareholder within ten days of the date on
which the meeting was announced to the  shareholders  or such public  disclosure
was made. The Bylaws of First Frederick contain comparable  provisions regarding
nominations to be brought up at a meeting of shareholders.

         Restrictions on Business  Combinations  with  Interested  Shareholders.
Section  3-602  of the MGCL  imposes  conditions  and  restrictions  on  certain
"business combinations" (including,  among other various transactions, a merger,
consolidation,  share exchange, or, in certain circumstances,  an asset transfer
or issuance of equity securities) between a Maryland  corporation and any person
who beneficially  owns at least 10% of the  corporation's  stock (an "interested
shareholder").  Unless  approved  in  advance  by the  board  of  directors,  or
otherwise exempted by the statute, such a business combination is prohibited for
a period of five  years  after  the most  recent  date on which  the  interested
shareholder  became an interested  shareholder.  After such five-year  period, a
business combination with an interested  shareholder must be: (a) recommended by
the corporation's  board of directors,  and (b) approved by the affirmative vote
of at least (i) 80% of the corporation's outstanding shares entitled to vote and
(ii) two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote which are not held by
the interested shareholder with whom the business combination is to be effected,
unless,  among other things,  the corporation's  common  shareholders  receive a
"fair price" (as defined by the statute) for their shares and the  consideration
is received  in cash or in the same form as  previously  paid by the  interested
shareholder for his or her shares. Section 3-602 is not applicable to the merger
with  FCNB.  The  Articles  and Bylaws of First  Frederick  do not  include  any
provisions  imposing any special approval  requirements for a transaction with a
major shareholder.

         Control  Share  Acquisition  Statute.  Under the MGCL's  control  share
acquisition  law,  voting  rights of shares of stock of a  Maryland  corporation
acquired by an acquiring  person at ownership  levels of 20%, 33-1/3% and 50% of
the outstanding shares are denied unless conferred by a special shareholder vote
of two-thirds of the outstanding shares held by persons other than the acquiring
person and officers and directors of the corporation or, among other exceptions,
such  acquisition  of shares is made  pursuant  to a merger  agreement  with the
corporation  or the  corporation's  charter or bylaws permit the  acquisition of
such  shares  prior to the  acquiring  person's  acquisition  thereof.  Unless a
corporation's  charter or bylaws  provide  otherwise,  the statute  permits such
corporation  to redeem the acquired  shares at "fair value" if the voting rights
are not approved or if the  acquiring  person does not deliver a "control  share
acquisition  statement" to the  corporation on or before the tenth day after the
control share acquisition. The acquiring person may call a shareholder's meeting
to consider  authorizing  voting  rights for control  shares  subject to certain
disclosure  obligations  and  payment of  certain  costs.  If voting  rights are
approved  for more  than  fifty  percent  of the  outstanding  stock,  objecting
shareholders  may have their shares appraised and repurchased by the corporation
for cash.  As FCNB's  acquisition  of First  Frederick is pursuant to the merger
agreement between FCNB and First Frederick, the control share acquisition law is
not applicable to the merger.  The Articles and Bylaws of First Frederick do not
include any provisions restricting the voting ability of major shareholders.


                                       30
<PAGE>

                      FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION

BUSINESS OF FIRST FREDERICK

         First  Frederick is a bank holding  company  registered  under the Bank
Holding  Company Act of 1956, as amended that provides  banking and  non-banking
financial  services through its wholly owned subsidiary,  First Bank. First Bank
is a state-chartered  bank that provides a full range of traditional  retail and
commercial  banking  services  primarily  to  individual   consumers  and  small
businesses  in the Frederick and Carroll  County,  Maryland,  through six branch
offices.  First Bank was founded in 1989 in Frederick City, and  incorporated in
the State of Maryland, as a full-service  community bank organization.  In 1996,
First  Frederick  was formed to serve as a holding  company for First  Bank,  at
which time First Bank became a subsidiary of First Frederick.

         First  Bank  offers a full  service  commercial  and  consumer  banking
business.  These services include accepting  demand,  savings and time accounts;
issuing certificates of deposit; and granting and collecting  installment loans,
time and demand loans,  commercial loans, real estate loans and lines of credit.
First Bank offers safe deposit boxes,  drive-up teller  facilities and automatic
teller  machines.  Additionally,  First  Bank  maintains  correspondent  banking
relationships and transacts  overnight  investment  activities,  on an unsecured
basis,  with  regional  correspondent  banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank.  In
December 1998,  First Bank  established 26 Automatic Teller Machines in Maryland
and  Virginia  under an agreement  with a national  retailer.  This  arrangement
provided  access to the many consumer  customers  living and working outside the
primary market area of Frederick County.

         The  banking  business  in the  area  served  by First  Bank is  highly
competitive  with respect to both loans and  deposits.  First Bank  competes for
deposits  principally with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations
and credit unions.  In Frederick  County,  there are approximately 73 commercial
banking  offices,  including  First  Frederick's  offices and 12 FCNB  branches,
offering  services  ranging from  deposits and real estate loans to full service
banking.  As of June 30,  1998,  First  Bank's  share of total  deposits  in the
Frederick County,  Maryland market was approximately 5.15%, and its share of the
Frederick City market was approximately 7.53%.

         First  Bank  operates  First Bank  Mortgage  Corporation  ("First  Bank
Mortgage"),  a wholly-owned  mortgage  subsidiary formed in February 1998. First
Bank Mortgage provides  residential  mortgage loans to individuals in Frederick,
Washington, Carroll, and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. First Bank also operates
a  commercial  leasing  division,  which  began in  December  1998 to provide an
alternative to  traditional  commercial  equipment  financing for small business
customers.  The  executive  offices  of First  Frederick,  First  Bank and First
Mortgage are located at 22 West Patrick Street,  Frederick,  Maryland, 21701 and
its telephone number is (301) 694-5500.

MARKET FOR FIRST FREDERICK COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

         There is no  established  public  trading market for, and there is only
limited and sporadic trading of, First Frederick  common stock.  First Frederick
stock is not listed for trading on any registered  exchange or quoted on Nasdaq,
although  bids for  First  Frederick  common  stock  are  reported  in the "pink
sheets."  Accordingly,  First Frederick  cannot  accurately  determine the sales
price of the shares of its stock.

         The  following  table sets forth the  high/ask  and low/bid  prices for
First  Frederick  common stock during 1997, 1998 and 1999 through June 15, 1999,
based on inquiries  made by First  Frederick of market  makers in its shares and
other available sources.  However,  the information  contained in the table does
not  necessarily  represent  the  actual  sales  prices  or the fair  market  or
intrinsic  value  of a share  of  First  Frederick  common  stock.  There  is no
assurance that any sales were made at the prices specified,  or if so, it is not
known how many shares were sold at such prices.


                                       31
<PAGE>


         The  prices set forth in the  following  table  have been  adjusted  to
reflect a three-for-two  stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend paid in
September  1997  and a  two-for-one  stock  split  in the  form of a 100%  stock
dividend paid in October 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Cash dividends paid
      Quarter Ended              High/Ask       Low/Bid            per share
- ---------------------------     -----------    ----------     ---------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>                  <C>
March 31, 1999                   $19.75         $14.50               $0.10
June 30, 1999(1)                 $19.75         $17.75               $0.10

March 31, 1998                   $11.81         $10.87               $0.17
June 30, 1998                    $12.12         $11.87               $0.17
September 30, 1998               $13.12         $12.50               $0.17
December 31, 1998                $14.00         $13.25               $0.10

March 31, 1997                   $7.67           $7.17               $0.10
June 30, 1997                    $8.33           $7.50               $0.10
September 30, 1997               $8.45           $6.00               $0.167
December 31, 1997                $10.50         $10.25               $0.17
</TABLE>

(1)      Through June 15, 1999.

         As of the record date, there were  approximately  393 holders of record
of the 1,525,215 outstanding shares of First Frederick Common Stock.

SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  FIRST
FREDERICK

         The following table sets forth certain  information as of June 15, 1999
concerning the number and percentage of shares of First  Frederick  common stock
beneficially owned by its directors, executive officers and by its directors and
all executive  officers as a group, as well as information  regarding each other
person known to First Frederick to own in excess of 5% of the outstanding  First
Frederick  common  stock.  Except as otherwise  indicated,  all shares are owned
directly,  and the named person  possesses sole voting and sole investment power
with respect to all such  shares.  Except as set forth  below,  First  Frederick
knows of no other person or persons, who beneficially own in excess of 5% of the
First Frederick common stock.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               Beneficial                                 Beneficial
                                              Ownership of                                 Ownership
                                               Outstanding          Percent of         including Options          Percent of
Name                                             Shares              Class(1)            and Warrants              Class(2)
- ----------------------------------------    ------------------    ----------------    --------------------    -------------------
<S>                                             <C>                    <C>                  <C>                     <C>
Samuel Barrick                                   35,486(3)             2.33%                 50,007                  3.25%
Jacob H. Goldstein                                6,380(4)             0.42%                 61,955                  3.92%
Noel L. Buterbaugh                               16,206(5)             1.06%                 27,562                  1.79%
George E. Dredden, Jr.                            7,268(6)             0.48%                 13,849                  0.90%
James E. Fitzgerald                              53,660(7)             3.52%                 80,701                  5.20%
James O. Jenkins                                 92,769(8)             6.08%                167,519                 10.47%
Robert E. Kallstrom                               8,104(9)             0.53%                  8,837                  0.58%
Richard R. Kline                                  1,416(10)            0.09%                 24,962                  1.61%
James E. McClellan                               22,040(11)            1.45%                 35,801                  2.33%
William M. O'Neill                                8,270(12)            0.54%                 20,247                  1.32%
Philip Rauh, Sr.                                 17,039(13)            1.12%                 18,464                  1.21%
Joseph H. Vona                                   10,526(14)            0.69%                 12,937                  0.85%
David S. Weinberg                               111,856(15)            7.33%                150,548                  9.63%
Robert S. Windsor, Jr.                           22,184(16)            1.45%                 36,419                  2.37%
All directors and executive officers as a
  group (16 persons)                            414,442(17)           27.17%                726,046                 39.53%
</TABLE>

    (footnotes appear on the following page)


                                       32
<PAGE>

(footnotes from prior page)

(1)  Represents  percentage of 1,525,215  shares of First Frederick common stock
     outstanding as of June 15, 1999.
(2)  Represents  percentage of 1,525,215  shares of First Frederick common stock
     issued  and  outstanding  as of June  15,  1999,  except  with  respect  to
     individuals  holding options or warrants to purchase First Frederick common
     stock, in which case represents the percentage of the sum of (a) the number
     of shares issued and outstanding plus (b) the number of shares with respect
     to which  such  person  holds  options  or  warrants.  With  respect to all
     directors and executive  officers as a group,  represents the percentage of
     the sum of (a) the  number of shares  issued and  outstanding  plus (b) the
     number of shares with  respect to which all such  persons  hold  options or
     warrants.
(3)  This  figure  includes:  17,728  shares  owned of record  by the  Samuel W.
     Barrick  Trust;  and 17,728  shares  owned of record by the Joan J. Barrick
     Trust. Does not include options and/or warrants to acquire 14,521 shares of
     First Frederick common stock.
(4)  This  figure  includes a total of 1,172  shares of First  Frederick  common
     stock  owned by Mr.  Goldstein's  three  minor  children,  over  which  Mr.
     Goldstein does not exercise  voting power.  Does not include options and/or
     warrants to acquire  55,575 shares of First  Frederick  common stock or 868
     shares  owned by an  investment  partnership,  of which Mr.  Goldstein is a
     partner  owning  a 33 1/3%  interest  and over  which he does not  exercise
     voting power.
(5)  This figure  does not include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire  11,356
     shares of First Frederick common stock.
(6)  This figure  includes  6,786 shares of First  Frederick  common stock owned
     jointly  by Mr.  Dredden  and his wife.  Does not  include  options  and/or
     warrants to acquire 6,581 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(7)  This figure  includes a total of 10,336  shares of First  Frederick  common
     stock owned jointly by Mr.  Fitzgerald and his wife,  1,500 shares owned by
     JEF Exempt Trust, of which Mr. Fitzgerald is the trustee,  and 41,720 owned
     by  Fitzgerald  Realty  Group,  Inc.  Profit  Sharing  Plan,  of which  Mr.
     Fitzgerald  is the trustee.  Does not include  options  and/or  warrants to
     acquire 27,041 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(8)  This figure includes  11,025 shares of First  Frederick  common stock owned
     jointly  by Mr.  Jenkins  and his wife.  Does not  include  options  and/or
     warrants to acquire 74,750 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(9)  This figure  includes  5,930 shares of First  Frederick  common stock owned
     jointly by Mr.  Kallstrom  and his wife.  Does not include  options  and/or
     warrants to acquire 733 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(10) This figure  includes  1,344 shares of First  Frederick  common stock owned
     jointly by Mr. Kline and his wife. Does not include options and/or warrants
     to acquire 23,546 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(11) This figure includes  21,878 shares of First  Frederick  common stock owned
     jointly by Dr.  McClellan  and his wife.  Does not include  options  and/or
     warrants to acquire 13,761 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(12) This figure  does not include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire  11,977
     shares of First Frederick common stock.
(13) This figure does not include 13,450 shares of First Frederick  common stock
     owned by a family  partnership  of which Mr.  Rauh is a  partner.  Does not
     include options to acquire 1,425 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(14) This figure  does not  include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire  2,411
     shares of First Frederick common stock.
(15) This  figure  includes  111,806  owned of record  by the David S.  Weinberg
     Irrevocable  Trust.  Does not include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire
     38,692 shares of First Frederick common stock.
(16) This figure  does not include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire  14,235
     shares of First Frederick common stock.
(17) This figure does not include  options  and/or  warrants to acquire  311,604
     shares of First Frederick  common stock owned by First Frederick  directors
     and executive officers, including those specified above.

        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following  discussion focuses on information about the consolidated
financial  condition and results of operations of First  Frederick for the years
ended  December 31, 1998 and 1997,  and for the three month  periods ended March
31,  1999 and  1998,  which  may not be  readily  apparent  from a review of the
financial  statements.  The discussion  should be read in  conjunction  with the
financial statements and the selected financial data presented elsewhere in this
proxy statement/prospectus. Results of operations for the period ended March 31,
1999 is not  necessarily  indicative of the results of operations  for any other
interim period or for the full year ended December 31, 1999.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS,  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND
INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

         Table 1,  "Comparative  Statement  Analysis," shows average balances of
asset and liability  categories,  interest income and interest paid, and average
yields and rates for the periods indicated.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         For the first three months of 1999,  First Frederick  reported  pre-tax
earnings  of  $581,000  and net  earnings  of  $369,000,  as compared to pre-tax
earnings of $472,000  and net  earnings of $300,000 in the first three months of
1998.  Return on average assets and return on average equity are key measures of
earnings  performance.  The return on average  assets  measures  the  ability to
utilize assets in generating income. Basic earnings per share were $0.24 for the
three  months  ended  March 31,  1999 and $0.20 per share for the same period in
1998,  while diluted  earnings per share were $0.21 in the first three months of
1999 and $0.18 in the first three months of 1998.  For the first three months of
1999,  return on average assets ended at 1.23% as compared to 1.20% for the same
period in 1998. The


                                       33
<PAGE>

return on average  shareholders'  equity for the three  months  ended  March 31,
1999, was 17.86%, compared to 15.00% for the three months ended March 31, 1998.

         Earnings  increased in 1998 over 1997,  resulting in pre-tax  income of
$1.9 million compared to $1.7 million for the prior year and net income of $1.36
million compared to $1.07 million the previous year. First Frederick's return on
average assets was 1.27% in 1998,  compared to 1.14% in 1997.  Return on average
equity  was  16.87% in 1998 and 14.01% in 1997.  Basic  earnings  per share were
$0.90 in 1998,  compared to $0.71 in 1997,  and diluted  earnings per share were
$0.79 and $0.64 in 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  The improvement in earnings is
primarily  attributable to the growth of earning assets combined with control of
operating  expenses.  Key  investments  made in  human  resources  and  improved
technology for efficiency  contributed to a second  consecutive year of improved
earnings  growth.  First  Frederick  positioned  itself to continue the positive
trends in profitable growth during the coming year.

         Net income was $1.07  million in 1997,  compared  to  $857,000 in 1996.
Basic  earnings  per share were $0.71 in 1997  compared  to $0.57 for 1996,  and
diluted earnings per share were $0.64 and $0.52 for 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Return on average assets was 1.14% in 1997 compared to 1.01% for 1996. Return on
average  shareholders'  equity was 14.01% at December 31,  1997,  as compared to
12.43% at December 31, 1996.

Net Interest Income
- -------------------

         Net  interest   income  is  generated   from  lending  and   investment
activities, and is the most significant component of First Frederick's earnings.
Net interest income is the difference  between interest and fees earned on loans
and  investments  and interest  paid on deposits  and other  sources of funding.
Changes in net  interest  income  between  periods is affected  primarily by the
volume of  interest  earning  assets and the yield on those  assets,  and by the
volume of interest bearing deposits and other  liabilities and the rates paid on
those deposits and liabilities.

         First Frederick's  tax-equivalent net interest income, before provision
for credit  losses,  for the first three months of 1999 totaled  $1.46  million,
increasing  25% from the $1.16  million  recorded  for the same  period in 1998.
First  Frederick's  net interest  margin was 5.27% for the first three months of
1999,  as  compared  to 4.96%  for the same  period in 1998,  representing  a 6%
increase. The increase in net interest income, at March 31, 1999, as compared to
March 31, 1998,  was the result of an increase in the level of earning assets as
well as an improvement in the yields earned on those earning assets.

         The rate of  interest  earned on interest  earning  assets and the rate
paid on interest earning  liabilities,  while significantly  affected by actions
taken by the Federal  Reserve to control  economic  growth,  are  influenced  by
competitive  factors within First  Frederick's  geographic  market.  Competitive
pressures,  for both loans and the funding sources needed to satisfy loan demand
within First  Frederick's  market area, caused the net interest margin to narrow
during the first three months of 1998. First Frederick improved its net interest
margin  in the first  three  months of 1999 by  concentrating  efforts  on a new
leasing  division,  established  in late 1998,  to help  support an  increase in
yields on small  commercial  loans and higher  volumes of  construction  lending
which,  typically,  are  associated  with higher  mortgage  loan  yields.  First
Frederick continued to pursue operating efficiencies through improved technology
in order to enhance non-interest income for First Frederick and First Bank.

         Tax-equivalent  net interest  income  before the  provision  for credit
losses totaled $5.3 million in 1998, increasing 10.4% from $4.8 million in 1997.
The improved net interest  income is primarily the result of an approximate  15%
growth in loans. The net interest margin (taxable-equivalent net interest income
as a percent of average  interest earning assets) was 5.25% in 1998, as compared
to 5.35% in 1997.  This decrease in net interest margin  primarily  reflects the
impact of the change in the spread  between yields on average  interest  earning
assets and rates paid on average  interest-bearing  liabilities  realized during
1998. This spread decreased by 1 basis point in 1998.  During the year, the rate
paid on average interest bearing liabilities  increased 3 basis points while the
yield on average earning assets increased 2 basis points.

         The  yield on the  average  investment  portfolio  fell 9 basis  points
during 1998 compared to 1997, as higher  yielding  investments  matured in 1998,
and proceeds were  reinvested in lower  yielding  investments.  The yield on the
average loan portfolio  remained  relatively  constant despite heavy competitive


                                       34
<PAGE>

pressures.  In addition,  First Frederick  maintained spreads on average earning
assets  at  a  constant  level,  in  the  aggregate  despite   continuing  heavy
competitive  pressures.  Funding  sources  needed to meet current loan demand in
1998   resulted  in  higher  rates  being  paid  for  average   interest-bearing
liabilities, causing the net interest spread to narrow. Management believes that
competitive  pressures  will  continue,  and  declining  spreads will  continue.
Therefore,  First  Frederick  has invested in  technology to assist in improving
operating  efficiencies.  In addition, new products and services were introduced
during 1998 with the  objective of improving the level of  non-interest  income.
There can be no assurances, however, that these benefits will be realized.

         Net interest income increased $643,000, or 15.75%, in 1997, as compared
to 1996.  In 1997,  the net interest  margin on average total  interest  earning
assets increased to 5.35% from 5.09% in 1996. Changes in the net interest income
between  periods were  affected  principally  by the volume of interest  bearing
deposits  and  other  liabilities  and the  rates  paid on  these  deposits  and
liabilities.

         Table 1: Comparative Statement Analysis

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Year ended December 31,
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998                                     1997
                                       ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
                                       Average    Interest       Average       Average    Interest        Average
                                       Balance   Income/Paid(2)  Yield/Rate    Balance    Income/Paid(2)  Yield/Rate
                                       -------   --------------  ----------    -------    --------------  ----------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>                <C>     <C>       <C>                 <C>
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing deposits in other
banks                                $   2,497 $         136       5.45 %    $    595     $          36       6.05 %
Loans held for sale                        192            15       7.81           560                46       8.21
Investment securities:
  Taxable                               14,390           886       6.16        16,695             1,063       6.37
  Nontaxable                             2,228           169       7.59         1,174                87       7.41
                                       --------  ------------                -------      ------------
  Total investment securities           16,618         1,055       6.35        17,869             1,150       6.44
                                       --------  ------------                 -------      ------------
Loans(1), net of unearned income        80,885         8,072       9.98        69,906             6,983       9.99
                                       --------  ------------                 -------     ------------
Total interest-earning assets          100,192         9,278       9.26        88,930             8,215       9.24
                                       --------  ------------                 -------      ------------
Noninterest-earning assets               6,664                                 4,891
Net effect of unrealized gain
(loss) on
  Securities available for sale             10                                    (64)
                                       -------                                -------
    Total assets                     $ 106,866                               $ 93,757
                                       ========                               =======

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  Interest-bearing liabilities:
  NOW/SuperNOW accounts              $  13,032 $         432       3.31 %     $  6,846     $        156       2.28 %
  Savings accounts                      12,197           329       2.70         11,404              310       2.72
  Money market accounts                 11,426           440       3.85          9,662              353       3.65
  Certificates of deposit and
other time
    Deposits less than $100,000         26,862         1,576       5.87         25,162            1,467       5.83
  Certificates of deposit and
other time
    Deposits of $100,000 or more        18,083         1,121       6.20         15,072              928       6.16
  Securities sold under agreements
to
    Repurchase                           1,638            64       3.91          1,036               38       3.67
  Other short-term borrowings            1,049            56       5.34          3,786              208       5.49
                                       --------                               -------
                                                 ------------                             ------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities      84,287         4,018       4.77         72,968            3,460       4.74
                                                 ------------                             ------------
Noninterest-bearing deposits            13,441                                  12,538
Noninterest-bearing liabilities          1,048                                     601
                                       --------
                                                                               -------
  Total liabilities                     98,776                                  86,107
                                       --------                                -------
Shareholders' equity                     8,080                                   7,714
Accumulated other comprehensive
  Income                                    10                                     (64)
                                       --------
                                                                               -------
  Total shareholders' equity             8,090                                   7,650
                                       --------
                                                                               =======
  Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity                 $ 106,866                                $ 93,757
                                       ========                               =======
Net interest income                            $       5,260                              $     4,755
                                                 ============                              ============
Net interest spread                                                4.49 %                                     4.50 %
Net interest margin                                                5.25 %                                     5.35 %
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------

(1)  Nonaccruing  loans,  which  include  impaired  loans,  are  included in the
     average  balances.  Net loan  fees  included  in  interest  income  totaled
     $232,000 for 1998 and $114,000 for 1997.
(2)  Presented on a taxable-equivalent  basis using the statutory federal income
     tax rate of 35%.


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                          Three months ended March 31,
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1999                                  1998
                                     ---------------------------------     ----------------------------------
                                     Average     Interest     Average       Average    Interest      Average
                                     Balance  Income/Paid(2) Yield/Rate    Balance   Income/Paid(2) Yield/Rate
                                     -------  -------------- ----------    -------   -------------- ----------
<S>                                <C>        <C>             <C>       <C>       <C>                  <C>
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing deposits in
other banks                        $   1,713  $          25      5.92 %  $  1,686  $          23        5.53 %
Loans held for sale                      175              4      9.27         378              9        9.66
Investment securities:
  Taxable                             12,937            192      6.02      16,086            259        6.53
  Nontaxable                           3,950             76      7.80       1,192             23        6.62
                                     --------   ------------               -------   ------------
  Total investment securities         16,887            268      6.44      17,278            282        6.62
                                     --------   ------------               -------   ------------
Loans(1), net of unearned income      93,776          2,256      9.76      75,395          1,791        9.63
                                     --------   ------------               -------   ------------
Total interest-earning assets        112,551          2,553      9.20      94,737          2,105        9.01
                                     --------   ------------               -------   ------------
Noninterest-earning assets             7,055                                4,875
Net effect of unrealized gain
(loss) on
  Securities available for  sale          26                                   28
                                     --------                              -------
    Total assets                   $ 119,632                             $ 99,640
                                     ========                              =======

Liabilities and Shareholders'
  Equity Interest-bearing liabilities:
  NOW/SuperNOW accounts            $  16,296  $         133      3.31 %  $ 10,418  $          87        3.39 %
  Savings accounts                    13,520             83      2.49      11,987             77        2.61
  Money market accounts               12,968            120      3.75       9,718             91        3.80
  Certificates of deposit and
    other time deposits less
    than $100,000                     28,899            406      5.70      26,659            383        5.83
  Certificates of deposit and
    other time deposits of $100,000
    or more                           19,321            294      6.17      17,667            279        6.40
  Securities sold under
    agreements to Repurchase           1,637             16      3.96       1,269             11        3.52
  Other short-term borrowings          2,730             38      5.65    $  1,410  $          18 $      5.18
                                     --------   ------------              -------    ------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities    95,371          1,090      4.64    $ 79,128            946        4.85
                                                ------------                         ------------
Noninterest-bearing deposits          14,124                               11,794
Noninterest-bearing liabilities        1,875                                  720
                                     --------                              -------
   Total liabilities                 111,370                               91,642
                                     --------                              -------
Shareholders' equity                   8,236                                7,970
Accumulated other comprehensive
   Income                                 26                                   28
                                     --------                              -------
   Total shareholders' equity          8,262                                7,998
                                     --------                              -------
Total liabilities and
  shareholders' Equity             $ 119,632                             $ 99,640
                                     ========                              =======
Net interest income                           $       1,463                        $       1,159
                                                ============                         ============
Net interest spread                                              4.56 %                                 4.16 %
Net interest margin                                              5.27 %                                 4.96 %
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------------

(1)  Nonaccruing  loans,  which  include  impaired  loans,  are  included in the
     average balances. Net loan fees included in interest income totaled $65,000
     and $27,000 for 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(2)  Presented on a taxable-equivalent  basis using the statutory federal income
     tax rate of 35%.


                                       36
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               Rate/Volume Analysis

                                                  1998 compared to 1997               1997 compared to 1996
                                            ----------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                               Increase (decrease) due to           Increase (decrease) due to
                                                                   Net                                  Net
                                                                   Increase                             Increase
                                             Volume     Rate(1)    (decrease)    Volume      Rate(1)    (decrease)
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------  ----------   ---------  -----------
                                                                    (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                       <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Interest Income
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-bearing deposits in other
banks                                     $      115  $     (15) $        100 $      (83)  $        2 $       (81)
Loans held for sale                             (30)         (1)         (31)        (37)         (1)         (38)
Investment securities:
  Taxable                                      (147)        (30)        (177)         (9)         137          128
  Nontaxable                                      78           4           82          --          --           --
Loans                                          1,097         (8)        1,089       1,058         112        1,170
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------  ----------   ---------  -----------
Total interest income                          1,113        (50)        1,063         929         250        1,179
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------  ----------   ---------  -----------
Interest Paid Interest-bearing
liabilities:
  Savings deposits(2)                            227         155          382          23          28           51
  Time deposits                                  284          18          302         413        (13)          400
  Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase                                        22           4           26          18          11           29
  Other short-term borrowings                  (150)         (2)        (152)          57         (1)           56
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------  ----------   ---------  -----------
Total interest paid                              383         175          558         511          25          536
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------  ----------   ---------  -----------
Net interest income                       $      730  $    (225) $        505 $       418  $      225 $        643
- ------------------------------------------  =========   =========  ===========  ==========   =========  ===========
</TABLE>

(1)  The volume/rate variance is allocated entirely to changes in rates.
(2)  Savings deposits include NOW, savings and money market accounts.

Non-Interest Income
- -------------------

         Non-interest income showed no significant increase for the three months
ended March 31,  1999,  when  compared to the same period in 1998.  Non-interest
income was $196,000 for the first three months of 1999,  as compared to $190,000
for the first three months of 1998.

         Non-interest  income  (including  securities  gains)  increased by $1.0
million,  or 218%, in 1998 over 1997. Other service charge income,  representing
origination  income  generated by First Bank Mortgage  Corporation,  contributed
$837,000 or 186% to the significant increase in non-interest income during 1998.
This source of income is, and will  continue  to be,  highly  influenced  by the
general level of interest rates charged on residential  mortgage loans.  Service
charges on deposit  accounts  totaled  $463,000 and $360,000,  in 1998 and 1997,
respectively.  Management  continued to concentrate on new product offerings and
services to improve the level of  non-interest  income and ratio of non-interest
income to total revenue.  Most fee-based services are less sensitive to interest
rate fluctuations and mitigate the effect of a narrowing net interest spread.

         Non-interest  income  excluding  net  realized  losses,   increased  by
$72,000,  or 16.3%,  in 1997, and by $70,000,  or 18.9%,  in 1996. The increases
were attributed to an improvement in service fees earned on deposit accounts.

         At  the  end  of  1998,  First  Frederick's  management  introduced  26
automatic  teller  machines to dispense  cash in selected  Maryland and Virginia
stores of a national  retailer.  This operation  enables First Frederick to earn
fee  income  for the use of the  machines  by the  retailer's  customers.  First
Frederick also began a leasing division, under First Bank, to assist in creating
a new source of fee income and to diversify yields on smaller  commercial loans.
Additionally,  revenue from service  charges on deposit  accounts is expected to
increase as the volume of deposits is expanded.

Non-Interest Expenses
- ---------------------

         Non-interest  expenses  increased  by 14%,  ending at $962,000  for the
first three months of 1999 when  compared to $844,000 for the first three months
of 1998. Total salaries and employee  benefits  increased $28,000 (7.4% over the
first three months of 1998).  The  increase in salaries  and  employee  benefits
reflects general merit and cost of living  adjustments plus additional  staffing
to support  the  creation  of the  leasing  division  and First  Bank

                                       37
<PAGE>

Mortgage.  Additional  increases  in health care costs also  contributed  to the
increase in total  salaries and employee  benefits for the first three months of
1999.

         Non-interest  expenses increased by $1.2 million,  or 37%, in 1998 over
1997. The increase was primarily  attributable  to higher  salaries and employee
benefits expense of $586,000. The increase in salaries and benefits reflects the
additional  staffing  associated  with the First Bank Mortgage and general merit
and cost-of-living adjustments.  The average number of employees increased by 10
to 45 during 1998.

         Occupancy  expenses  increased by $127,000 and is  attributable  to the
first full year of operation of First Bank Mortgage and the new Mt. Airy office,
which opened in late 1997. Equipment expense increased $71,000, and is primarily
associated with technology  upgrades to improve  efficiency,  and replacement of
aged equipment.

         Other  operating  expenses  increased  $72,000 (27.5%) during the first
three  months  of 1999  over the same  period  in 1998.  The  increase  in other
expenses is primarily associated with additional operating expense incurred as a
result of the  installation  of twenty-six (26) ATMs in a national retail chain,
the  replacement  of aging  equipment and  replacement of equipment to meet Year
2000 needs. In addition, $18,000 was attributed to a non-compete agreement for a
former executive of First Frederick. Other operating expenses increased $376,000
in 1998, or 47.7%, compared to the prior period. The increase in other operating
expense was  associated,  primarily,  with  higher  costs for  outsourcing  data
processing  services,  costs  associated with the  establishment of the mortgage
operation and the introduction of 26 ATMs in the national retailer's stores.

         Non-interest  expense increased $274,000 in 1997, and $314,000 in 1996.
Increases  in salaries  and  benefits,  additional  staff and the opening of the
Rosemont  and Mt.  Airy branch  offices  all  contributed  to the  increases  in
non-interest expenses during 1997 and 1996.

Income Taxes
- ------------

         First  Frederick's  effective  tax rates for the first three  months of
1999 and 1998 were 36.5% and 36.4%,  respectively.  First Frederick's income tax
expenses  differs from the amount  computed at statutory  rates primarily due to
tax exempt earnings from certain loans and investment  securities.  Income taxes
expense  ended at $212,000 at March 31, 1999,  as compared to $172,000 for March
31, 1998.

         Income tax expense  declined to $595,000 in 1998,  compared to $637,000
in 1997.  First  Frederick's  effective tax rate was 30.3% in 1998,  compared to
37.3% in 1997.  First  Frederick's  effective  tax rate  differs from the amount
computed at statutory  rates  primarily  due to  tax-exempt  income from certain
loans and investment  securities  owned.  Note 8 to the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1998 reconciles expected income taxes
at  statutory  rates  with  income  tax  expense  included  in the  consolidated
statements of income.

         Income tax expense increased to $637,000 in 1997,  compared to $465,000
in 1996. The higher level of income tax reflects the increased levels of pre-tax
income experienced in 1997.

Liquidity and Asset Liability Management
- ----------------------------------------

         Liquidity represents the ability to support asset growth, meet customer
borrowing needs, fund deposit withdrawals and maintain reserve requirements.  It
also  involves  providing  adequate  cash  and  cash  equivalent  assets,  while
sustaining  stable growth in net interest  income. A regular review and analysis
by  management of deposit and loan trends,  cash flows of various  categories of
loans and monitoring of interest spread relationships is vital to the process.

         The conduct of First  Frederick's  banking  business  requires  that it
maintain adequate  liquidity to meet changes in composition and volume of assets
and liabilities due to seasonal,  cyclical or other demands.  First  Frederick's
management  evaluates  the  liquidity  position  on a daily basis and strives to
maintain a level of liquidity  conducive to efficient  operations.  Attention is
directed  primarily  to assets or  liabilities  that  mature or can be  repriced
within a period of 30-365  days.  First Bank  attempts to match a portion of its
assets and  liabilities  to minimize  variability in net interest  income.  This
practice also serves to minimize both liquidity and interest rate risk.  Sources
of  liquidity  include  the  investment  portfolio,  cash  flows  from  loan and
investment  prepayments and


                                       38
<PAGE>

maturities, short-term borrowings under existing credit facilities, marketing of
core deposit products and the discount window of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

         Interest rate  sensitivity is an important  factor in the management of
the composition and maturity  configurations of First Frederick's earning assets
and funding  sources.  An  Asset/Liability  Committee  manages the interest rate
sensitivity  position in order to maintain an  appropriate  balance  between the
maturity  and  repricing  characteristics  of  assets  and  liabilities  that is
consistent  with  First  Frederick's  liquidity  analysis,  growth  and  capital
adequacy goals.  First  Frederick  believes that by selling certain loans rather
than retaining them in its portfolio,  it is better able to match the maturities
or repricing of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities.  It
is the  objective  of the  Asset/Liability  Committee  to maximize  net interest
margins during  periods of both volatile and stable  interest  rates,  to attain
earnings growth,  and to maintain  sufficient  liquidity to satisfy  depositors'
requirements and meet credit needs of customers.

         The following table, "Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis",  summarizes,
as of December  31,  1998,  the  anticipated  maturities  or  repricing of First
Frederick's interest rate sensitivity gap (interest earning assets less interest
bearing liabilities), and First Frederick's cumulative interest rate sensitivity
gap ratio (cumulative  interest rate sensitivity gap divided by total assets). A
negative gap for any time period means that more  interest  bearing  liabilities
will reprice or mature  during that time period than  interest  earning  assets.
During periods of rising  interest rates, a negative gap position will generally
decrease earnings, and during period of declining interest rates, a negative gap
position  will  generally  increase  earnings.  The opposite  will be true for a
positive gap position.  Therefore, a positive gap for any time period means that
more interest earning assets will reprice or mature during that time period than
interest  bearing  liabilities.  During  periods  of rising  interest  rates,  a
positive gap position will generally  increase  earnings,  and during periods of
declining  interest  rates,  a positive gap  position  will  generally  decrease
earnings.

         In addition to the gap method of monitoring  interest rate sensitivity,
First  Frederick  employs  computer model  simulations to measure  interest rate
risk.  Interest rate risk measures  repricing risk, basic risk, yield curve risk
and option risk. The model  incorporates  cash flow analysis to: (1) measure the
direction of interest  rate  exposure and the size under  various  interest rate
scenarios;  (2)  capture  critical  information  on  volumes,   maturity  dates,
repricing caps, puts and calls;  (3) utilize data to focus attention to critical
variables;  and (4) reflect changes in prevailing interest rates and liabilities
in different ways. These  simulations are prepared on a quarterly basis using an
interest rate shock technique to determine the effects on First  Frederick's net
income and the Market Value of Portfolio  Equity  (MVPE),  assuming an immediate
change  (increase or decrease) in interest  rates.  The MVPE  simulation  is the
process of generating  discounted estimated cash flows anticipated under various
scenarios.  The MVPE is the estimated economic value of First Frederick based on
the net difference between the value of interest earning assets and the value of
interest bearing  liabilities.  The model results as of December 31, 1998 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Change in Interest Rate Assumption
                                                             -----------------------------------------------
                                                                         (dollars in thousands)
                                                                    +200bp                   -200bp
                                                             ---------------------    ----------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                     <C>
              Net income - increase (decrease)                       $262                    $(289)
              Net income - % change                                 10.10%                  (11.20%)
              MVPE - increase (decrease)                            ($455)                     $28
              MVPE - % change                                      (3.83%)                    0.24%

</TABLE>


                                       39
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis - December 31, 1998

                                                         Interest sensitivity period
                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                            3 or                        After 1
                                            less       4 to 12         through 5       After 5
                                            months       months          years           years       Total
                                            --------   -----------   ---------------   ----------  -----------
                                                                 (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>           <C>               <C>         <C>
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks  $   8,024  $         --  $             --  $        -- $      8,024
Loans held for sale
  Fixed rate                                    149            --                --           --          149
Investment securities:(1)
  Fixed rate                                     --            --             6,880        9,370       16,250
  Variable rate                                  --            --                --           --           --
Loans:
  Fixed rate                                  2,502         7,698            25,461        7,588       43,249
  Variable rate                              47,244            --                --           --       47,244
                                            -------    -----------   ---------------   ----------  -----------
  Total interest-earning assets           $  57,919  $      7,698  $         32,341  $    16,958 $    114,916
                                            ========   ===========   ===============   ==========  ===========

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  NOW/SuperNOW accounts
  and savings                             $     431  $      1,033  $          6,889  $    26,091 $     34,444
  Money market accounts                      13,060            --                --           --       13,060
  Certificates of deposit and other time
  Deposits:
   Fixed rate                                 7,566        22,257            18,200           --       48,023
Federal funds purchased and securities
sold under agreements to repurchase           1,830            --                --           --        1,830
Other short-term borrowings:
   Fixed rate                                   564            --                --           --          564
                                            -------    -----------   ---------------   ----------  -----------
   Total interest-bearing liabilities     $  23,451  $     23,290  $         25,089  $    26,091 $     97,921
                                            ========   ===========   ===============   ==========  ===========

Interest-earning assets less
interest-bearing liabilities ("Gap")      $  34,468  $   (15,592)  $          7,252  $   (9,133) $     16,995
Cumulative Gap                            $  34,468  $     18,876  $         26,128  $    16,995 $     16,995
Cumulative Gap as a percentage of total
assets                                       28.01%        15.34%            21.23%       13.81%       13.81%
</TABLE>

- -----------------------------------------

(1)  Excludes  non-rate  sensitive  equity   securities.   Reflects  fair  value
     adjustments for securities available for sale.

Financial Condition
- -------------------

         First  Frederick's  total assets were $123.5 million at March 31, 1999.
Total assets  increased  to $123.0  million at December 31, 1998, a 29% increase
from the prior  year-end.  An increase  of $15.7  million in net loans and $10.1
million  in  interest  bearing  deposits  and cash,  funded  by a $26.2  million
increase  in  deposits  contributed  to the  overall  asset  growth in 1998.  By
continuing to  concentrate  on its target market of small  business  lending and
personal  relationships,  First Bank increased  commercial and consumer loans by
$6.3 million and $5.8 million,  respectively  in 1998.  During 1998,  First Bank
entered the residential  construction loan market and grew construction loans by
$3.7 million.

         During  1997,  total  assets  grew at a rate of 6%, from $90 million at
December 31, 1996 to $95.5  million at December  31,  1997.  An increase of $8.8
million in net loans was partially funded by a $4.5 million increase in deposits
and  customer  repurchase  agreements.   Loan  growth  outpaced  deposit  growth
resulting in reliance on short term  borrowings  to meet the loan demands of the
target  market.  First  Bank  concentrated  on  lending  to small  business  and
consumers,  increasing  these loan  categories by $15.7 million while other loan
categories remained constant.

LOAN PORTFOLIO

         First Frederick makes real estate  construction,  real estate mortgage,
commercial and consumer loans. The real estate  construction loans are generally
secured by the construction  project financed and have a term of one (1) year or
less. The real estate mortgage loans are generally secured by the property being
financed and have a maximum loan to value ratio of 80%, with terms of one (1) to
five (5) years. Commercial loans are made on both a


                                       40
<PAGE>

secured and unsecured  basis.  Unsecured loans are made based upon the financial
strength of the borrower. Most commercial loans require personal guarantees from
the principals of the business.  The collateral for secured commercial loans may
be accounts receivable,  equipment,  marketable  securities or deposits in First
Bank. The terms of these loans are normally one (1) to five (5) years.  Consumer
loans  are made on an  unsecured  or  secured  basis  based  upon the  financial
strength of the borrower.  The  collateral  for consumer loans may be marketable
securities, automobiles,  recreational vehicles, boats, airplanes or deposits in
First Bank. The usual term of these loans is three (3) to five (5) years.

         During  1998,  First  Bank's  lending  and  consumer  banking  officers
continued  to  focus  their   attention  on   developing   profitable   customer
relationships with small and medium sized businesses,  professionals,  investors
and not-for-profit organizations in Frederick County, western Carroll County and
northern  Montgomery County.  First Bank entered western Carroll County with the
opening of a branch location in Mt. Airy, Maryland.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Loan Distribution

                                                    At December 31,
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                         1998     %         1997         %
                                        -------  -----     --------    ------
                                                (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                   <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>
  Real estate-construction:           $  9,124     10 %      5,421         7 %
                                                      $
  Real estate-mortgage                  35,960     40       35,937        48
  Commercial and agricultural           29,035     32       22,752        31
  Consumer                              16,374     18       10,595        14
                                        -------            --------
  Total loans, net of unearned          90,493    100 %     74,705       100 %
  income
  Less: Allowance for credit            (1,039)              (910)
  losses
                                        -------            --------
  Net loans                           $ 89,454           $  73,795
  ---------------------------------     =======            ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>

                         Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans-December 31, 1998

Maturing in                             1 year or less        After 1 through 5 years           After 5 years
                                     ----------------------   ----------------------   -------------------------------
                                     Fixed       Variable     Fixed        Variable    Fixed     Variable
                                     interest    interest     interest     interest    interest  interest
                                      rates        rates        rates       rates       rates     rates       Total
                                     ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------   --------  ---------  ----------
                                                                  (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>
Real estate-construction           $      109  $     7,087  $        62  $      636  $      -- $    1,230 $     9,124
Real estate-mortgage(1)                 4,811        9,439        8,990       5,379      4,124      3,217      35,960
Commercial and agricultural             2,169       14,164        6,084       2,319        700      3,599      29,035
Consumer                                  251            9       14,477         165      1,472         --      16,374
                                     ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------   --------  ---------  ----------
Total loans, net of unearned
  income                             $    7,340  $    30,699  $    29,613  $    8,499  $   6,296 $    8,046 $    90,493
- ----------------------------------   =========   ==========   ==========   =========   ========  =========  ==========
</TABLE>

(1)  First  Frederick's  customary  business  practice  is to write real  estate
     mortgage  loans,  which  will  be  retained  in its  loan  portfolio,  with
     repayment  terms  normally not exceeding  five years.  Most loans mature in
     five years with the balance due at maturity. Assuming that credit standards
     are met at each maturity, First Frederick customarily extends its loans for
     successive five year periods.

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

         First  Frederick   follows  the  guidance  of  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards #114 (SFAS #114),  "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan" as amended by Statement #118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of Loan Income Recognition and Disclosures". It requires an impaired loan within
its scope to be  measured  based on the present  value of  expected  future cash
flows,  discounted  at the loan's  effective  interest  rate,  except  that as a
particular  expedient,  a  creditor  may  measure  impairment  based on a loan's
observable  market  price or the fair  value  of the  collateral  if the loan is
collateral dependent.

         SFAS #114 excludes smaller balance and homogenous loans from impairment
reporting.  Therefore,  First Frederick has designated consumer, credit card and
residential  mortgage loans to be excluded for this purpose.  From the remaining
loan portfolio, loans rated as Doubtful or worse, classified as Non-Accrual, and
troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired.  Loans are placed on
Non-Accrual  when the loan is  specifically  determined  to be  impaired or when
principal  or interest is  delinquent  for ninety (90) days or more.  Any unpaid
interest,  previously accrued, on those loans is reversed from income.  Interest
income,  generally,  is not  recognized  on specific  impaired  loans unless the
likelihood of future loss is remote.  Interest  payments  received on such loans


                                       41
<PAGE>

are applied as a reduction of the loan's principal  balance.  Interest income on
other  non-accrual  loans is recognized only to the extent of interest  payments
received.  First  Frederick  considers a slow payment on a loan, to be a minimal
delay. First Frederick has identified  commercial real estate and commercial and
industrial  type  loans  as the  major  risk  classifications  to be used in the
application of SFAS #114.

         First  Frederick  maintains an allowance  for credit  losses at a level
which, in management's judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in
the loan  portfolio.  The  amount  of the  allowance  is  based on  management's
evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio,  including the nature of
the portfolio,  credit  concentrations,  trends in historical  loss  experience,
specific impaired loans and economic  conditions.  Allowances for impaired loans
are  generally  determined  based on  collateral  values or the present value of
estimated cash flows.  Uncertainties  inherent in the  estimation  process might
cause  management's  estimate  of credit  losses in the loan  portfolio  and the
related  allowance to change in the near term. The allowance is increased by the
provision  for  credit  losses,  which is  charged  to  expense  and  reduced by
charge-offs, net of recoveries.

         Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information, it is
probable  that First  Frederick  will not collect  all  principal  and  interest
payments  according  to the  loan's  contractual  terms.  Generally,  loans  are
considered  impaired once principal or interest  payments become 90 days or more
past due and they are  placed on  non-accrual.  Management  also  considers  the
financial  condition of the  borrower,  loan cash flows and the value of related
collateral when evaluating loan impairment.  Impaired loans do not include large
groups of smaller balance  homogenous loans such as consumer  installment  loans
that are evaluated collectively for impairment.  Loans specifically reviewed for
impairment are normally not considered  impaired if the payment is delinquent 90
days  or  less,  provided  eventual  collection  of  all  amounts  is  expected.
Impairment of a loan is measured  based on the present value of expected  future
cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest rate, or the fair value
of the collateral, if repayment is expected to be provided by the collateral.

         While First  Frederick  considered  the allowance for loan losses to be
adequate  at March 31,  1999 and  December  31,  1998,  management  is unable to
predict the amount, if any, of future provisions to the allowance.

         The allowance  for credit  losses was $1.1  million,  or 1.15% of total
loans,  net of earned income,  at March 31, 1999,  compared to $1.0 million,  or
1.14% of total loans as of December  31,  1998.  The  provision  for loan losses
during the three months ended March 31, 1999 was $90,000.  Total  non-performing
assets, as of March 31, 1999, were approximately $1.6 million,  an increase from
$16,000  at March 31,  1998.  This  significant  increase  was the result of the
deterioration of the credit quality of two (2) loan relationships.

         Provisions for loan losses aggregated  $327,000 in 1998, as compared to
$285,000 in 1997.  The  allowance  for loan  losses  totaled  $1.04  million and
$910,000 at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively,  representing
1.14% and 1.22% of outstanding loans. Non-accrual loans at December 31, 1998 and
1997 totaled $1.4 million and $52,000, respectively. The increase in non-accrual
loans  is  the  result  of  the   deterioration   of  two   commercial   lending
relationships.  Management believes that these relationships will be resolved in
the second quarter of 1999 without additional loss to First Frederick. There can
be no assurance, however, that these relationships will be resolved without loss
or additional  provisions for loan losses. The ratio of net loans charged off to
average loans  outstanding  was .24% and .27% for years ended  December 31, 1998
and December 31, 1997, respectively.

         First  Frederick  has loans  totaling $1.4 million that are now current
for which there are  concerns as to the ability of the  borrowers to comply with
present loan repayment terms.  While management does not anticipate any loss not
previously  provided for on these loans,  changes in the financial  condition of
these borrowers may necessitate  additional provisions for loan losses or future
modifications in their loan repayment terms.

         At  December  31,  1998 and  March 31,  1999,  First  Frederick  had no
concentrations  of loans in any one  industry  exceeding  10% of its total  loan
portfolio.  An industry for this purpose is defined as a group of counterparties
that are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics
that would cause their ability to meet  contractual  obligations to be similarly
affected by changes in economic or other conditions.

         The  following  three tables set forth  certain  information  regarding
activity  in, and the  allocation  of, the  allowance  for loan losses and First
Frederick's problem assets, at the dates and for the periods indicated.


                                       42
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Three months       Year ended December
                                                        ended March 31              31,
                                                        ---------------    -----------------------
                                                             1999             1998         1997
                                                        ---------------    -----------   ---------
                                                                 (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>           <C>
        Average total loans out-standing during year  $        $92,926   $     81,077  $   72,377
                                                        ===============    ===========   =========
        Allowance at beginning of year                $          1,039   $        910  $      819
           Real estate-construction                                 --             --          --
           Real estate-mortgage                                      1             --          --
           Commercial and agricultural                              --            161         165
           Consumer                                                 13             69          64
                                                                                         ---------
                                                        ---------------    -----------
             Total charge-offs                                      14            230         229
                                                        ---------------    -----------   ---------
        Recoveries:
           Real estate-construction                                 --             --          --
           Real estate-mortgage                                     --             --          --
           Commercial and agricultural                              --             17          11
           Consumer                                                 --             15          25
             Total recoveries                                       --             32          36
        Net charge-offs                                             14            198         193
        Additions to allowance charged to operating
        expenses                                                    90            327         284
                                                        ---------------    -----------   ---------
        Allowance at end of year                      $          1,115   $      1,039  $      910
                                                        ===============    ===========   =========
        Ratio of net charge-offs to average total
        loans                                                     0.02 %         0.24 %      0.27 %
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses

                              Three months ended
                                    March 31,                    At December 31,
                                -----------------     --------------------------------------
                                 1999      %(1)        1998      %(1)        1997     %(1)
                                --------   ------     --------   ------     -------   ------
                                                    (dollars in thousands)
<S>                           <C>           <C>   <C>             <C>   <C>            <C>
Real estate-construction      $      27       11 %  $      23       10 %  $     29        7 %
Real estate-mortgage                361       44          304       40         387       48
Commercial and agricultural         575       37          483       32         450       31
Consumer                             70        8           59       18          44       14
Unallocated                          82       --          170       --          --       --
                                -------    ------     --------   -----      -------   ------
Total Allowance               $   1,115      100 %  $   1,039      100 %  $    910      100 %
- -----------------------------   ========   ======     ========   ======     =======   ======
</TABLE>

(1) Percent of loans in each category to total loans, net of unearned income.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  Problem Assets

                                                At December 31,
                                              ---------------------
                                                1998        1997
                                              ---------    --------
                                                  (dollars in
                                                   thousands)
<S>                                         <C>          <C>
Nonperforming loans:
  Nonaccrual loans(1)                       $    1,409   $      52
  Restructured loans(2)                             --          --
  Past due loans(3)                                 14       1,277
                                              ---------    --------
   Total nonperforming loans                     1,423       1,329
Foreclosed properties                               --          --
                                              ---------    --------
   Total nonperforming assets                    1,423       1,329
                                              =========    ========
Nonperforming assets to total loans (net
of unearned income) and foreclosed
properties at period-end                          1.57 %      1.78 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets at
period-end                                        1.16 %      1.39 %
Allowance for credit losses to
nonperforming loans at period-end                73.01 %     68.47 %
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------

(1)  See discussion at "Allowance for Credit Losses" for nonaccrual and impaired
     loans.
(2)  Restructured  loans  are  "troubled  debt  restructurings"  as  defined  in
     Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 15.  Nonaccrual loans are
     not included in these totals.
(3)  Past due loans are loans that were  contractually  past due 90 days or more
     as to principal or interest payments at the dates indicated. Nonaccrual and
     restructured loans are not included in these totals.


                                       43
<PAGE>


Investment Portfolio
- --------------------

         Investment securities represent the second largest component of earning
assets, at 13.8% of total assets at December 31, 1998, and 16.7% of total assets
at December 31, 1997. The  investment  portfolio is used as a source of interest
income,  liquidity  and to diversify  credit risk.  In addition,  the  portfolio
assists in the management of rate sensitivity,  to provide collateral for public
funds,  repurchase  agreements and other short term borrowings.  At December 31,
1998, the investment  portfolio totaled $17 million compared to $15.9 million at
December 31, 1997. All of First Frederick's investment securities are classified
as available for sale. Gross unrealized gains were $70,655 and $49,477 and gross
unrealized losses were $13,962 and $37,049 at December 31, 1998 and December 31,
1997,  respectively.  The investment portfolio's average life is 4.48 years with
an estimated average tax-equivalent yield of 6.30% at December 31, 1998.

         First Frederick had no investments that were obligations of the issuer,
or payable  from or secured  by a source of revenue or taxing  authority  of the
issuer,  whose  aggregate  book value  exceeded 10% of  shareholders'  equity at
December 31, 1998.


          Investment Portfolio Distribution-Book Value (Amortized cost)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                At December 31,
                                            ------------------------
                                            1998(1)       1997(1)
                                            --------     -----------
                                            (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>          <C>
U.S. Treasury and other U.S.
government agencies and corporations     $    7,473   $       5,244
State and political subdivisions              4,021           1,197
Mortgage backed securities                    4,700           8,783
Other securities                                771             751
                                           --------     -----------
   Total                                 $   16,965   $      15,975
- ---------------------------------------    =========    ============
</TABLE>

(1)  Reflects   the  cost  of   securities   purchased,   adjusted  for  premium
     amortization  and  discount  accretion,  which  differs  from  the  amounts
     reflected in the consolidated balance sheets due to fair value adjustments.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Maturing in:                          1 year or less         After 1 Through 5        After 5 Through 10         After 10 years
                                                                   years                    years
                                     ------------------     --------------------     ---------------------     --------------------
                                               Average                Average                    Average                 Average
                                     Amount(1)  Yield       Amount(1)   Yield        Amount(1)    Yield        Amount(1)  Yield
                                     --------- --------     --------------------     ----------- ---------     --------- --------
                                                                        (dollars in thousands)
<S>                               <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury and other U.S.
government agencies and                                                                                   %
corporations                      $        --       -- %  $     7,473      6.07 %  $         --        -- $          --       --
Mortgage backed securities                 --       --             --        --           3,539      6.26         1,161     5.56
Other securities                          771       --             --        --              --        --            --       --
State and political subdivisions           --       --            534      6.07             743      6.39         2,744     6.90
                                     --------- --------     ----------- ---------     ----------- ---------     --------- --------
Total                             $       771      --% %  $     8,007     6.07% %  $      4,282      6.28 %   $    3,905     6.50 %
- ----------------------------------   ========= ========     =========== =========     =========== =========     ========= ========
</TABLE>

(1)  Reflects   the  cost  of   securities   purchased,   adjusted  for  premium
     amortization  and  discount  accretion,  which  differs  from  the  amounts
     reflected in the consolidated balance sheets due to fair value adjustments

DEPOSITS

         At December 31, 1998,  demand,  savings and time  deposits  represented
13.8%,  16% and  43.3% of total  deposits,  respectively.  The most  significant
change in deposits occurred in interest bearing demand deposit  accounts,  which
increased by $7.7 million, or 86.5%, over the prior period. This increase can be
attributed to the  introduction  of the "Success Index" Account which is tied to
the 91-day  Treasury Bill.  Customer  repurchase  agreements,  a form of secured
deposits classified as short-term  borrowings on First Frederick's  Statement of
Condition,  increased to $1.8  million at December  31,  1998,  compared to $1.2
million at December 31, 1997.


                                       44
<PAGE>


                       Average Deposits and Average Rates

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Years ended December 31,
                                            ------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998                     1997
                                            ---------------------   ------------------------
                                              Average                    Average
                                               daily      Average         daily     Average
                                              balance      rate          balance     rate
                                            ------------  -------      ------------ --------
                                                         (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>       <C>              <C>
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits       $      13,441       -- %  $       12,538       -- %
Interest-bearing demand deposits                 13,032     3.31             6,846     2.28
Savings deposits                                 23,623     3.26            21,066     3.15
Certificates of deposit and other
time deposits                                    44,945     6.00            40,234     5.95
                                           ------------- --------     ------------ ---------
Total average deposits                    $      95,041     4.10 %  $       80,684     3.98 %
                                            ============  =======      ============ ========
</TABLE>

                 Maturities of Time Deposits - $100,000 or More

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               At December 31,
                                          --------------------------
                                            1998          1997
                                          ---------     ---------
                                          (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                     <C>           <C>
Maturing in:
  3 months or less                      $    4,528    $    1,217
  Over 3 months through 6 months             7,216         5,481
  Over 6 months through 12 months            2,623         2,582
  Over 12 months                             4,808         7,338
                                          ---------     ---------
Total Time Deposits-$100,000 or more    $   19,175    $   16,618
                                          =========     =========
</TABLE>

SHORT TERM BORROWINGS

   The  following   tables  set  forth  certain   information   regarding  First
Frederick's short term borrowings.

                              Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase(1):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   At December 31,
                                                ----------------------
                                                  1998         1997
                                                ---------    ---------
                                                 (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>          <C>
Total outstanding at year-end                 $    1,830   $    1,208
Average amount outstanding during the year    $    1,638   $    1,036
Maximum amount outstanding at any             $    4,985   $    1,598
month-end
Weighted-average interest rate at year-end          3.88 %       3.48 %
Weighted-average interest rate during the           3.89 %       3.71 %
year
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------

(1)  Includes  securities  sold under  agreements  to  repurchase  with  various
     counterparties.  Securities sold under  agreements to repurchase  generally
     mature the day following the date sold.

                                          Other Short-term Borrowings(1):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   At December 31,
                                               ---------------------
                                                1998         1997
                                               --------     --------
                                               (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
Total outstanding at year-end                $     564    $     974
Average amount outstanding during the year   $   1,049    $   3,786
Maximum amount outstanding at any            $   4,700    $   7,333
month-end
Weighted-average interest rate at year-end        4.91 %       5.89 %
Weighted-average interest rate during the         5.65 %       5.48 %
year
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------

(1)  Primarily reflects  borrowings under a secured lending arrangement with the
     Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and an unsecured credit  arrangement with
     Drovers and Mechanics Bank.


                                       45
<PAGE>

Capital Resources
- -----------------

         Stockholders'  equity  increased by $586,000 during 1998 as a result of
net income of $1.36  million  less the  application  of $818,000  to  repurchase
35,576 shares of common stock and payment of cash dividends totaling $541,000.

         First  Frederick  and First  Bank,  are  subject to various  regulatory
capital  requirements  administered by the Federal banking agencies.  Failure to
meet minimum capital  requirements can initiate certain mandatory and, possibly,
additional discretionary actions by regulators,  that, if undertaken, can have a
direct material effect on First Frederick's financial statements.  Under capital
adequacy  guidelines and the regulatory  framework for prompt corrective action,
First  Frederick  and First  Bank must meet  specific  capital  guidelines  that
involve quantitative  measures of First Frederick's,  and First Bank's,  assets,
liabilities and certain  off-balance  sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting  practices.  First Frederick,  and First Bank's,  capital amounts and
classifications  are also subject to  qualitative  judgments  by the  regulators
about components, risk-weightings and other factors.

         Quantitative  measures  established  by  regulation  to ensure  capital
adequacy  require First  Frederick,  and First Bank, to maintain minimum amounts
and ratios of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the  regulations)  to risk
weighted  assets (as  defined);  and,  of Tier I capital  to average  assets (as
defined).  Management  believes,  as of December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
First Frederick and First Bank met all necessary capital adequacy  requirements.
See  Note 15 to the  consolidated  financial  statements  for a table  depicting
compliance with regulatory capital requirements.

         As of  December  31,  1998,  the  most  recent  notification  from  the
regulatory  agency   categorized  First  Bank  as  well  capitalized  under  the
regulatory  framework for prompt  corrective  action.  To be categorized as well
capitalized,   First  Bank  must  maintain  minimum  total  risk-based,  Tier  I
risk-based  and  Tier  I  leverage  ratios  as  set  forth  in  Note  15 to  the
consolidated financial statements.  There are no conditions or events since that
notification that management believes have changed First Bank's category.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
- ---------------------------------------

         The impact of inflation on First Frederick is reflected,  primarily, in
the increased cost of operations.  These increased costs are generally passed on
to First Frederick's  customers in the form of increased service fees. Since the
primary assets and  liabilities of First  Frederick are monetary in nature,  the
impact of  inflation  on interest  rates has had, and is expected to continue to
have, an effect on net income.

         In structuring fees,  negotiating loan margins and developing  customer
relationships,  management  concentrates  its  efforts  on  maximizing  earnings
capacity while attempting to contain operating expenses. In addition, management
looks  toward the  development  of fee based  services  to offset the effects of
inflation and changing prices.

         The financial  statements of First Frederick and related data presented
herein have been  prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles  which require the  measurement  of financial  position and operating
results  in terms of  historical  dollars,  without  considering  changes in the
relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

         Unlike  most  industrial  companies,  almost  all  of  the  assets  and
liabilities  of a financial  institution  are  monetary in nature.  As a result,
interest  rates  have a more  significant  impact on a  financial  institution's
performance  than effects of general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not
necessarily  move in the same  direction  or the same  magnitude as the price of
goods and services,  since such prices are affected by inflation. The discussion
on liquidity  and interest  sensitivity  provides  additional  comments on First
Frederick's approach to managing risk.

Year 2000
- ---------

         First  Frederick is utilizing  both internal and external  resources to
address  the Year 2000  issues.  These  resources  are being used to  reprogram,
replace,  or remediate  non-compliant  software and  hardware.  First  Frederick


                                       46
<PAGE>

expects all of its information technology and non-information technology systems
to be Year 2000 compliant by June 30, 1999,  prior to any anticipated  impact on
First Frederick's operating systems.

         The  estimated  cost to address the Year 2000 issues is $291,000 and is
being funded  through cash flow. The Year 2000 costs are not expected to have an
adverse  effect upon First  Frederick's  results of operations.  To date,  First
Frederick has incurred  approximately  $185,000 of capitalized  costs related to
Year 2000 preparations.

               AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF FCNB

         In  connection  with the  merger,  the Board of  Directors  of FCNB has
approved  and  adopted an  amendment,  pursuant  to which  Article  Sixth of the
Articles of  Incorporation  of FCNB would be amended to  increase  the number of
authorized shares of FCNB common stock from twenty million (20,000,000) to fifty
million (50,000,000).  See "FCNB Corp -- Description of FCNB Capital Stock." The
amendment would be effected by restating the first paragraph of Article Sixth of
the Articles of Incorporation to read in its entirety as follow:

        "SIXTH.  The total  number of shares of stock of all classes
        which the  Corporation  has  authority to issue is fifty one
        million  shares  (51,000,000),  consisting  of fifty million
        (50,000,000)  shares of Common  Stock,  par value  $1.00 per
        share,  and one  million  (1,000,000)  shares  of  preferred
        stock, par value $1.00 per share, amounting in aggregate par
        value to fifty one million dollars ($51,000,000)."

        The number of authorized  shares of preferred stock will not
        be affected by the amendment.

         The Board of Directors of FCNB  believes that approval of the amendment
is desirable  in order to enable FCNB to have a  sufficient  number of shares of
FCNB  common  stock  available  for general  corporate  purposes  following  the
effectiveness of the merger. Such purposes could include employee benefit plans,
stock dividends or splits, or future acquisition  activity.  Although the merger
agreement  provides that as a result of the merger,  and without further action,
the Articles of  Incorporation of FCNB may be amended as described for state law
purposes,  the  amendment  is being  presented  separately  for approval by FCNB
shareholders in accordance with the requirements of the Commission.

         Approval of the amendment  would permit the Board of Directors to issue
additional  shares of FCNB common  stock,  up to the total number of  authorized
shares, without further stockholder action. The availability of such shares will
enable  FCNB to meet  possible  contingencies  or  opportunities  in  which  the
issuance of  additional  shares of FCNB common  stock  would be  advisable.  The
availability of additional  shares of FCNB common stock could have the effect of
rendering  more  difficult  or  discouraging   hostile  takeover  attempts,   or
facilitating  a  negotiated   acquisition  of  FCNB.  The  affirmative  vote  of
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast at the FCNB  shareholder  meeting is
required to approve the amendment.  Directors of FCNB owning or having the power
to direct the voting of  1,052,687  shares of FCNB common  stock have  indicated
their  intention  to vote in favor of the  amendment.  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
FCNB RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF FCNB COMMON STOCK VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the issuance of the shares of FCNB common stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for FCNB by Kennedy, Baris & Lundy, L.L.P., Bethesda,
Maryland.  Certain federal income tax  consequences of the transaction have been
passed upon by Kevin P. Kennedy, Esquire.

                                     EXPERTS

         The  consolidated  financial  statements  of First  Frederick  included
herein and delivered herewith have been audited by Keller Bruner & Company, LLP,
independent  certified  public  accountants,  as indicated in their report dated
January 22, 1999 with respect thereto,  and are included herein in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       47
<PAGE>

         The consolidated financial statements of FCNB incorporated by reference
herein have been audited by Keller Bruner & Company,  LLP, independent certified
public  accountants,  as indicated  in their report dated  January 28, 1999 with
respect  thereto,  and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       48
<PAGE>

                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    OF FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

Independent Auditor's Report....................................................................................F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets.....................................................................................F-2

Consolidated Statements of Income...............................................................................F-4

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income........................................F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...........................................................................F-6

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................................F-8

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets..........................................................................F-26

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income....................................................................F-27

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................................................F-28

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................F-30
</TABLE>


                                       49
<PAGE>

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Frederick Financial Corporation
Frederick, Maryland

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated balance sheets of First Frederick
Financial  Corporation  and its subsidiary as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the related consolidated statements of income,  comprehensive income, changes in
shareholders'  equity,  and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements   are  the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of First  Frederick
Financial  Corporation  and its subsidiary as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Keller Bruner & Company, LLP


Frederick, Maryland
January 22, 1999


                                      F-1
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
7


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS                                                                           1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Cash and due from banks                                                 $        5,018,424       $        2,887,007

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks                                         8,023,985                   92,611

                                                                        --------------------------------------------


Loans held for sale                                                                149,119                  233,734

                                                                        --------------------------------------------


Investment securities available for sale - at fair value                        17,021,277               15,987,017

                                                                        --------------------------------------------


Loans                                                                           90,492,900               74,704,739
Less allowance for credit losses                                                (1,038,654)                (910,153)

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                89,454,246               73,794,586

                                                                        --------------------------------------------


Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated
  depreciation and amortization                                                  1,622,437                1,284,684
Interest receivable                                                                655,457                  606,161
Intangible, net of accumulated amortization                                        100,944                  182,416
Other assets                                                                     1,010,767                  469,140

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 3,389,605                2,542,401

                                                                        --------------------------------------------



                                                                        $      123,056,656       $       95,537,356

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                      F-2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                             1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Liabilities
   Deposits
      Noninterest-bearing                                               $       15,453,516       $       11,784,415
      Interest-bearing:
         NOW accounts                                                           16,585,564                8,869,413
         Savings accounts                                                       17,857,967               12,256,375
         Money market accounts                                                  13,059,597                9,780,366
         Certificates of deposit under $100,000                                 37,910,068               32,698,589
         Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over                              10,112,503                9,450,501

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                               110,979,215               84,839,659
   Short-term borrowings
      Securities sold under agreements
       to repurchase                                                             1,830,385                1,207,932
      Other short-term borrowings                                                  564,215                  973,885
   Accrued interest and other liabilities                                          876,527                  295,405

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                               114,250,342               87,316,881

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)

Shareholders' Equity
   Common stock, par value $1 per share; 2,000,000
    shares authorized; 1,525,215 shares in 1998 and
    758,863 shares in 1997 issued and outstanding                                1,525,215                  758,863
   Capital surplus                                                               6,150,989                6,116,082
   Retained earnings                                                             1,095,312                1,337,901
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                           34,798                    7,629

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 8,806,314                8,220,475

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

                                                                        $      123,056,656       $       95,537,356

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-3
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED 7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Interest income
   Interest and fees on loans                                           $        8,087,476       $        7,028,925
   Interest on interest-bearing deposits in other banks                            135,772                   35,882
   Interest on securities-taxable                                                  886,029                1,062,826
   Interest on securities-tax exempt                                               109,661                   57,239

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 9,218,938                8,184,872

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
Interest expense
   Interest on deposits
      NOW accounts                                                                 432,272                  156,073
      Savings accounts                                                             329,027                  310,171
      Money market accounts                                                        440,265                  352,750
      Certificates of deposit under $100,000                                     1,575,896                1,466,558
      Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over                                  1,120,524                  927,853
   Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase                       63,683                   38,405
   Interest on other short-term borrowings                                          55,855                  208,541

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 4,017,522                3,460,351

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
               NET INTEREST INCOME                                               5,201,416                4,724,521

Provision for credit losses                                                        327,000                  284,587

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

               NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES             4,874,416                4,439,934

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

Noninterest income
   Net realized gains (losses) on sales of securities                               39,310                  (63,792)
   Service charges on deposit accounts                                             463,051                  360,302
   Other service charge income                                                     880,612                   43,636
   Other operating income                                                           43,870                  108,491

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 1,426,843                  448,637

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
Noninterest expenses
   Salaries and employee benefits                                                2,088,730                1,502,750
   Occupancy expenses                                                              627,932                  500,039
   Equipment expenses                                                              460,751                  389,009
   Other operating expenses                                                      1,164,418                  788,070

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 4,341,831                3,179,868

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

               INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                          1,959,428                1,708,703

Provision for income taxes                                                         594,552                  637,058

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

               NET INCOME                                               $        1,364,876       $        1,071,645

                                                                        ============================================

Basic earnings per share                                                $             .90        $             .71

                                                                        ============================================
Diluted earnings per share                                              $             .79        $             .64

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED 7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                      1997
                                                                               --------                 -----------
<S>                                                                            <C>                    <C>
Net income                                                                      $  1,364,876           $  1,071,645
                                                                                ------------           ------------


Other comprehensive income:

   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:

      Unrealized  holding gains  arising  during  period,
      net of tax expense of $32,277 and $63,182 for years
      ended December 31,1998 and 1997, respectively.                                  51,297                100,418

      Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses
      included in net income, net of tax expense (benefit)
      of $15,182 and ($24,636) for years ended December 31,
       1998 and 1997, respectively.                                                  (24,128)                39,156

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                      27,169                139,574

                                                                        --------------------------------------------

               COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                             $  1,392,045           $  1,211,219

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>


See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      F-5
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                    Accumulated Other
                                                           Common                       Retained      Comprehensive
                                                            Stock         Surplus       Earnings      Income (Loss)       Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996                            $   496,048     $ 5,991,521     $   924,216     $  (131,945)    $ 7,279,840

Net income                                                        -               -       1,071,645               -       1,071,645

Cash dividends declared                                           -               -        (350,007)              -        (350,007)

Stock options exercised (3,601 shares)                        3,601          57,642               -               -          61,243

Stock warrants exercised (16,944 shares)                     16,944         136,919               -               -
                                                                                                                            153,863

Repurchase of stock (5,000 shares)                           (5,000)        (70,000)        (60,000)              -        (135,000)

Three-for-two stock split, effected
 in the form of a 50% stock dividend                        247,270               -        (247,953)              -            (683)

Change in fair value of securities
 available for sale, net of applicable
 deferred income tax effects                                      -               -               -         139,574         139,574
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at December 31, 1997                                758,863       6,116,082       1,337,901           7,629       8,220,475

Net income                                                        -               -       1,364,876               -       1,364,876

Cash dividends declared                                           -               -        (541,376)              -        (541,376)

Stock options exercised (37,001 shares)                      37,001         488,907               -               -         525,908

Stock warrants exercised (3,032 shares)                       3,032          24,478               -               -          27,510

Repurchase of stock (35,576 shares)                         (35,576)       (478,478)       (304,194)              -        (818,248)

Two-for-one stock split, effected in
 the form of a 100% stock dividend                          761,895               -        (761,895)              -               -

Change in fair value of securities
 available for sale, net of applicable
 deferred income tax effects                                      -               -               -          27,169          27,169
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at December 31, 1998                            $ 1,525,215     $ 6,150,989     $ 1,095,312     $    34,798     $ 8,806,314

                                           =========================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                      F-6
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
   Interest and fees received on loans                                  $        8,123,109       $        6,971,521
   Interest received on interest-bearing deposits in other banks                   135,772                   35,882
   Interest received on securities                                               1,068,615                1,186,343
   Other income                                                                  1,315,275                  455,561
   Proceeds from loan sales                                                        865,818                  597,672
   Originations of loans held for sale                                            (708,945)                (395,964)
   Interest paid on securities sold under agreements to repurchase                 (63,683)                 (38,405)
   Interest paid on other short-term borrowings                                    (55,855)                (208,541)
   Interest paid to depositors                                                  (3,841,716)              (3,165,139)
   Cash paid to suppliers and employees                                         (4,056,420)              (2,907,757)
   Income taxes paid                                                              (532,000)                (857,467)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                         2,249,970                1,673,706

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
   Purchases of securities available for sale                                  (14,633,300)              (9,117,380)
   Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale                         11,824,151               10,549,471
   Proceeds from maturities of and principal payments on securities              1,773,309                1,151,027
   Decrease (increase) in interest-bearing deposits in other banks              (7,931,374)                 273,038
   Net increase in loans                                                       (16,047,414)              (8,598,790)
   Purchases of bank premises and equipment                                       (650,058)                (626,047)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES                         (25,664,686)              (6,368,681)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
   Net increase in noninterest-bearing deposits, NOW accounts,
    money market accounts and savings accounts                                  20,266,075                1,737,096
   Net increase in certificates of deposit                                       5,873,481                6,901,781
   Net increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase                  622,453                  964,527
   Net decrease in other short-term borrowings                                    (409,670)              (4,849,399)
   Cash dividends paid                                                            (541,376)                (350,007)
   Stock distribution - cash in lieu of fractional shares                                -                     (683)
   Repurchase of common stock                                                     (818,248)                (135,000)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                          553,418                  215,106

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        25,546,133                4,483,421

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

               NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS              2,131,417                 (211,554)

Cash and Cash Equivalents
   Beginning of year                                                             2,887,007                3,098,561

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
   End of year                                                          $        5,018,424       $        2,887,007

                                                                       =============================================
</TABLE>

                                                    (Continued)


                                      F-7
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                    <C>
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash
 Provided by Operating Activities
   Net income                                                                 $  1,364,876             $  1,071,645
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities
      Provision for depreciation and amortization                                  429,128                  294,307
      Loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment                           6,464                  (11,371)
      Provision for credit losses                                                  327,000                  284,587
      Deferred income tax benefits                                                 (57,411)                  (9,358)
      Net realized (gains) losses on sales of securities                           (39,310)                  63,792
      Net premium amortization on securities                                        85,154                   13,904
      Net amortization of net loan origination costs                                60,754                    6,214
      Changes in assets and liabilities
         Decrease (increase) in:
           Loans held for sale                                                      84,615                  158,072
           Interest receivable                                                     (49,296)                 (13,004)
           Other assets                                                           (501,311)                  25,931
         Increase (decrease) in:
           Accrued interest and other liabilities relating
            to operating activities                                                539,307                 (211,013)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                $        2,249,970       $        1,673,706

                                                                       =============================================
</TABLE>


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                      F-8
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.    NATURE OF BANKING ACTIVITIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

First Frederick  Financial  Corporation (the "Parent Company") is a bank holding
company that provides its customers with banking and non-bank financial services
through its wholly-owned  subsidiary,  First Bank of Frederick (the "Bank"). The
Bank offers various loan,  deposit and other financial  service  products to its
customers  within  Frederick  County,   Maryland  and  the  surrounding  region.
Additionally,   the  Bank  maintains  correspondent  banking  relationships  and
transacts overnight investment activities,  on an unsecured basis, with regional
correspondent banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank.

The accounting and reporting policies and practices of First Frederick Financial
Corporation  and its  subsidiary  (collectively,  the  "Company")  conform  with
generally accepted accounting principles. The following is a summary of the most
significant policies and practices.

Basis  of  presentation:  The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the
accounts of the Parent  Company and the Bank,  presented on the accrual basis of
accounting, after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash  equivalents:  For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash
equivalents  include cash on hand,  amounts due from banks (including cash items
in the process of clearing),  and federal funds sold.  Generally,  federal funds
are sold for one-day periods.

Loans held for sale:  Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of  aggregate
cost or fair value.

Investment  securities  available  for sale:  Securities  available for sale are
equity  securities  with  readily   determinable  fair  values  and  those  debt
securities the Company intends to hold for an indefinite  period of time but not
necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available
for sale would be based on various factors,  including  significant  movement in
interest  rates,  changes  in  the  maturity  mix of the  Company's  assets  and
liabilities,  liquidity  needs,  regulatory  capital  considerations,  and other
similar factors.  These securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized
holding gains or losses  reported in  shareholders'  equity,  net of the related
deferred tax effect.

Interest  income  from  securities,  adjusted  for  amortization  of premium and
accretion  of  discount,  is  included in  interest  income in the  consolidated
statements of income. Realized gains and losses,  determined using the amortized
cost basis of the specific  securities sold, are included in noninterest  income
in the consolidated statements of income.


                                      F-9
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.  NATURE  OF  BANKING  ACTIVITIES  AND  SIGNIFICANT  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES
(CONTINUED)

Loans  and  interest  on  loans:  Loans  are  carried  at the  amount  of unpaid
principal.  Interest  on  loans  is  accrued  based  on  the  principal  amounts
outstanding.  It is the Company's  policy to discontinue the accrual of interest
when a loan is  delinquent  for 90  days  or  more.  When a loan  is  placed  on
nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed
against  current period interest  income.  Generally,  nonaccrual  loans include
those  specifically  classified as impaired,  due to concerns about the debtor's
ability to repay the loan according to  contractual  terms.  Interest  income is
generally not  recognized on specific  impaired  loans unless the  likelihood of
further loss is remote.  Cash collections on such loans generally are applied as
a reduction of the loan principal  balance and no interest  income is recognized
on those loans until the principal  balance has been collected.  Interest income
on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest  payments
received.

Allowance for credit losses:  The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a
level which,  in  management's  judgment,  is adequate to absorb  credit  losses
inherent  in the  loan  portfolio.  The  amount  of the  allowance  is  based on
management's  evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio,  including
the nature of the portfolio,  credit  concentrations,  trends in historical loss
experience,  specific  impaired loans, and economic  conditions.  Allowances for
impaired  loans  are  generally  determined  based on  collateral  values or the
present value of estimated cash flows.  Uncertainties inherent in the estimation
process,  might  cause  management's  estimate  of  credit  losses  in the  loan
portfolio and the related allowance to change in the near term. The allowance is
increased by the  provision for credit  losses,  which is charged to expense and
reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries.

Impaired  loans:   Loans  are  considered   impaired  when,   based  on  current
information,  it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and
interest payments according to the loans' contractual  terms.  Generally,  loans
are considered  impaired once principal or interest  payments  become 90 days or
more past due and they are placed on nonaccrual.  Management  also considers the
financial  condition  of the  borrower,  loan  cash  flows  and the value of the
related  collateral  when  evaluating  loan  impairment.  Impaired  loans do not
include large groups of smaller  balance  homogeneous  loans such as residential
real estate and consumer  installment loans that are evaluated  collectively for
impairment.  Loans  specifically  reviewed  for  impairment  are not  considered
impaired during periods of "minimum delay" in payment (90 days or less) provided
eventual  collection  of all amounts due is  expected.  Impairment  of a loan is
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows  discounted at
the loan's  effective  interest  rate, or the fair value of the  collateral,  if
repayment  is expected to be provided  by the  collateral.  The  majority of the
Company's  impaired  loans are  measured by  reference  to the fair value of the
collateral.  Interest  income on impaired  loans is recognized on the cash basis
when the likelihood of further loss is remote.


                                      F-10
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.  NATURE  OF  BANKING  ACTIVITIES  AND  SIGNIFICANT  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES
(CONTINUED)

Bank premises and equipment: Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization.  The provision for depreciation is
computed using the straight-line  method based on estimated useful lives ranging
from ten to twenty-five years for bank premises and ranging from three to twenty
years for equipment.  Leasehold  improvements  are amortized over the shorter of
the terms of the leases or the asset's  estimated  useful life. Gains and losses
realized  on  dispositions  of  property  and  equipment  are  reflected  in the
consolidated  statement of income in the year of disposition.  Expenditures  for
maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Intangible assets: The intangible assets,  resulting primarily from the premiums
paid with the  acquisition of certain  depository  accounts,  are stated at cost
less  accumulated  amortization.  Provisions for amortization are computed using
the straight-line method over a seven-year life.

Income  taxes:  Provisions  for  income  taxes  are  based on taxes  payable  or
refundable  for the current  year and deferred  taxes on  temporary  differences
between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income and between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported  amounts in the financial
statements.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities  are included in the financial
statements  at currently  enacted  income tax rates  applicable to the period in
which the  deferred  tax assets and  liabilities  are expected to be realized or
settled.  As changes in tax laws or rates are  enacted,  deferred tax assets and
liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

Per share data: The Company adopted Financial  Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share as of December 31, 1997. Statement No. 128
establishes  standards for computing  and  presenting  earnings per share (EPS).
Basic EPS is generally  computed by dividing net income by the weighted  average
number  of  common  shares  outstanding  for the  period,  whereas  diluted  EPS
essentially  reflects  the  potential  dilution in basic EPS that could occur if
other  contracts  to issue common stock were  exercised.  Per share  amounts are
based on the  weighted-average  number of shares outstanding during each year as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1998                1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding                                    1,523,210           1,500,804
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and warrants                         205,219             175,588

                                                                                --------------------------------
Diluted EPS weighted-average shares outstanding                                  1,728,429           1,676,392

                                                                                ================================
</TABLE>

Comprehensive  income:  On January 1, 1998,  the Bank adopted FASB Statement No.
130,  Reporting  Comprehensive  Income.  Comprehensive  income,  as  defined  by
Statement  130,  is the  change  in  equity of a  business  enterprise  during a
reporting  period from  transactions  and other  events and  circumstances  from
non-owner sources. In addition to the Company's net income, the change in equity
components  under  comprehensive  income  reporting  include  the net  change in
unrealized  gains and losses on  available-for-sale  securities.  As required by
Statement No. 130, prior year  information has been modified to conform with the
new presentation.


                                      F-11
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.  NATURE  OF  BANKING  ACTIVITIES  AND  SIGNIFICANT  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES
(CONTINUED)

Fair value of  financial  instruments:  All fair value  estimates  are made at a
specific  point in time  and are  based on  existing  on- and  off-balance-sheet
financial  instruments without  consideration of the value of anticipated future
business  or the  value  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are not  considered
financial  instruments.  These  estimates do not reflect any premium or discount
that  could  result  from  offering  for sale at one time the  Company's  entire
holdings of a particular financial  instrument.  Due to the absence of a genuine
market for a significant  portion of the Company's financial  instruments,  fair
value estimates are based on judgments regarding risk  characteristics,  current
economic conditions, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature
and involve  uncertainties  and matters of  significant  judgment and  therefore
cannot be  determined  with  precision.  Changes in  assumptions  or  estimation
methodologies could significantly affect the estimates.

NOTE 2.    COMPENSATING BALANCES

Compensating balance arrangements exist with various  correspondent banks. These
noninterest-bearing  deposits are maintained to reduce charges for standard bank
services.  The required  balances  totaled $128,400 and $119,760 at December 31,
1998 and 1997,  respectively.  While these balances  generally  exceed federally
insured limits,  the Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and
does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk.

NOTE 3.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities  available for sale at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, summarized by contractual maturity, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Gross             Gross             Estimated
                                             Amortized          Unrealized         Unrealized             Fair
1998                                           Cost                Gains             Losses               Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>                 <C>                <C>
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government
 agencies and corporations:
  Due after one year through
   five years                             $    7,472,567    $        19,290     $         3,285    $      7,488,572
State and political subdivisions:
  Due after one year through
   five years                                    533,797              1,894                   -             535,691
  Due after five years through ten years       3,486,900             36,581               4,937           3,518,544
Mortgage-backed securities                     4,700,715             12,890               5,740           4,707,865
Equity securities                                770,605                  -                   -             770,605

                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          $   16,964,584    $        70,655     $        13,962    $     17,021,277

                                          =========================================================================

</TABLE>


                                      F-12
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Gross             Gross             Estimated
                                             Amortized          Unrealized         Unrealized             Fair
1997                                           Cost                Gains             Losses               Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government
 agencies and corporations:
  Due after one year through
   five years                             $    2,993,539    $        16,781     $             -    $      3,010,320
  Due after five years through ten years       2,250,000              2,580                   -           2,252,580
State and political subdivisions:
  Due after one year through
   five years                                    165,484              2,765                   -             168,249
  Due after five years through ten years         661,793              3,287               5,610             659,470
  Due after ten years                            370,365              2,194               1,993             370,566
Mortgage-backed securities                     8,782,803             21,870              29,446           8,775,227
Equity securities                                750,605                  -                   -             750,605

                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          $   15,974,589    $        49,477     $        37,049    $     15,987,017

                                          ==========================================================================
</TABLE>

The fair value of securities issued by Federal Home Loan Bank totaled $8,990,447
and $5,262,900 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Actual  maturities  may differ from  contractual  maturities  summarized  in the
preceding  tables  because  borrowers  may  have  the  right  to call or  prepay
obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Gross  gains  (losses)  of  $39,310  and  ($63,792)  were  realized  on sales of
securities  available  for sale for the years ended  December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

Securities  with a book value of $8,861,526  and $8,357,565 at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively,  were pledged to secure securities sold under agreements
to repurchase,  other short-term borrowings,  and for other purposes as required
and permitted by law.


                                      F-13
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 4.    LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Loans consist of the following as of December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Real estate loans:
   Construction                                                         $        9,124,414       $        5,421,327
   Secured by farmland                                                             691,980                  691,980
   Secured by 1 to 4 family residential properties                              13,908,651               13,757,292
   Secured by commercial property                                               21,359,020               21,487,330

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
               Total loans secured by real estate                               45,084,065               41,357,929

Commercial and industrial loans                                                 29,034,623               22,751,544
Loans to individuals for household, family and
 other personal expenditures                                                    16,374,212               10,595,266

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                        $       90,492,900       $       74,704,739

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

Transactions in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
                                                                        --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Balance at beginning of year                                            $          910,153       $          819,300
Provision charged to operating expenses                                            327,000                  284,587
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off                                          31,981                   36,205
Loans charged-off                                                                 (230,480)                (229,939)

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                                                  $        1,038,654       $          910,153

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

Selected  information  concerning the Company's recorded  investment in impaired
loans and related interest income for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                       <C>
Impaired loans with specific allocation of
 allowance for credit losses                                            $                -       $           77,159
Specific allocation of allowance for credit losses                                       -                   70,000
Other impaired loans                                                             1,409,244                   14,061
Average recorded investment in impaired loans                                      750,232                  231,483
Interest income recognized on impaired loans                                        23,251                    1,611
</TABLE>

Nonaccrual  loans at December 31, 1998 and 1997, which are included in the above
impaired  loan  information,   totaled  $1,409,244  and  $51,726,  respectively.
Interest  income that would have been recorded had these  nonaccrual  loans been
current in accordance with their original terms, was $158,019 in 1998 and $5,960
in 1997.  Interest  income  recognized  on these  loans was  $23,251 in 1998 and
$1,302 in 1997.


                                      F-14
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 5.    BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Bank premises and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 1998 and
1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Leasehold improvements                                                  $          630,372       $          629,641
Furniture and equipment                                                          2,064,111                1,665,277

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 2,694,483                2,294,918
      Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                            (1,072,046)              (1,010,234)

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                        $        1,622,437       $        1,284,684

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

Depreciation and amortization charged to operations for the years ended December
31, 1998 and 1997 is included in the statements of income as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Occupancy expenses                                                      $           42,751       $           24,154
Equipment expenses                                                                 251,719                  188,681

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                        $          294,470       $          212,835

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 6.    DEPOSITS

At December 31, 1998,  the  scheduled  maturities  of  certificates  of deposit,
including those with an initial term of 12 months or less, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Years ending December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>
1999                                                                                             $       29,822,830
2000                                                                                                     12,165,272
2001                                                                                                      2,318,921
2002                                                                                                      2,127,004
2003                                                                                                      1,535,442
Thereafter                                                                                                   53,102

                                                                                                 ------------------
                                                                                                 $       48,022,571

                                                                                                 ==================
</TABLE>


                                      F-15
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 7.    SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

Securities  pledged  as  collateral  for  securities  sold under  agreements  to
repurchase  include  U.S.  Treasury  and  other  U.S.  government  agencies  and
corporations,  and  interest-bearing  deposits  in  other  banks  which  have an
aggregate book value of $2,160,944 and $2,257,728 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.  Securities sold under  agreements to repurchase  generally mature
the day following the date sold.

Selected  information on repurchase  agreements for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Average amount outstanding during the year                              $        1,637,883       $        1,036,326

                                                                        ===========================================
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end                             $        4,984,576       $        1,598,376

                                                                        ===========================================
Weighted average interest rate at year-end                                          3.88%                   3.48%

                                                                        ===========================================
Weighted average interest rate for the year                                         3.89%                   3.71%

                                                                        ===========================================
</TABLE>

Other short-term borrowings:

Other short-term  borrowings  reflect the Company's  borrowings from the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Atlanta  (FHLB) and Drovers & Mechanics  Bank  (Drovers).  The
Company has an open line of credit  arrangement  with the FHLB of $15,000,000 at
December 31,  1998.  The  outstanding  balance at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
$144,215 and $973,885,  respectively. The Company secures any borrowings against
this  arrangement  with a  blanket  lien on  certain  loans and  securities.  In
addition,  during  1998 the Company  entered  into an  unsecured  line of credit
arrangement in the amount of $3,000,000 with Drovers. The outstanding balance on
this line of credit was $420,000 at December 31, 1998.

Selected information on other short-term borrowings for the years ended December
31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Average amount outstanding during the year                              $        1,049,311       $        3,785,958

                                                                        ===========================================
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end                             $        4,700,409                7,332,930

                                                                        ===========================================
Weighted average interest rate at year-end                                            4.91%                    5.89%

                                                                        ===========================================
Weighted average interest rate for the year                                           5.65%                    5.48%

                                                                        ===========================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-16
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 8.    INCOME TAXES

Significant  components of the Company's  deferred tax assets and liabilities as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                       <C>
Deferred tax assets:
   Provision for credit losses                                          $          317,242       $          288,302
   Amortization of deposit intangibles                                              62,481                   50,766
   Deferred gain sale/leaseback transaction                                         31,839                   36,231
   Other                                                                            30,548                   22,167

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                                   442,110                  397,466
   Less: Valuation allowance                                                             -                   10,868

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                                   442,110                  386,598

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
   Depreciation expense                                                             88,096                   90,009
   Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale                            21,894                    4,799
   Other                                                                               132                      117

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                                   110,122                   94,925

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                        $          331,988       $          291,673

                                                                        ===========================================
</TABLE>

A reconciliation  of the maximum  statutory income tax rate to the provision for
income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Income before income taxes                                              $        1,959,428       $        1,708,703
      Tax rate                                                                          35%                      35%
                                                                       --------------------------------------------
Income tax at maximum statutory rate                                               685,800                  598,046
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
   State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit                            86,128                   76,085
   Tax exempt interest income                                                      (35,198)                 (17,000)
   Other                                                                          (142,178)                 (20,073)
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                        $          594,552       $          637,058
                                                                        ===========================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-17
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 8.    INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Significant  components  of  the  provision  for  income  taxes  consist  of the
following for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Taxes currently payable:
      Federal                                                           $          449,513       $          548,870
      State                                                                         87,629                   97,546

                                                                        -------------------------------------------
               Total taxes currently payable                                       537,142                  646,416

Deferred tax (benefits)                                                             57,410                   (9,358)

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
               Provision for income taxes                               $          594,552       $          637,058

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 9.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of business, transactions occur between the Company and its
employees,  officers,  directors and companies in which the Company's  directors
are principal  owners.  These  transactions  were made in the ordinary course of
business  with  substantially  the same  terms  (including  interest  rates  and
collateral)  as those  prevailing at the time for comparable  transactions  with
other persons.  The loans made to these related parties do not involve more than
normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable  features.  A summary
of these related party transactions at December 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
   Loans                                                                $        2,840,040       $        2,929,627

                                                                        ============================================

   Deposits                                                             $        4,063,376       $        3,436,991

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 10. PROFIT SHARING PLAN

Retirement  benefits are provided by the Company through a Section 401(k) profit
sharing plan to employees meeting certain age and eligibility requirements.

The terms of the plan enable the Company to make discretionary  contributions to
the plan based on the Company's  earnings and additional  matching amounts based
on employee contributions.  The Company's contributions to the plan were $18,056
and $9,651 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


                                      F-18
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit extension commitments:

The Company is party to financial  instruments  in the normal course of business
to meet  the  financing  needs of its  customers.  These  financial  instruments
include  commitments  to extend  credit and  standby  letters  of credit,  which
involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess
of  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  The
Company's  exposure to loss, in the event of  nonperformance by the other party,
is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  The Company uses
the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it
does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

A summary  of the  contractual  amount of the  Company's  exposure  under  these
financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                 1998                    1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Standby letters of credit                                               $        2,455,613       $        1,020,701
Commitments to extend credit                                                    23,094,269               15,686,900

                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                        $       25,549,882       $       16,707,601

                                                                        ============================================
</TABLE>

Commitments  to extend  credit are  agreements  to lend to a customer as long as
there is no  violation  of any  condition  established  in the  contract.  These
commitments  may  expire  without  being  drawn  upon.  Accordingly,  the  total
commitment amounts do not necessarily  represent future cash  requirements.  The
Company evaluates each customer's  creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The
amount of  collateral or other  security  obtained,  if deemed  necessary by the
Company upon extension of credit,  is based on management's  credit  evaluation.
Collateral held varies but may include deposits held in financial  institutions,
marketable   securities,   personal  residences,   income-producing   commercial
properties, and land under development. Personal guarantees are also obtained to
provide added security for certain commitments.

Standby letters of credit are conditional  commitments  issued by the Company to
guarantee  the  installation  of  real  property   infrastructure   and  similar
transactions.  The  credit  risk  involved  in  issuing  letters  of  credit  is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
Standby  letters  of credit at  December  31,  1998 and 1997 are all  secured by
deposit accounts.  Accordingly, the Bank does not anticipate any material losses
as a result of these transactions.


                                      F-19
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES(CONTINUED)

Leasing arrangements:

The Company leases its operations  center and certain  office  facilities  under
several  non-cancelable  operating  lease  arrangements  with  expiration  dates
ranging from January 2006 to June 2026, including renewal options.  Rents in the
renewal period will be based on prevailing  market rates. In addition to minimum
rentals,  all of the leases have escalation clauses based upon price indexes and
include  provisions  for  additional  payments to cover  taxes,  insurance,  and
repairs and maintenance.

The total future minimum rental  commitment,  including  renewal periods,  under
these leases are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Years ending December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>
1999                                                                                             $          473,515
2000                                                                                                        447,513
2001                                                                                                        458,674
2002                                                                                                        468,113
2003                                                                                                        477,814
Later years                                                                                               5,740,182
                                                                                                 ------------------

                                                                                                 $        8,065,811
                                                                                                 ==================
</TABLE>

Rent expense  included in occupancy  expense in the statements of income totaled
$369,349  and  $291,848  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  1998  and  1997,
respectively.

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial  instruments as of December
31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:

<TABLE>

                                                         1998                                    1997
                                       -----------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                                          Carrying Amount       Fair Value       Carrying Amount       Fair Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                <C>
Financial Assets
   Cash and cash equivalents            $      5,018,424    $     5,018,424     $     2,887,007    $      2,887,007
   Interest-bearing deposits in
    other banks                                8,023,985          8,023,985              92,611              92,611
   Loans held for sale                           149,119            149,119             233,734             233,734
   Investment securities                      17,021,277         17,021,277          15,987,017          15,987,017
   Net loans                                  89,454,246         89,315,675          73,794,586          73,575,568

                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        $    119,667,051    $   119,528,480     $    92,994,955    $     92,775,937

                                        ============================================================================
Financial Liabilities
   Deposits                             $    110,979,215    $   111,653,741     $    84,839,659    $     85,198,236
   Short-term borrowings                       2,394,600          2,394,600           2,181,817           2,181,817

                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        $    113,373,815    $   114,048,341     $    87,021,476    $     87,380,053

                                        ============================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-20
<PAGE>


FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

The  following  methods and  assumptions  were used to  estimate  the fair value
disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and due from banks, Interest-bearing deposits in other banks and Loans held
for  sale:  The fair  value of  these  financial  instruments  is  estimated  to
approximate the carrying amounts due to their short-term nature.

Investment securities: Fair values are based on quoted market prices.

Loans:  Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial
characteristics.  Each portfolio is further  segmented into fixed and adjustable
rate interest terms by performing and nonperforming categories.

The fair value of  performing  loans with original  maturities  greater than one
year is calculated by  discounting  estimated  cash flows using current rates at
which similar loans would be made to borrowers  with similar  credit ratings and
for the same  remaining  maturities.  The estimated cash flows do not anticipate
prepayments.  The fair value of performing loans with original maturities of one
year or less is considered equal to the carrying amount.

Fair value of  nonperforming  loans is based on recent external  appraisals.  If
appraisals are not available,  fair value is based on estimated cash flows which
are  discounted  using a rate  commensurate  with the risk  associated  with the
estimated  cash flows.  Assumptions  regarding  credit  risk,  cash  flows,  and
discount rates are judgmentally  determined  using available market  information
and specific borrower information.

Management  has made  estimates of fair value discount rates that it believes to
be reasonable.  However,  because there is no market for many of these financial
instruments,  management  has no  basis to  determine  whether  the  fair  value
presented  for loans would be  indicative  of the value  negotiated in an actual
sale.

Deposits:  The  fair  value  of  deposits  with  no  stated  maturity,  such  as
noninterest-bearing  demand  deposits,  savings,  NOW  accounts and money market
accounts is equal to the amount  payable on demand at the  reporting  date (that
is, their carrying  amounts).  The carrying amount  approximates  fair value for
variable-rate  certificates  of deposits due to the frequent  repricing of these
instruments at market rates. Fair value of fixed-rate certificates of deposit is
based on the discounted  value of contractual  cash flows.  The discount rate is
estimated using the rates currently  offered for deposits with similar remaining
maturities.

Short-term  borrowings:  Due to the short  maturities  of these  borrowings  the
carrying amounts approximate fair value.


                                      F-21
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 13. COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

Pursuant  to an  agreement  approved  by the  Board of  Directors,  warrants  to
purchase  additional  shares of common  stock have been  issued to the  founding
directors. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional share
of common stock.  The exercise  price is $4.54 per share.  The maximum number of
shares that  directors  may purchase  with these  warrants  totaled  254,933 and
260,997  shares as of December  31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  The  exercise
period for the warrants will expire on December 7, 2008.  The exercise price and
the  maximum  number of shares  that may be  purchased  are  subject  to certain
anti-dilution  provisions and, therefore,  have been adjusted for the effects of
stock distributions.

NOTE 14. COMMON STOCK OPTIONS

The  Company  has a stock  option  plan  ("Plan")  for key  employees,  which is
accounted for in accordance with Accounting  Principles  Board (APB) Opinion 25,
"Accounting  for Stock Issued to Employees,"  and related  interpretations.  The
Plan  permits the granting of both  incentive  stock  options and  non-qualified
stock options to purchase  common stock of the Company.  The exercise  price per
share for incentive stock options and  non-qualified  stock options shall not be
less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant,
and may be exercised in  increments  commencing  after one year from the date of
grant.  Each  incentive and  non-qualified  stock option granted under this plan
shall expire not more than ten years from the date the option is granted.

The following is a summary of  transactions  during the two years ended December
31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Options issued         Weighted-average
                                                                           and outstanding          exercise price
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C> <C>                                                          <C>                  <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996                                                         128,290              $    4.73

   Exercised                                                                        10,804                   4.45
   Granted                                                                          37,500                   8.07
   Terminated                                                                            -                      -

                                                                            ---------------------------------------

Balance, December 31, 1997                                                         154,986                   5.56

   Exercised                                                                        71,152                   4.53
   Granted                                                                               -                      -
   Terminated                                                                        9,928                   4.54

                                                                            ---------------------------------------

Balance, December 31, 1998                                                          73,906              $    6.69

                                                                            =======================================

</TABLE>


                                      F-22
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 14. COMMON STOCK OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1998,  the 73,906 options  issued and  outstanding  had exercise
prices  ranging  from  $4.54 to $8.34  and had an  approximate  weighted-average
remaining   contractual  life  of  67  months.   Of  those  options  issued  and
outstanding,   there   were   37,291  and  84,412   options   exercisable   with
weighted-average  exercise  prices of $5.96 and $4.64 at  December  31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.  The total number of shares reserved for the Company's stock
option plan was 165,376 at December 31, 1998.  The exercise  price and number of
shares granted and reserved for stock options have been  retroactively  adjusted
for the effects of stock distributions.

In addition to the preceding  Plan for key  employees,  Company  directors  were
granted  options to  purchase  22,870  shares at $4.01 per share in 1994,  5,500
shares at $7.34 per share in 1995,  and 3,900 shares at $7.25 per share in 1996.
During  the year  ended  December  31,  1998,  1,425 of these  options  had been
exercised  at a  weighted-average  exercise  price of $5.35  and  1,741 of these
options  had  terminated  at a  weighted-average  exercise  price of $4.82.  The
exercise price and number of shares granted have been retroactively adjusted for
the effects of stock distributions.

The Company's  net income and basic and diluted  earnings per share would not be
materially  different had compensation expense been determined based on the fair
value of the  options  granted  under both  plans on the date of grant  using an
option-pricing   model  prescribed  in  Financial   Accounting  Standards  Board
Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

NOTE 15. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Retained earnings:  Banking  regulations limit the amount of cash dividends that
may be paid without prior regulatory  agency  approval.  Maryland law limits the
amount of the Bank's earnings  available for the payment of cash dividends until
surplus  equals  100% of the  aggregate  of the par value of its  common  stock.
Additionally,  since the  Bank's  deposits  are  insured  by the  FDIC,  no cash
dividends may be paid if the Bank is in default on any  assessment due the FDIC.
At December 31, 1998, $1,308,458 is available for the payment of cash dividends.
On  January  14,  1999,  the Board of  Directors  declared a $.10 per share cash
dividend payable to shareholder's of record on February 15, 1999.

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital  requirements
administered  by the federal banking  agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements   can  initiate  certain   mandatory  -  and  possibly   additional
discretionary - actions by regulators  that, if undertaken,  could have a direct
material effect on the Company's  financial  statements.  Under capital adequacy
guidelines  and the  regulatory  framework  for prompt  corrective  action,  the
Company  and the  Bank  must  meet  specific  capital  guidelines  that  involve
quantitative  measures of the Company's and the Bank's assets,  liabilities  and
certain  off-balance-sheet  items  as  calculated  under  regulatory  accounting
practices.  The Company's and the Bank's capital amounts and  classification are
also subject to qualitative  judgments by the regulators about components,  risk
weightings, and other factors.


                                      F-23
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 15. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Quantitative  measures  established  by  regulation to ensure  capital  adequacy
require the Company  and the Bank to  maintain  minimum  amounts and ratios (set
forth in the  table  below)  of total  and Tier I  capital  (as  defined  in the
regulations)  to  risk-weighted  assets (as defined),  and of Tier I capital (as
defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes the Company and the
Bank meet all  capital  adequacy  requirements  to which they are  subject as of
December 31, 1998.

As of December 31, 1998, the most recent notification from the regulatory agency
categorized  the Bank as well  capitalized  under the  regulatory  framework for
prompt  corrective  action.  To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must
maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios
as set forth in the table below.  There are no  conditions  or events since that
notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category.

The  Company's  and the  Bank's  actual  capital  amounts  and  ratios  are also
presented in the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                     To Be Well Capitalized
                                                                              For Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                              Actual                      Adequacy Purposes:             Action Provisions:
                                   ---------------------------        --------------------------     ------------------------
                                     Amount             Ratio           Amount            Ratio        Amount          Ratio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>
As of December 31, 1998
  Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    Company                         $ 9,845,314          10.67%         $7,378,482       8.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              8,723,000          9.52 %          7,327,600       8.00 %       $9,159,500       10.00
  Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    Company                           8,806,314          9.55 %          3,689,241       4.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              7,684,000          8.39 %          3,663,800       4.00 %        5,495,700        6.00
  Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
    Company                           8,806,314          7.50 %          4,695,601       4.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              7,684,000          6.58 %          4,670,160       4.00 %        5,837,700        5.00


As of December 31, 1997
  Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
   Company                          $ 8,930,583         11.66 %         $6,128,185       8.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              8,711,377         11.38 %          6,121,330       8.00 %    $   7,651,663       10.00
  Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    Company                           8,030,430         10.48 %          3,064,092       4.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              7,811,224         10.21 %          3,060,665       4.00 %        4,590,998        6.00
  Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
    Company                           8,030,430          8.56 %          3,753,717       4.00 %                  N/A
    Bank                              7,811,224          8.33 %          3,750,290       4.00 %        4,687,863        5.00
</TABLE>


                                      F-24
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 15. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Undesignated  shares:  The  Board of  Directors  has the  authority  to issue an
additional   3,000,000  shares  of  any  type  or  class  of  stock,  with  such
designations,  voting powers, preferences,  participation,  redemption,  sinking
fund,  conversion,  dividend  and other  optional  or special  rights,  and such
restrictions,  limitations  and  qualifications  as the Board of  Directors  may
determine.

Restrictions on lending from  subsidiary to parent:  Federal law imposes certain
restrictions  limiting  the ability of the Bank to transfer  funds to the Parent
Company in the form of loans or advances. Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act
prohibits the Bank from making loans or advances to the Parent Company in excess
of 10 percent of its capital stock and surplus,  as defined therein.  There were
no material loans or advances outstanding at December 31, 1998.

Repurchase  plan:  On September  10, 1998,  the Board of Directors  authorized a
stock repurchase program. Pursuant to the terms of this program, the Company may
repurchase up to nine percent of its  outstanding  common stock.  No shares were
purchased as of December 31, 1998.


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               (Unaudited)
                                                                              March 31, 1999
<S>                                                                       <C>
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                                   $        7,071
Interest bearing deposits in other banks                                           1,280
Loans held for sale                                                                  175
Investment securities available for sale at fair value                            17,438
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans                                                                             95,439
Less: Allowance for credit losses                                                (1,115)
         Unearned Income                                                           (179)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net Loans                                                                94,145
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank premises and equipment                                                        1,526
Other assets                                                                       1,910
=========================================================================================
         Total Assets                                                     $      123,545
=========================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Deposits
         Non interest bearing                                             $       16,257
         Interest bearing                                                         88,264
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Deposits                                                          104,521
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings:
         Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                            1,964
         Other short term borrowings                                               7,544
Accrued interest and other liabilities                                               546
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Liabilities                                                       114,575
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, per share par value $1.00 per share; 2,000,000 shares
authorized; 1,525,215 shares issued and outstanding                                1,525
Capital surplus                                                                    6,151
Retained earnings                                                                  1,313
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                                       (19)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total shareholders' equity                                               8,970
========================================================================================
         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                             123,545
========================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-26
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         For the three months ended
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     March 31, 1999    March 31, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                <C>
Interest Income
     Interest and fees on loans                                                   $            2,260 $            1,800
     Interest and dividends on investment securities:
          Taxable                                                                                179                246
          Tax exempt                                                                              50                 15
          Dividends                                                                               13                 13
     Other interest income                                                                        25                 23
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total interest Income                                                                2,527              2,097
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Expense:
     Interest on deposits                                                                      1,036                917
     Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                   16                 11
     Interest on other short-term borrowings                                                      38                 18
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total interest expense                                                               1,090                946
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income                                                                            1,437              1,151
Provision for credit losses                                                                       90                 25
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for credit losses                                          1,347              1,126
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest income:
     Service fees                                                                                136                141
     Net securities gains                                                                          -                  1
     Gain on sale of loans                                                                        27                 28
     Other operating income                                                                       33                 20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total noninterest income                                                               196                190
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest expense:
     Salaries and employee benefits                                                              407                379
     Occupancy expenses                                                                          134                132
     Equipment expenses                                                                           87                 71
     Other operating expenses                                                                    334                262
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total noninterest expenses                                                             962                844
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before provision for income taxes                                                         581                472
Income tax expense                                                                               212                172
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                                                       369                300
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
     Unrealized gains (losses) arising during period                                            (87)                  6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income (loss)                                                               (87)                  6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income                                                                             282                306
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                                        $              369 $              300
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per share                                                          $             0.24 $             0.20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings per share                                                        $             0.21 $             0.18
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding                                        1,525,215          1,520,758
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding                                      1,732,434          1,704,556
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      F-27
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 AND 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1999                    1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
   Interest and fees received on loans                                  $            2,221       $            1,762
   Interest received on interest-bearing deposits in other banks                        25                       23
   Interest received on securities                                                     231                      199
   Other income                                                                        166                      161
   Proceeds from loan sales                                                            337                      342
   Originations of loans held for sale                                                (333)                    (458)
   Interest paid on securities sold under agreements to repurchase                     (16)                     (11)
   Interest paid on other short-term borrowings                                        (38)                     (18)
   Interest paid to depositors                                                      (1,018)                    (895)
   Cash paid to suppliers and employees                                             (1,411)                  (1,297)
   Income taxes paid                                                                    (9)                      (1)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES                     155                     (193)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
   Purchases of securities available for sale                                         (778)                  (1,605)
   Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale                                  -                      100
   Proceeds from maturities of and principal payments on securities                    253                      425
   Decrease (increase) in interest-bearing deposits in other banks                   6,744                   (4,412)
   Net increase in loans                                                            (4,813)                  (1,275)
   Purchases of bank premises and equipment                                            (11)                    (142)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                   1,395                   (6,909)

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
   Net increase (decrease) in noninterest-bearing deposits, NOW accounts,
    money market accounts and savings accounts                                      (4,891)                   4,909
   Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit                               (1,568)                   4,000
   Net increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase                      134                       84
   Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings                            6,980                     (826)
   Cash dividends paid                                                                (152)                    (129)
   Repurchase of common stock                                                            -                     (818)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                -                      541

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                               503                    7,761

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------

               NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                             2,053                      659

Cash and Cash Equivalents
   Beginning of year                                                                 5,018                    2,887

                                                                       ---------------------------------------------
   End of year                                                          $            7,071       $            3,546

                                                                       =============================================
</TABLE>

                                                    (Continued)


                                      F-28
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 AND 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1999                    1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash
 Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
   Net income  $                                                                       369              $       300
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided (used in) by operating activities
      Provision for depreciation and amortization                                      145                      126
      Provision for credit losses                                                       90                       25
      Net realized (gains) on sales of securities                                        -                       (1)
      Net premium amortization on securities                                            40                        1
      Net amortization of net loan origination costs                                    32                        5
      Changes in assets and liabilities
         Decrease (increase) in:
           Loans held for sale                                                         (26)                    (144)
           Interest receivable                                                        (110)                    (117)
           Other assets                                                                (34)                    (429)
         Increase (decrease) in:
           Accrued interest and other liabilities relating
            to operating activities                                                   (351)                      41
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES      $              155       $             (193)
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-29
<PAGE>

FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1. - The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for First
Frederick  Financial  Corporation  ("First  Frederick')  have been  prepared  in
accordance with the instructions for Form 10-QSB and, therefore,  do not include
all  information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally  accepted   accounting
principles for complete financial  statements.  The interim financial statements
have been  prepared  utilizing  the  interim  basis of  reporting  and, as such,
reflect all adjustments which are normal and recurring in nature and are, in the
opinion of management,  necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the
periods presented.

Note 2. - Per share amounts:  On December 31, 1997 First Frederick  adopted FASB
Statement No. 128. "Earnings per Share." Statement 123 establishes standards for
computing and presenting  earnings per share ("EPS") that simplify the standards
previously  followed in Accounting  Principals Board Opinion No. 15. It replaces
the former  presentation  of primary EPS with a  presentation  of basic EPS and,
where applicable, requires the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the
face of the income  statement.  Basic EPS is generally  computed by dividing net
income  by the  weighted-average  number of common  shares  outstanding  for the
period, whereas diluted EPS essentially reflects the potential dilution in basic
EPS that could occur if other  contracts to issue  common stock were  exercised.
Per share amounts are based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding
during each year as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           March 31,
                                                          ---------------------------------------------
                                                                  1999                   1998
<S>                                                         <C>                     <C>
Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding                         1,525,215              1,520,758
     Effect of dilutive securities - stock options                      207,219                183,798
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted EPS weighted-average shares outstanding                       1,732,434              1,704,556
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Note 3. -  Comprehensive  Income:  On  January  1,  1998,  the  Company  adopted
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income."  Comprehensive  income,  as defined by Statement  130, is the change in
equity of a business  enterprise during a reporting period from transactions and
other  events and  circumstances  from  non-owner  sources.  In  addition  to an
enterprise's net income,  change in equity components under comprehensive income
reporting  would also include such items as the net change in unrealized gain or
loss  on   available-for-sale   securities  and  foreign  currency   translation
adjustments.  Statement 130 requires disclosure of comprehensive  income and its
components with the same prominence as the Company's other financial statements.


                                      F-30
<PAGE>







                                    EXHIBIT A

                          Agreement and Plan of Merger
<PAGE>

         This  Agreement and Plan of Merger (the  "Agreement"),  made as of this
12th day March, 1999, by and between FCNB Corp ("FCNB"), a corporation organized
and existing  under the laws of the State of Maryland  and having its  principal
office  at 7200 FCNB  Court,  Frederick,  Maryland  21703,  and First  Frederick
Financial Corporation  ("First"), a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Maryland and having its principal office at 22 West Patrick
Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701.

         WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of FCNB and First each deem
it advisable  and in the best  interest of their  respective  shareholders  that
First be  acquired  by FCNB  through  the  merger  of First  with and into  FCNB
substantially  on the terms,  and subject to the  conditions,  set forth in this
Agreement; and

         WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of FCNB and First have each
approved the merger of First with and into FCNB, substantially on the terms, and
subject to the conditions, hereinafter set forth (the "Merger");

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and  the  mutual
covenants and agreements  hereafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

         1.1 Merger.  Subject to the terms and  conditions  hereafter set forth,
First  shall be merged with and into FCNB,  in  accordance  with the  applicable
provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended (the "MGCL").

         1.2  Name.  The  name  of the  surviving  corporation  (the  "Surviving
Corporation"  when reference is made to it after the Effective Time (hereinafter
defined)) shall be "FCNB Corp".

         1.3 Certificate of Incorporation;  Bylaws. As a result of, and upon the
effectiveness  of the Merger,  Article Sixth of the Articles of Incorporation of
FCNB shall,  without further action,  be amended to increase the total number of
shares of capital  stock of all  classes  which FCNB is  authorized  to issue to
fifty-one  million  (51,000,000),  fifty million  (50,000,000) of which shall be
common  stock,  par value  $1.00 per share,  and one  million of which  shall be
preferred  stock,  par value $1.00 per share.  The Articles of  Incorporation of
FCNB in effect at the Effective  Time and as so amended,  and the Bylaws of FCNB
in effect at the  Effective  Time,  shall be the Articles of  Incorporation  and
Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

         1.4 Board of Directors; Officers. (a) The Board of Directors of FCNB at
the  Effective  Time  shall  serve as the Board of  Directors  of the  Surviving
Corporation until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

(b) The  Officers of FCNB at the  Effective  Time shall serve as the officers of
the Surviving Corporation until their successors are duly appointed by the Board
of Directors.

         1.5 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the separate corporate
existence  of First  shall  cease and FCNB as the  Surviving  Corporation  shall
succeed  to and  possess  all of the  properties,  rights,  powers,  privileges,
franchises, patents, trademarks,  licenses,  registrations,  and other assets of
every kind and description of First, and shall be subject to, and be responsible
for, all debts,  liabilities,  and obligations of First, all without further act
or deed, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the MGCL.

         1.6  Closing;  Effective  Time.  (a) The  closing  of the  Merger  (the
"Closing") shall occur at the principal offices of FCNB, at a time and on a date
specified in writing by the parties, which date shall be as soon as practicable,
but not more than  thirty  (30)  days,  after the  latest of the  receipt of all
requisite   approvals  and   authorizations   of  regulatory  and   governmental
authorities,   the  expiration  of  all  applicable   waiting  periods  and  the
satisfaction or waiver of all conditions  hereto.  The date at which the Closing
occurs is occasionally referred to herein as the "Closing Date."

(b) The Merger  shall become  effective  upon the later of (i) the filing of the
articles of merger in  substantially  the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Articles  of Merger")  with the  Maryland  State  Department  of  Taxation  and
Assessments  (the  "Department")  or (ii) the time set forth in the  Articles of
Merger filed with the Department  (the


                                      A-1
<PAGE>

"Effective  Time").  Except as otherwise  agreed in writing,  the Effective Time
shall be within one business day of the Closing.

                                   ARTICLE II

         2.1  Conversion of Shares,  Options and Warrants.  (a) At the Effective
Time, each of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share,
of First ("First Common Stock")  (excluding shares of First Common Stock held in
treasury or by any First  Subsidiary  (other than in a fiduciary  capacity),  by
FCNB or any FCNB Subsidiary (other than in a fiduciary capacity), or as to which
the  holders  have  perfected  dissenters'  right  in  accordance  with the MGCL
("dissenting  shares")),  shall  automatically,  and without further action,  be
converted into one and four hundred thirty four ten-thousandths  (1.0434) shares
of the common stock,  par value $1.00 per share,  of FCNB ("FCNB Common  Stock")
(the  "Conversion  Ratio").  The  Conversion  Ratio  reflects the closing  price
($20.125) of the FCNB Common Stock on March 8, 1999. The Conversion  Ratio shall
be proportionately adjusted for dividends on FCNB Common Stock payable in shares
of FCNB Common Stock or any  combination or subdivision of the FCNB Common Stock
the record  date for which is after the date  hereof but prior to the  Effective
Time.  Following the Effective  Time,  certificates  which formerly  represented
shares of First Common Stock (except for certificates  representing  shares held
in treasury or by any First Subsidiary or dissenting shares) shall be deemed for
all  purposes  to  represent  shares of FCNB  Common  Stock,  except  that until
exchanged in accordance  with the provisions of Section 2.2 hereof,  the holders
of such shares shall not be entitled to receive dividends or other distributions
or payments in respect of FCNB Common Stock.

(b) (i) At the Effective Time, and subject to the agreement of each holder, each
incentive and nonincentive  stock option issued and outstanding  under the First
Employee  Option Plan (each a "First  Employee  Option")  outstanding  as of the
Effective Time, shall  automatically,  and without further action,  be converted
into the number of shares of FCNB Common  Stock  determined  by (i) dividing the
exercise  price per share of such  First  Employee  Option by  20.125,  and (ii)
subtracting  such quotient  (rounded to four decimal places) from the Conversion
Ratio.

(ii) At the  Effective  Time,  subject to the receipt of the  agreement  of each
holder, each stock option issued to First's Directors Option Plan (each a "First
Director  Option,"  and together  with the First  Employee  Options,  the "First
Options")  and  each  organizers  warrant  ("Warrants"),  outstanding  as of the
Effective Time, shall  automatically,  and without further action,  be converted
into the number of shares of FCNB Common  Stock  determined  by (i) dividing the
exercise  price per share of such  First  Employee  Option by  20.125,  and (ii)
subtracting  such quotient  (rounded to four decimal places) from the Conversion
Ratio.

(c) No certificate for fractional  shares of FCNB Common Stock will be issued in
connection with the exchange  contemplated  by the Merger,  and holders of First
Common Stock  entitled to  fractional  shares shall be paid cash in lieu of such
fractional  shares,  without  interest,  on the basis of the value of a share of
FCNB Common Stock. For purposes of this Agreement,  the value of a share of FCNB
Common  Stock shall be equal to the average of the per share  closing  price for
FCNB Common  Stock for the twenty (20) trading days  immediately  preceding  the
date  which  is  two   business   days  before  the  Closing  Date  (the  "Value
Determination Period"), as reported on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq"). In
the event that there shall be no trade on any  trading day within the  foregoing
period,  or if Nasdaq shall fail to report a closing  price on any such day, the
closing price for such day shall be the average of the closing bid price and the
closing  asked  price as  reported  by Nasdaq.  In the event of the payment of a
dividend  payable  in  shares  of  FCNB  Common  Stock,  or the  combination  or
subdivision of the FCNB Common Stock,  the calculation for determining the value
per share of FCNB Common Stock shall be proportionally  adjusted to reflect such
event.

(d)  Each  share  of FCNB  Common  Stock  outstanding  immediately  prior to the
Effective  Time  shall  be  unchanged,  and  shall  continue  to be  issued  and
outstanding shares of FCNB Common Stock.

(e) All shares of First Common Stock held by First as treasury  shares or by any
First  Subsidiary  (other  than in a  fiduciary  capacity),  by FCNB or any FCNB
Subsidiary (other than in a fiduciary capacity) shall be cancelled and shall not
be converted as provided in Section 2.1(a).

         2.2 Exchange of Share Certificates.  Certificates formerly representing
shares  of  First  Common  Stock  shall  be  exchanged  for  FCNB  Common  Stock
certificates in accordance with the following procedures:


                                      A-2
<PAGE>

(a) Exchange  Agent.  At FCNB's  election,  FCNB or the transfer  agent for FCNB
shall act as exchange  agent  ("Exchange  Agent") to receive  First Common Stock
certificates  from the holders  thereof and to exchange such stock  certificates
for  FCNB  Common  Stock  certificates,  and if  appropriate,  to pay  cash  for
fractional  shares of FCNB Common  Stock  pursuant  to Section  2.1 hereof.  The
Exchange  Agent shall,  promptly after the Effective  Time,  mail to each former
shareholder  of First a notice  specifying  the  procedures  to be  followed  in
surrendering such shareholder's First Common Stock certificates.

(b)  Surrender of  Certificates.  As promptly as possible  after  receipt of the
Exchange Agent notice,  each former  shareholder of First shall surrender his or
her certificates to the Exchange Agent; provided, that if any former shareholder
of First shall be unable to surrender his First Common Stock certificates due to
loss or  mutilation  thereof,  he or she may make a  constructive  surrender  by
following the procedures customarily followed by FCNB in the replacement of lost
or mutilated certificates,  including, if necessary,  the posting of appropriate
bond. Upon actual or constructive  surrender of First Common Stock  certificates
from  a  former  First   shareholder,   the  Exchange  Agent  shall  issue  such
shareholder,  in exchange therefore,  one or more certificates  representing the
number of whole shares of FCNB Common Stock into which such shareholder's shares
of First Common Stock have been  converted,  together with a check in the amount
of any cash in lieu of fractional shares of FCNB Common Stock.

(c) Dividend Withholding.  Dividends or other distributions,  if any, payable by
FCNB after the  Effective  Time to any former  shareholder  of First who has not
prior to the payment  date  surrendered  his or her First  Common Stock shall be
withheld.  Any  dividends  or other  distributions  so  withheld  shall be paid,
without interest,  to such former shareholder upon proper surrender of his First
Common Stock certificates.

(d) Failure to Surrender Certificates.  All First Common Stock certificates must
be surrendered to the Exchange Agent within two (2) years of the Effective Time.
In the event  that any  former  shareholder  of First  shall  not have  properly
surrendered  his or her  certificates  within  such  period,  the shares of FCNB
Common Stock that would otherwise have been issued to such  shareholder  may, at
the option of FCNB, be sold and the net proceeds of such sale, together with any
cash in respect of fractional shares and any previously accrued dividends, shall
be held in a non-interest bearing account for such shareholder's  benefit.  From
and after such sale,  the sole right of such  shareholder  shall be the right to
collect  such net  proceeds,  cash and  accumulated  dividends.  Subject  to all
applicable laws of escheat, such amount shall be paid to such former shareholder
of First,  without  interest,  upon proper  surrender of his or her First Common
Stock certificates.

         2.3 Merger of Subsidiaries.  FCNB and First  acknowledge and agree that
it is  FCNB's  expectation  that  First  Bank  of  Frederick,  the  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of First  ("First  Bank"),  will be merged  with and into FCNB Bank,
FCNB's wholly owned  subsidiary  ("FCNB Bank").  First agrees that it shall,  or
shall  cause  First Bank to, at the request of FCNB,  provide  such  assistance,
cooperation and information,  execute, deliver, verify, file or acknowledge such
other  agreements,  instruments,  applications or other documents,  and take all
such other actions and do all such other things as may be  reasonably  necessary
in order to effect  such  other  transactions  and to  effect  the  intents  and
purposes of this Section 2.3.

                                   ARTICLE III

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FCNB

         3.1 Organization  and Authority.  FCNB is a corporation duly organized,
validly  existing and in good standing  under the laws of the State of Maryland,
is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,
as amended (the "BHCA"),  and has the  corporate  power and authority to own its
properties  and assets and to carry on its  business,  and the  business  of its
subsidiaries,  as now  being  conducted  and to  enter  into and  carry  out its
obligations under this Agreement.  FCNB is qualified to do business as a foreign
corporation in each jurisdiction where such  qualification is necessary,  except
where the failure to obtain such qualification would not have a material adverse
effect on the business,  operations,  assets, financial condition,  prospects or
results of operations, of FCNB and its subsidiaries,  taken as a whole. FCNB has
all necessary  governmental  authorizations  to own or lease its  properties and
assets, and carry on its business as now being conducted,  with the exception of
those  authorizations  which the  failure  to obtain  would not have a  material
adverse effect on the business,  operations,  financial condition,  or result of
operations of FCNB and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.


                                      A-3
<PAGE>

         3.2 Capital  Structure of FCNB. As of February 28, 1999, the authorized
capital stock of FCNB consisted of 20,000,000  shares of common stock, par value
$1.00 per  share,  of which at such  date,  10,064,892  shares  were  issued and
outstanding and 1,000,000  shares of  undesignated  preferred  stock,  par value
$1.00 per share,  of which no shares  were issued or  outstanding  at such date.
Additionally,  819,077  shares of Common  Stock have been  reserved for issuance
pursuant to FCNB's 1992 Stock Option Plan,  the FCNB 1997 Director  Stock Option
Plan and the FCNB Option Plan for former  employees  of Capital  Bank,  National
Association  (the "FCNB  Option  Plans"),  under  which  options to  purchase an
aggregate of 282,846  shares of FCNB Common Stock are issued and  outstanding as
of the date  hereof.  Additionally,  214,736  shares  of FCNB  Common  Stock are
reserved for issuance in  connection  with the FCNB Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan
("DRI  Plan").  Other than as set forth in this Section 3.2,  there are no other
shares of capital stock or other equity  securities of FCNB  outstanding  and no
other outstanding  options,  warrants,  scrip,  rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments  of any  character  whatsoever  relating to, or securities or rights
convertible  into or  exchangeable  for, shares of any capital stock of FCNB, or
contracts, commitments, understandings, or arrangements by which FCNB was or may
become  bound  to issue  additional  shares  of its  capital  stock or  options,
warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any  additional  shares of its capital
stock

         All of the outstanding shares of FCNB Common Stock, and, when issued in
accordance  with the  provisions  of this  Agreement,  all of the shares of FCNB
Common Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of First Common Stock,  are, or
will be, duly  authorized and validly issued shares of FCNB Common Stock,  which
shares are fully paid and nonassessable under the MGCL. No shares of FCNB Common
Stock have been,  and none of the  shares of FCNB  Common  Stock to be issued in
exchange for shares of First  Common  Stock will be,  issued in violation of the
preemptive  rights of any  shareholder  of FCNB.  FCNB has reserved a sufficient
number of shares of FCNB Common Stock for the purpose of issuing  shares of FCNB
Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of Article II hereof.

         3.3  FCNB  Subsidiaries.  FCNB  directly  owns  all the  shares  of the
outstanding  capital  stock of FCNB  Bank.  Except as set forth in the  separate
disclosure  letter of FCNB dated as of the date hereof,  and delivered not later
than the date hereof (the "FCNB Disclosure Letter"),  neither FCNB nor FCNB Bank
has any other subsidiaries.  No equity securities of FCNB Bank are or may become
required  to be  issued by reason of any  options,  warrants,  scrip,  rights to
subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever,  relative to, or
concerning securities or rights convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of
any class of  capital  stock of FCNB  Bank,  and  there are no other  contracts,
commitments, understandings or arrangements by which FCNB Bank is bound to issue
additional  shares  of its  capital  stock or  options,  warrants  or  rights to
purchase  or acquire any  additional  shares of its  capital  stock.  All of the
shares  of  capital  stock of FCNB  Bank so owned  by FCNB  are  fully  paid and
non-assessable  and  are  owned  by it  free  and  clear  of  any  claim,  lien,
encumbrance or agreement with respect  thereto.  FCNB Bank is a commercial  bank
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Maryland and has the  corporate  power and  authority and all necessary
federal,  state, local and foreign authorizations to own or lease its properties
and  assets  and to carry on its  business  as it is now  being  conducted.  The
deposits of FCNB Bank are insured to the applicable  legal limits by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC").

         3.4  Authorization.  The  execution,  delivery and  performance of this
Agreement by FCNB and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby
have been duly  authorized  by the Board of  Directors  of FCNB and,  except for
approval by the shareholders of FCNB, no other corporate proceedings on the part
of  FCNB  are  necessary  to  authorize  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby.  Subject to  shareholder  approval  and the  approvals  of
government  agencies having regulatory  authority over FCNB and FCNB Bank as may
be required by statute or  regulation,  this  Agreement is the valid and binding
obligation of FCNB,  enforceable in accordance with its terms,  except as may be
limited by applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization or moratorium or
other  similar laws  affecting  creditors'  rights  generally  and the rights of
creditors of insured depository  institutions,  and subject to general equitable
principles which may limit the enforcement of certain remedies.

         Neither the  execution,  delivery and  performance of this Agreement by
FCNB,  nor  the  consummation  of  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  nor
compliance  by FCNB  with  any of the  provisions  of this  Agreement,  will (i)
violate,  conflict  with,  or  result  in a  breach  of any  provisions  of,  or
constitute a default (or an event  which,  with notice of lapse of time or both,
would  constitute  a  default)  under,  or  result  in the  termination  of,  or
accelerate the  performance  required by, or result in a right of termination or
acceleration,  or the  creation  of  any  lien,  security  interest,  charge  or
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of FCNB under any of the terms,
conditions  or  provisions  of, (x) the Articles of  Incorporation  or Bylaws of
FCNB,  or (y) any  material  note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  deed of trust,
license,  lease,  agreement or other instrument or obligation to which FCNB is a
party or by which FCNB may be bound,  or to


                                      A-4
<PAGE>

which FCNB or any of its properties or assets may be subject, or (ii) subject to
compliance with the statutes and regulations  referred to in the next paragraph,
violate any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction,  decree, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to FCNB or any of its properties or assets.

         Other  than  in  connection  or  in  compliance   with  the  applicable
provisions of the MGCL, the Maryland  Financial  Institutions Code (the "MFIC"),
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder
(the "Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations  thereunder (the "Exchange  Act"),  the securities or blue
sky laws of the  various  states  and  consents,  authorizations,  approvals  or
exemptions  required  under the BHCA or the Federal  Deposit  Insurance Act (the
"FDIA") or any applicable federal or state banking statute, no notice to, filing
with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any public body
or authority  is  necessary  for the  consummation  by FCNB of the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.  FCNB has no reason to believe that any required
regulatory  consent or approval  will not be  received or will be received  with
conditions or restrictions which it would deem unduly burdensome, or which would
have  an  adverse  impact  on  its  capacity  to  consummate  the   transactions
contemplated hereby.

         3.5  Financial  Statements.  FCNB has  furnished to First the following
financial  statements:  the audited  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets for the years
ended  December 31, 1998 and 1997,  and  Consolidated  Statements  of Income and
Comprehensive  Income,  Consolidated  Statements  of  Stockholders'  Equity  and
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of FCNB and its subsidiaries as of and for
the years ended  December 31, 1998,  1997 and 1996.  Each of the  aforementioned
financial   statements,   and  like  financial  information  provided  to  First
subsequent to the date hereof, have been and will be prepared in accordance with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  applied on a consistent  basis, and
present  fairly and will present  fairly the  consolidated  financial  position,
results of operations, stockholders' equity and changes in financial position of
FCNB as of the dates and for the periods  therein set forth.  In the case of the
interim fiscal periods,  all  adjustments,  consisting only of normal  recurring
items,  have  been and  will be made,  subject  to year end  audit  adjustments.
Without  limitation of the  foregoing,  the reserves for possible  credit losses
which it has  established  and which are included in the  above-referenced  FCNB
Financial Statements,  were as of such dates, in the judgement of FCNB, adequate
to absorb all reasonably  anticipated losses in the loan and lease portfolios of
FCNB, in view of the size and  character of such  portfolios,  current  economic
conditions,   and  other  pertinent  factors;   and,  further,   no  facts  have
subsequently come to the attention of management of FCNB which would cause it to
restate in any  material way the levels of such  reserves  for  possible  credit
losses  as of such  dates.  Such  financial  statements  do not,  as of the date
thereof, include any material asset, or omit any material liability, absolute or
contingent,  or other fact,  the  inclusion  or omission of which  renders  such
financial  statements,  in light of the  circumstances  in which they were made,
misleading in any material respect.

         3.6 SEC Filings.  FCNB has filed all  reports,  forms,  statements  and
other  documents with the SEC that it was required to file since January 1, 1996
(the "SEC  filings"),  all of which  complied in all material  respects with the
applicable  requirements  of the Securities Act and/or Exchange Act. As of their
respective  dates, and except as revised,  amended or modified by a subsequently
filed  document,  each such SEC filing did not contain an untrue  statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or
necessary to make the statements  therein,  in light of the circumstances  under
which they were made, not misleading.

         3.7 Absence of Material Adverse Changes. Since December 31, 1998, there
has not been any change in the  financial  condition,  results of  operations or
business  of FCNB  and its  subsidiaries  that  has  had,  or may be  reasonably
expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets,
financial  condition,  prospects  or  results  of  operations  of  FCNB  and its
subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  or on the  ability of FCNB to  consummate  the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         3.8  Reports.  As of  February  28, 1999 FCNB and FCNB Bank have filed,
since that date have filed,  and  subsequent  to the date hereof will file,  all
reports,  registrations  and  statements,  if any,  together with any amendments
required to be made with respect thereto, that were and are required to be filed
with (i) the SEC,  (ii) the  Federal  Reserve  Board,  (iii) the FDIC,  (iv) the
Department, and (v) the Department of Financial Regulation (the "DFR") (all such
reports  and  statements  are  collectively  referred  to  herein  as the  "FCNB
Reports").  As of their  respective  dates,  the FCNB Reports  complied and will
comply in all material  respects  with all the statutes,  rules and  regulations
enforced or promulgated  by the regulatory  authority with which they were filed
and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to
make the statements  therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading.


                                      A-5
<PAGE>

         3.9 Litigation and Other  Proceedings.  Except as set forth in the FCNB
Disclosure Letter,  FCNB is not a party to any pending,  or, to the knowledge of
FCNB, threatened claim, action, suit,  investigation or proceeding or subject to
any order,  judgment or decree,  except for  matters  which,  in the  aggregate,
cannot  reasonably  be  anticipated  to have, a material  adverse  effect on the
business,  operations,  assets,  financial  condition,  prospects  or results of
operations of FCNB and its  subsidiaries,  taken as a whole.  FCNB does not have
any knowledge of any pending or  threatened  action,  suit or  proceeding  which
presents a claim to prohibit, restrict or restrain the transactions contemplated
hereby or by the Bank Merger  Agreement (as  hereinafter  defined) or the Option
Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

         3.10  Compliance  with Laws.  FCNB and the FCNB  Subsidiaries  have all
permits, licenses,  certificates of authority, orders and approvals of, and have
made all filings,  applications and registrations with, federal, state, local or
foreign  governmental or regulatory  bodies that are required in order to permit
them to carry on their business as presently  conducted and the absence of which
would  have a  material  adverse  effect  on such  business;  all such  permits,
licenses,  certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full force and
effect,  and, to the knowledge of FCNB, no suspension or  cancellation of any of
them is threatened;  and all such filings,  applications and  registrations  are
current.  The conduct of its business by FCNB does not violate,  in any material
respect,  any  applicable  domestic  (federal,  state or local) or foreign  law,
statute, ordinance,  license or regulation now in effect. FCNB is not in default
under  any  order,  license  or  demand of any  federal,  state,  local or other
governmental agency or with respect to any order, writ,  injunction or decree of
any  court.   Except  for  statutory  or  regulatory   restrictions  of  general
application, no federal, state, local or other governmental authority has placed
any restrictions on the business of FCNB.

         3.11 Proxy  Statement,  Etc. None of the information  supplied or to be
supplied by FCNB for inclusion,  or included,  in (i) the Proxy Statements to be
mailed to the shareholders of First and FCNB ("Proxy  Statement" as described in
Section 5.3 below),  in connection  with the  Shareholder  Meetings and (ii) any
other documents to be filed with the SEC or any regulatory  agency in connection
with the  transactions  contemplated  hereby will, to the best knowledge of FCNB
and at such respective  times as such  information is supplied or such documents
are filed or mailed,  be false or misleading  with respect to any material fact,
or omit to state any material  fact  necessary  in order to make the  statements
therein not misleading.  All documents which FCNB is responsible for filing with
the SEC and any regulatory  agency in connection  with the Merger will comply as
to form in all material respects with the provisions of applicable law.

         3.12 Year 2000. FCNB is in compliance in all material respects with all
regulatory requirements regarding Year 2000 issues. FCNB has developed, approved
and is  implementing in a timely manner,  a Year 2000  compliance  program which
will  ensure  that its  computer  systems  and/or  those of its data  processing
providers are or will be Year 2000 compliant prior to December 1999. No material
costs in excess of those  reflected  on the  financial  statements  and internal
budget projections will be incurred in connection with such programs.

         3.13  Brokers  and  Finders.  Except  for a success  fee of .03% of the
aggregate value of the  consideration  issued by FCNB to holders of First Common
Stock to Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., neither FCNB nor any of its officers,
directors  or  employees  has  employed  any  broker or finder or  incurred  any
liability  for any financial  advisory  fees,  brokerage  fees,  commissions  or
finder's fees, and no broker or finder has acted directly or indirectly for FCNB
in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FIRST

         First represents and warrants to FCNB that:

         4.1 Organization and Authority.  First is a corporation duly organized,
validly  existing and in good standing  under the laws of the State of Maryland,
is a registered  bank holding  company  BHCA,  and has the  corporate  power and
authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business, and the
business of its subsidiaries, as now being conducted and to enter into and carry
out its obligations under this Agreement. First is qualified to do business as a
foreign  corporation in each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary,
except where the failure to obtain such qualification  would not have a material
adverse  effect  on  the  business,  operations,  assets,  financial  condition,
prospects or results of operations,  of First and its  subsidiaries,  taken as a
whole. First has all necessary  governmental


                                      A-6
<PAGE>

authorizations  to own or lease  its  properties  and  assets,  and carry on its
business as now being  conducted,  with the  exception  of those  authorizations
which the  failure  to obtain  would not have a material  adverse  effect on the
business, operations,  financial condition, or result of operations of First and
its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         4.2  First  Subsidiaries.  First  directly  owns all the  shares of the
outstanding  capital stock of First Bank of Frederick,  Frederick,  Maryland,  a
Maryland chartered  commercial bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve
System ("First Bank").  Except as set forth in the separate disclosure letter of
First dated as of the date hereof,  and delivered not later than the date hereof
(the "First Disclosure Letter"), updated for comparative purposes as of the date
of Closing, neither First nor First Bank has any other subsidiaries, or owns any
capital stock or other interests in any entity (including,  without  limitation,
corporations,  partnerships,  joint ventures, and inactive corporations).  First
Bank,  together  with all other  First  subsidiaries  referred to on occasion as
"First  Subsidiaries" and each individually as a "First  Subsidiary".  No equity
securities of any First  Subsidiary  are or may become  required to be issued by
reason of any  options,  warrants,  scrip,  rights  to  subscribe  to,  calls or
commitments of any character  whatsoever,  relative to, or concerning securities
or rights  convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class of capital
stock of any First  Subsidiary,  and there are no other contracts,  commitments,
understandings  or arrangements by which any First  Subsidiary is bound to issue
additional  shares  of its  capital  stock or  options,  warrants  or  rights to
purchase  or acquire any  additional  shares of its  capital  stock.  All of the
shares of capital stock of each of the First  Subsidiaries  so owned by First or
any First Subsidiary are fully paid and  non-assessable and are owned by it free
and clear of any claim,  lien,  encumbrance or agreement  with respect  thereto.
First Bank is a commercial  bank duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good
standing  under the laws of the State of Maryland,  and has the corporate  power
and authority and all necessary federal, state, local and foreign authorizations
to own or lease its  properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
now being  conducted.  The deposits of First Bank are insured to the  applicable
legal limits by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Each other First Subsidiary
is duly organized,  validly  existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization,  and has the corporate power and authorization and
all necessary material federal,  state, local and foreign  authorizations to own
or lease its  properties  and assets and to carry on its  business  as it is now
being conducted,  except for such authorizations which the failure to possess or
obtain  would not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  condition,
results of  operations,  properties,  assets or  business of First and the First
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         4.3  Capitalization  of First. As of February  28,1999,  the authorized
capital stock of First consisted of five million  (5,000,000)  shares,  of which
two million  (2,000,000)  shares are designated as common stock, par value $1.00
("First Common Stock"),  and three million  (3,000,000) shares are undesignated.
As of February 28, 1999,  1,525,215 shares of First Common Stock were issued and
outstanding,  and no shares of First  Common  Stock or other  class or series of
capital  stock have been issued  since that date.  Except for options to acquire
102,952  shares of First  Common  Stock  upon the  exercise  of  options  issued
pursuant to the First Option Plans,  and Warrants to acquire  254,925  shares of
First Common Stock, which options and Warrants are described (including, but not
limited to, exercise price,  expiration  date,  identity of holders,  and number
held by each holder) in the First Disclosure  Letter,  there are no other shares
of capital stock or other equity  securities of First  outstanding  and no other
outstanding  options,   warrants,  scrip,  rights  to  subscribe  to,  calls  or
commitments  of any  character  whatsoever  relating to, or securities or rights
convertible  into or  exchangeable  for,  shares of capital  stock of First,  or
contracts,  commitments,  understandings,  or arrangements by which First was or
may become  bound to issue  additional  shares of its capital  stock or options,
warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any  additional  shares of its capital
stock.

         All of the  outstanding  shares  of  First  Common  Stock  are duly and
validly   issued  shares  of  First  Common  Stock,   and  are  fully  paid  and
nonassessable.  No shares of First Common Stock have been issued in violation of
the  preemptive  or  preferential  rights of any holder of First  Common  Stock.
Except as set  forth in the  First  Disclosure  Letter,  all of the  outstanding
shares  of  First  Common  Stock  have  been  issued  pursuant  to an  effective
registration  statement  under  the  Securities  Act of 1933,  and  pursuant  to
effective  registrations or qualifications  under applicable state securities or
blue sky laws or pursuant to applicable  exemptions  from such  registration  or
qualification.  The First Disclosure  Letter sets forth any exemptions from such
registration relied upon and the circumstances of any such exempt offering.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>

         4.4  Authorization.  The  execution,  delivery and  performance of this
Agreement by First and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby
have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of First and, except for the
approval by the  shareholders of First,  no other  corporate  proceedings on the
part of First are necessary to authorize  this  Agreement  and the  transactions
contemplated  hereby.  Subject to  shareholder  approval,  this Agreement is the
valid and binding obligation of First enforceable  against it in accordance with
its  terms,  except as may be  limited  by  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,
reorganization  or  moratorium  or other  similar laws or  equitable  principles
affecting   creditors'   rights  generally  and  subject  to  general  equitable
principles which may limit the enforcement of certain remedies.

         Except  as set  forth  in the  First  Disclosure  Letter,  neither  the
execution,  delivery  and  performance  of  this  Agreement  by  First,  nor the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  nor compliance by First
with any of the provisions hereof or thereof,  will (i) violate,  conflict with,
or result in a breach of any provisions of, or constitute a default (or an event
which,  with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under,
or result in the termination  of, or accelerate the performance  required by, or
result in a right of  termination or  acceleration  or the creation of any lien,
security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of
First or any First Subsidiary  under any of the terms,  conditions or provisions
of (x) its or any First Subsidiary's Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or
Charter or Bylaws or (y) any note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  deed of trust,
license,  lease,  agreement or other  instrument or obligation to which First or
any of the  First  Subsidiaries  may be bound,  or to which  First or any of the
First  Subsidiaries  or any of the  properties  or  assets of First or the First
Subsidiaries may be subject; or (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and
regulations  referred to in the next  paragraph,  violate any judgment,  ruling,
order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to First
or any of the  First  Subsidiaries  or any of  their  respective  properties  or
assets.

         Other  than  in  connection  or  in  compliance   with  the  applicable
provisions  of the MGCL,  the MFIC,  the  Securities  Act, the Exchange Act, the
securities or blue sky laws of the various states and consents,  authorizations,
approvals or  exemptions  required  under the BHCA,  the FDIA or any  applicable
federal or state banking statute,  no notice to, filing with,  authorization of,
exemption  by, or  consent or  approval  of, any  public  body or  authority  is
necessary for the consummation by First of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.  First has no reason to believe that any required  regulatory consent
or  approval  will  not be  received  or will be  received  with  conditions  or
restrictions  which FCNB would deem  unduly  burdensome,  or which would have an
adverse  impact on its  capacity to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.

         4.5 First  Financial  Statements.  The  consolidated  balance sheets of
First as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated  statements
of  financial   condition,   operations,   changes  in   stockholders'   equity,
comprehensive  income and cash flows for the two years  ended  December 31 1998,
certified by Keller Bruner & Company,  LLP,  copies of which have been furnished
by First to FCNB  (the  "First  Consolidated  Financial  Statements"),  and like
financial  information provided to FCNB subsequent to the date hereof, have been
and will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis, and present and will present fairly the financial
position  of First at the dates,  and the  consolidated  results of  operations,
stockholders'  equity,  and changes in the  financial  position of First for the
periods stated therein. In the case of interim fiscal periods,  all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring items,  have been and will be made,  subject
to year-end audit adjustments.  Without limitation of the foregoing,  and except
as agreed upon between the parties  hereto,  the  reserves  for possible  credit
losses which are included in the above-referenced  First Consolidated  Financial
Statements, were as of such dates, adequate to absorb all reasonably anticipated
losses  in the  loan  and  lease  portfolios  of  First  and  each of the  First
Subsidiaries,  in view of the size and  character  of such  portfolios,  current
economic  conditions,  and other pertinent factors;  and, further, no facts have
subsequently  come to the  attention of management of First which would cause it
to restate in any material way the levels of such  reserves for possible  credit
losses.

         4.6 Books of Account;  Corporate Records. The books of account of First
and each First Subsidiary are maintained in compliance in all material  respects
with all applicable legal and accounting requirements. The minute books of First
and each of the First  Subsidiaries  accurately  disclose all material corporate
actions  of their  respective  shareholders  and Board of  Directors  and of all
committees thereof.

         4.7 Reports.  As of February 28, 1999, First and the First Subsidiaries
have filed,  since that date have filed,  and subsequent to the date hereof will
file,  all reports,  registrations  and  statements,  if any,  together with any
amendments required to be made with respect thereto,  that were and are required
to be filed with (i) the SEC, (ii) the Federal  Reserve  Board,  (iii) the FDIC,
(iv) the  Department  and (v) the DFR  (all  such  reports  and  statements  are
collectively referred to


                                      A-8
<PAGE>

herein as the "First Reports").  As of their respective dates, the First Reports
complied and will comply in all material  respects with all the statutes,  rules
and regulations  enforced or promulgated by the regulatory  authority with which
they were  filed and did not and will not  contain  any  untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading.

         4.8 Absence of Certain  Changes.  Since February 28, 1999 there has not
been any change, in the nature of the business,  results of operations,  assets,
financial condition,  prospects, method of accounting or accounting practice, or
manner of  conducting  the  business  of First and the  First  Subsidiaries,  or
otherwise,  any of which changes has had, or may reasonably be expected to have,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  a material  adverse effect on the business,
operations,  assets, financial condition,  prospects or results of operations of
First and the First Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or on the ability of First to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.9 Insurance.  All policies of insurance,  including policies of title
insurance,  liability  insurance and financial  institutions bonds maintained by
First or any First  Subsidiary,  including the identity of the carrier,  type of
coverage,  policy limits,  expiration,  and claims made within the past five (5)
years,  are set forth in the First Disclosure  Letter.  All such policies are in
full  force and effect and no notices  of  cancellation  have been  received  in
connection  therewith.  Such  policies  are in  accordance  with  customary  and
reasonable  practice  in the banking  industry in respect of amounts,  types and
risks insured,  for the business in which First and the First  Subsidiaries  are
engaged,  and are sufficient for compliance with all legal  requirements and all
agreements to which First or any First Subsidiary is a party.  Neither First nor
any First  Subsidiary  is in  default  with  respect  to any such  policy  which
defaults, taken as a whole, are material to First.

         4.10  Properties,  Leases  and  Other  Agreements.  Except  as  may  be
reflected in the First Consolidated Financial Statements and except for any lien
for current taxes not yet  delinquent,  and except for  imperfections  of title,
encumbrances and easements, if any, as are not substantial in character,  amount
or extent and do not  materially  detract from the value,  or interfere with the
present or  proposed  use of,  such  properties  or assets,  First and the First
Subsidiaries  have good  title,  free and clear of any liens,  claims,  charges,
options  or  other  encumbrances,  to all  of the  personal  and  real  property
reflected  in the  consolidated  balance  sheet of First as of December 31, 1998
referred to above in Section 4.5, and all  personal and real  property  acquired
since such date,  except such personal and real property as has been disposed of
for fair value in the ordinary course of business.  All leases material to First
and the First Subsidiaries,  pursuant to which First or any First Subsidiary, as
lessee, leases real or personal property,  are valid and effective in accordance
with their  respective  terms,  and there is not, under any of such leases,  any
material  existing  default by First or any First  Subsidiary or any event which
with notice or lapse of time or both would  constitute such a material  default.
The First Disclosure  Letter sets forth a complete list and brief description of
all real estate owned or leased by First or any First Subsidiary (including real
estate acquired by means of  foreclosure,  transfer in lieu of foreclosure or by
exercise of any creditor's  right),  and all personal property having a value in
excess of $25,000 owned or leased by First or any First Subsidiary. Each item of
real estate described in the First Disclosure  Letter and used in the conduct of
the business of First or any First Subsidiary is in good repair and insurable at
market rates;  no notice of violation of zoning laws,  building or fire codes or
other  statutes,  ordinances or regulations  relating to the use or operation of
such  property  has been  received  by or is  known  of by  First  or any  First
Subsidiary;  and there are no  condemnation  or similar  proceedings  pending or
threatened against any such property or any portion thereof.

         4.11 Taxes.  First and the First  Subsidiaries have duly filed, or will
file, all federal,  state, local and foreign tax returns ("Returns") required by
applicable  law to be filed on or before the  Effective  Time (all such  Returns
being accurate and complete in all material respects), and have paid or have set
up adequate  reserves or  accruals  for the payment of all taxes  required to be
paid in respect of the periods  covered by such Returns,  and will pay, or where
payment is not yet due,  will set up adequate  reserves or accruals  adequate in
all material  respects for the payment of all taxes for any  subsequent  periods
ending on or prior to the Effective  Time or any portion of a subsequent  period
which includes the Effective Time and ends subsequent thereto. Neither First nor
any of the First  Subsidiaries  will have any  material  liability  for any such
taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or  reserved or accruals so  established.
Neither First nor any of the First  Subsidiaries is delinquent in the payment of
any material tax,  assessment or  governmental  charge and has not requested any
extension  of time within which to file any tax returns in respect of any fiscal
year which have not since been  filed.  No  material  deficiencies  for any tax,
assessment  or  governmental  charge  have been  proposed,  asserted or assessed
(tentatively or definitively) against First which have not been settled and paid
and, as of the date of this  Agreement,  no requests  for waivers of the time to
assess any tax, or waivers of the statutory period of limitation, are


                                      A-9
<PAGE>

pending or have been  granted,  and First does not have in effect any  currently
effective  power of attorney or  authorization  to any person to represent it in
connection with any taxes.

         4.12 Fiduciary Activities.  Except as set forth in the First Disclosure
Letter,  neither  First,  nor any First  Subsidiary,  is directly or  indirectly
engaged in any fiduciary or custodial activities.

         4.13  Intangible  Property.  First  and the First  Subsidiaries  own or
possess the right,  free of the claims of any third  party,  to use all material
trademarks,  service  marks,  trade  names,  copyrights,  patents,  and licenses
currently used by them in the conduct of their  respective  businesses,  each of
which is  described  in the First  Disclosure  Letter.  No  material  product or
service offered and no material trademark, service mark or similar right used by
them infringes any rights of any other person, and, as of the date hereof, First
has received no written or oral notice of any claim of such infringement.

         4.14 Employee  Relations.  As of the date hereof,  First and each First
Subsidiary is in all material  respects in compliance with all federal and state
laws,  regulations,  and orders respecting  employment and employment  practices
(including  Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964),  terms and  conditions  of
employment, and wages and hours, and none of them is engaged in any unfair labor
practice,  and there are no pending,  or to the  knowledge of First,  threatened
actions, suits or proceedings,  administrative,  arbitrarial, civil, criminal or
otherwise,  seeking to impose on First or any First Subsidiary,  any penalty, or
to recover any damages from First,  any First  Subsidiary  or any person to whom
they may be obligated to provide  indemnification or defense, as a result of the
violation  or  alleged  violation  of  any  of  such  employment  related  laws,
regulations or orders, and there is no basis for any of the foregoing. As of the
date hereof,  no dispute exists  between First or any of the First  Subsidiaries
and any of their  respective  employee groups regarding  employee  organization,
wages, hours, or conditions of employment which would materially  interfere with
the business or operations of First and the First Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
As of the date hereof,  there are no labor or collective  bargaining  agreements
binding  upon  First or any  First  Subsidiary  or to which  First or any  First
Subsidiary is a party, and, except as set forth in the First Disclosure  Letter,
no  employment  or  consulting  agreements  binding  upon  First  or  any  First
Subsidiary, or to which First or any First Subsidiary is a party. As of the date
hereof,  neither  First nor any First  Subsidiary  is aware of any  attempts  to
organize a  collective  bargaining  unit to  represent  any of their  respective
employee  groups.  All  contributions  due on or prior to the date hereof to any
pension,  profit-sharing,  or similar plan of First or any First Subsidiary have
been paid or provided  for in  accordance  with the Employee  Retirement  Income
Security Act of 1974,  as amended,  and all other  applicable  federal and state
statutes and regulations. The First Disclosure Letter sets forth each employment
contract,  deferred compensation,  non-competition,  bonus, stock option, profit
sharing, pension,  retirement,  incentive and insurance arrangement or plan, and
any other remunerative or fringe benefit arrangement  applicable to First or any
First  Subsidiary,  including  the  amounts  currently  payable  pursuant to any
employment agreement or other remunerative arrangement.

         4.15 ERISA. The First  Disclosure  Letter sets forth a complete list of
First Bank's  employee  pension benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(2)
of the Employee  Retirement  Income Security Act of 1974, as amended  ("ERISA"),
profit  sharing  plans,   stock  purchase  plans,   deferred   compensation  and
supplemental  income plans, group insurance plans and all other employee welfare
benefits  plans within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA,  maintained for the
benefit  of the  employees  or former  employees,  including  any  beneficiaries
thereof,  and  directors or former  directors  of First and First  Subsidiaries.
First  has  delivered  to FCNB a true and  correct  copy of each  such  employee
benefit  plan.  Other  than as set forth in this  Section  4.15 and in the First
Disclosure Letter, neither First nor any First Subsidiary maintains any plans of
the type described in this Section.

         All  "employee  benefit  plans" (as  defined in Section  3(3) of ERISA)
comply in all material  respects with all  applicable  provisions of ERISA,  the
Code, and all other federal,  state,  or local laws. The assets of First are not
subject  to any liens  under  ERISA or the Code  with  respect  to any  employee
benefit  plan of First or an  Affiliate  (as  defined  below),  and no event has
occurred,  or condition  exists,  which could  subject  First or its assets to a
future liability,  obligation,  or lien arising out of any employee benefit plan
of First or an Affiliate.

         All  employee   benefit  plans  currently  or  previously   maintained,
sponsored,  or  contributed  to by First or First  Bank have been  administered,
maintained,  and operated in  accordance  with their terms.  All  contributions,
payments, fees or expenses relating to each such employee benefit plan that were
deducted by First or First Bank for income tax purposes were properly deductible
in the year claimed.  There are no actions,  claims (other than routine  benefit
claims  made in the  ordinary  course),  proceedings  or  inquiries,  pending or
threatened,  with respect to any such employee  benefit


                                      A-10
<PAGE>

plan, and neither First nor First Bank has any knowledge of any fact which could
give rise to any such action, claim, proceeding or inquiry. Neither First, First
Bank,  nor any other  person or entity who or which is a party in  interest  (as
defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA) or disqualified person (as defined in Section
4975(e)(2)  of the Code) has  acted or  failed to act with  respect  to any such
employee benefit plan in any manner which constitutes: (a) a breach of fiduciary
responsibility  under ERISA; (2) a prohibited  transaction  under Section 406 of
ERISA or Section  4975 of the Code;  or (3) any other  violation of ERISA or the
Code, except as set forth in the First Disclosure Letter. Except as set forth in
the First  Disclosure  Letter,  neither  First nor First  Bank is  obligated  to
indemnify, reimburse, or contribute to the liabilities or expenses of any person
or entity who may have committed or been involved in any such fiduciary  breach,
prohibited transaction,  or ERISA or Code violation.  Each such employee benefit
plan which is intended to meet the requirements for tax-favored  treatment under
Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Code meets such  requirements.  Each such  employee
benefit plan that was  intended to  constitute  a qualified  plan under  Section
401(a) of the Code has, at all times,  been  qualified,  in form and  operation,
under  Section  401(a) of the Code,  and any  related  trust is and has,  at all
times,  been exempt from income tax. Neither First nor any Affiliate (as defined
below) has ever maintained or contributed to a multiemployer plan (as defined in
Section 3(37) of ERISA). Except as set forth in the First Disclosure Letter, all
returns, reports, statements,  notices, declarations or documents relating to an
employee  benefit plan that are required by law to be filed with or furnished to
any federal,  state, or local  governmental  agency have been timely filed.  Any
employee benefit plan (including any employee benefit plan of an Affiliate) that
is a group  health  plan (as  defined  in  Section  5000(b)(1)  of the Code) has
complied in each and every case with the  requirements  of Sections  601 through
607 of ERISA and  Section  4980B of the Code and all other  applicable  federal,
state, and local laws relating to continuation coverage (collectively  "COBRA"),
and no such plan provides  benefits to former  employees or their  beneficiaries
(except to the extent required under COBRA).  Each employee  benefit plan can be
amended,  modified,  or  terminated  without  participant  consent  and  without
additional liability accruing to First or any First Subsidiary after the date of
Plan termination. For this purpose, liabilities accrued on or before the date of
Plan  termination  shall  be  limited  to the  following:  (1) in the case of an
employee benefit pension plan (within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA), the
participant's  "accrued  benefit," as defined in Section 3(23) of ERISA; and (2)
in the case of an employee  welfare  benefit plan (within the meaning of Section
3(1) of ERISA),  claims for expenses,  costs,  or services  (including,  but not
limited  to,  medical and other  health care  services)  actually  performed  or
incurred  before  the  date  of  the  Plan  termination.  Any  prior  amendment,
modification,  or  termination  of an  employee  benefit  plan has been  made in
accordance with the terms of the Plan and applicable law.

         For purposes of this Section 4.15, the term  Affiliate  means an entity
included in the group of  entities  consisting  of First and all other  entities
that are treated as part of the same controlled group under Section 414(b), (c),
(m) or (o) of the Code.

         4.16  Contracts.  Except as disclosed in the First  Disclosure  Letter,
neither First nor any First  Subsidiary is a party to, and no property or assets
of First or any First Subsidiary is subject to any contract,  agreement,  lease,
sublease, license, arrangement, understanding or instrument calling for payments
in excess of $25,000  over the term of the  contract  or in any year  ("Material
Contract").  Except  as  disclosed  in the  First  Disclosure  Letter  each such
Material Contract is valid and in full force and effect, and all parties thereto
have in all material respects performed all obligations  thereunder  required to
be performed to date,  and are not in material  default.  Except as disclosed in
the First Disclosure  Letter each Material  Contract is assumable and assignable
without  consent of the other party thereto and does not contain any  provision,
increasing  or  accelerating  payments  otherwise  due,  or change or modify the
provisions or terms of such Material  Contract as a result of this  Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.17  Related  Party  Transactions.  Except  as set  forth in the First
Disclosure  Letter  neither  First nor any First  Subsidiary  has any  contract,
extension of credit,  business arrangement,  depository  relationship,  or other
relationship  with (i) any present or former director or officer of First or any
First  Subsidiary;  (ii)  any  shareholder  of  First  owning  5% or more of the
outstanding  First  Common  Stock;  or (iii) any  affiliate  or associate of the
foregoing. Each extension of credit disclosed in the First Disclosure Letter has
been made in the ordinary course of business,  and on the same terms,  including
interest rate and  collateral,  as those  prevailing at the time for  comparable
arms'-length  transactions,  and do not  involve  more than the  normal  risk of
collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

         4.18 Loans. Except as set forth in the First Disclosure Letter, each of
the loans of First or any  First  Subsidiary  represents  the  legal,  valid and
binding  obligation of the borrowers  named  therein,  enforceable in accordance
with its terms  (including the validity,  perfection and  enforceability  of any
lien,  security interest or other encumbrance  relating to such loan), except as
such   enforcement  may  be  limited  by  applicable   bankruptcy,   insolvency,
reorganization,


                                      A-11
<PAGE>

moratorium  or  similar  laws  relating  to  or  affecting  the  enforcement  of
creditors' rights generally,  and subject to general  principles of equity which
may limit the enforcement of certain remedies.  Except as set forth in the First
Disclosure Letter no default (including any event or circumstance which with the
passage of time or the giving of notice or both would  constitute  a default) in
respect of any  material  provision  of any such loan  exists,  and First has no
knowledge  of any  borrower's  inability  to repay any of such  loans  when due,
whether or not such borrower is currently in default.

         4.19 Environmental  Matters. First has no knowledge or information that
any environmental contaminant, pollutant, toxic or hazardous waste or similar or
like  substance  has been  generated,  used,  stored,  processed,  disposed  of,
discharged  at,  or was  or is  otherwise  present  at any  real  estate  now or
previously  owned or  acquired  (including  without  limitation  any real estate
acquired by means of foreclosure, transfer in lieu of foreclosure or by exercise
of any other creditor's  right) or leased by First or any First  Subsidiary,  or
any real estate which is pledged or stands as  collateral  security for any loan
or other  extension  of  credit  by First or any  First  Subsidiary,  except  as
disclosed  in the First  Disclosure  Letter.  Except as  disclosed  in the First
Disclosure  Letter,  there is no  legal,  administrative,  arbitrarial  or other
proceeding,  claim,  action,  cause of  action  or  governmental  proceeding  or
investigation of any nature whatsoever,  seeking to impose, or that could result
in the  imposition,  on First or any First  Subsidiary of any liability  arising
under any local, state, or federal environmental  statute,  regulation,  rule or
ordinance,  pending or, to the knowledge of First,  threatened  against First or
any First Subsidiary; and there is no reasonable basis for any of the foregoing;
and neither First nor any First  Subsidiary is subject to any agreement,  order,
judgment, decree or memorandum of any court, governmental authority,  regulatory
agency or third party imposing any such liability.  Notwithstanding  anything to
the contrary contained herein, FCNB shall be entitled to conduct  investigations
into  environmental  matters relating to First and the First  Subsidiaries for a
period of 45 days from the date hereof.  First agrees that it shall permit to be
performed,  at FCNB's expense,  such environmental testing and investigations as
FCNB shall request.

         4.20 Litigation and Other Proceedings. Except as set forth in the First
Disclosure Letter, neither First nor any of the First Subsidiaries is a party to
any pending,  or, to the knowledge of First,  threatened  claim,  action,  suit,
investigation or proceeding or subject to any order,  judgment or decree, except
for matters which, in the aggregate, cannot reasonably be anticipated to have, a
material  adverse  effect on the  financial  condition,  results of  operations,
business, properties or prospects of First and the First Subsidiaries taken as a
whole,  and there is no basis  for any of the  foregoing.  The First  Disclosure
Letter  sets  forth  a  complete  and  accurate  list  of  all  actions,  suits,
investigations  or proceedings to which First or any First Subsidiary is a party
or which  relate  to any of their  respective  assets.  First  does not have any
knowledge of any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding which presents
a claim to prohibit,  restrict or restrain the transactions  contemplated hereby
or by the Bank Merger Agreement or the Option Agreement.

         4.21  Compliance  with Laws.  First and each of the First  Subsidiaries
have all permits, licenses,  certificates of authority, orders and approvals of,
and have made all filings,  applications and registrations with, federal, state,
local or foreign governmental or regulatory bodies that are required in order to
permit them to carry on their business as presently conducted and the absence of
which would have a material  adverse effect on such business;  all such permits,
licenses,  certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full force and
effect,  and, to the best knowledge of First,  no suspension or  cancellation of
any of them is threatened; and all such filings,  applications and registrations
are  current.  The  conduct  of its  business  by First  and  each of the  First
Subsidiaries does not violate, in any material respect,  any applicable domestic
(federal,  state or  local) or  foreign  law,  statute,  ordinance,  license  or
regulation now in effect.  Neither First nor any of the First Subsidiaries is in
default under any order,  license,  regulation or demand of any federal,  state,
local  or  other  governmental  agency  or  with  respect  to any  order,  writ,
injunction  or  decree  of  any  court.   Except  for  statutory  or  regulatory
restrictions  of  general  application,   no  federal,  state,  local  or  other
governmental  authority has placed any  restrictions on the business of First or
any of the First Subsidiaries.

         4.22 Year 2000.  First is in compliance  in all material  respects with
all regulatory  requirements  regarding  Year 2000 issues.  First has developed,
approved and is implementing in a timely manner, a Year 2000 compliance  program
which will ensure that its computer  systems and/or those of its data processing
providers are or will be Year 2000 compliant prior to December 1999. No material
costs in excess of those  reflected  on the  financial  statements  and internal
budget projections will be incurred in connection with such programs.

         4.23 Proxy  Statement,  Etc. None of the information  supplied or to be
supplied by First for inclusion, or included, in (i) the Proxy Statement or (ii)
any  other  documents  to be filed  with  the SEC or any  regulatory  agency  in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will, to the best knowledge
of First,  and at the  respective  times such  information  is  supplied or such
documents  are filed or  mailed,  be false or  misleading  with  respect  to any
material


                                      A-12
<PAGE>

fact,  or omit to  state  any  material  fact  necessary  in  order  to make the
statements therein not misleading.  All documents which First is responsible for
filing  with  the  SEC  and  any  regulatory   agency  in  connection  with  the
transactions  contemplated hereby, and all information provided by First to FCNB
for  inclusion  in any such  filings  by  FCNB,  will  comply  as to form in all
material respects with the provisions of applicable law.

         4.24 Brokers and Finders.  Neither First or any First  Subsidiary,  nor
any of their officers,  directors,  or employees, or to their best knowledge any
shareholder  of First,  has  employed  any  broker or  finder  or  incurred  any
liability  for any financial  advisory  fees,  brokerage  fees,  commissions  or
finder's  fees, and no broker or finder has acted,  directly or indirectly,  for
First,  in  connection  with this  Agreement  or the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.

                                    ARTICLE V

                 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME

         5.1  Forbearance  by First.  From the date hereof  until the  Effective
Time,  First covenants and agrees that it will not do, or agree or commit to do,
or permit any First Subsidiary to do or agree or commit to do, without the prior
written consent of FCNB, any of the following:

(a) except as in the ordinary course of business  consistent with past practice,
enter into or assume any Material Contract, make any material commitment,  incur
any material liabilities or material obligations,  whether directly or by way of
guaranty,  including any  obligation for borrowed money whether or not evidenced
by a note,  bond,  debenture  or similar  instrument,  acquire or dispose of any
material  property or asset,  or engage in any  transaction  not in the ordinary
course of  business  consistent  with past  practice  or subject  any of First's
assets or properties to any lien, claim, charge or encumbrances whatsoever;

(b) grant any general  increase in  compensation to its employees or officers or
directors,  pay any bonus, or effect any increase in retirement  benefits to any
class of employees or its officers  (unless any such change shall be required by
applicable law);

(c) declare,  set aside  or pay any  dividend or other  distribution  on First's
Common Stock,;

(d) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its
capital  stock;  merge  into any other  corporation  or bank or permit any other
corporation or bank to merge into it, or consolidate with any other  corporation
or bank;  liquidate,  sell or  dispose  of any  assets or  acquire  any  assets,
otherwise  than in the  ordinary  course of its  business  consistent  with past
practice; or agree to do any of the foregoing;

(e) open, or file an  application  with any federal or other  regulatory  agency
with  respect  to the  opening  of any  additional  office,  branch  or  banking
facility,  or the  acquisition or  establishment  of any  additional  banking or
nonbanking facility;

(f) issue  any share of its  capital  stock or permit  any share of its  capital
stock held in its  treasury to become  outstanding,  except for the  issuance of
shares of First Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of options  outstanding as
of the date hereof  pursuant to the First Option Plans;  issue,  grant or extend
the term of any option, warrant, or stock appreciation right;

(g) amend the Articles or Certificate of  Incorporation  or Charter or Bylaws of
First or any First Subsidiary;

(h)  effect  any  capital   reclassification,   stock  dividend,   stock  split,
consolidation of shares or similar change in capitalization;

(i) take,  cause or permit the  occurrence  of any change or event  which  would
render any of its representations and warranties  contained herein untrue in any
material respect at and as of the Effective Time;

(j) enter into any related party transaction of the type contemplated by Section
4.17 hereof,  except for transactions  relating to deposit  relationships or the
extension of credit in the ordinary  course of business,  on  substantially  the
same

                                      A-13
<PAGE>

terms,  including  interest  rate  and  collateral,   as  those  prevailing  for
comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties, and which do not present more
than the normal risk of  collectibility or other  unfavorable  features,  and in
respect of which disclosure has been made to FCNB prior to disbursement;

(k) solicit,  encourage,  or authorize any person,  including but not limited to
directors, officers, shareholders, or employees, to solicit from, or communicate
with,  any third party,  inquiries or proposals  relating to the  disposition of
First's or any First  Subsidiary's  business or assets,  or the  acquisition  of
First's or any First  Subsidiary's  voting  securities,  or the merger of First,
First Bank or any other  material  First  Subsidiary  with any person other than
FCNB or any  subsidiary of FCNB, or provide any such person with  information or
assistance  or  negotiate  or conduct  any  discussions  with any such person in
furtherance  of such  inquiries  or to obtain a proposal,  or continue  any such
activities in progress on the date hereof,  and First shall promptly notify FCNB
of all of the relevant  details,  including the identity of such third party and
the nature of any such third  party  proposal,  relating  to all  inquiries  and
proposals which it may receive relating to any of such matters; or

(l) knowingly  take any action which would (i)  adversely  affect the ability to
obtain the  necessary  approvals of  governmental  authorities  required for the
transactions  contemplated  hereby;  (ii)  adversely  affect  the  status of the
transactions contemplated hereby as a reorganization for purposes of Section 368
of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;  (iii)  adversely  affect the
eligibility of the transactions  contemplated  hereby for treatment as a pooling
of interests for financial  reporting  purposes;  or (iv)  adversely  affect the
ability to perform the covenants and agreements under the Agreement.

         5.2 Conduct of Business. From the date hereof until the Effective Time,
First  covenants  and agrees that,  except as otherwise  consented to by FCNB in
writing it shall, and shall cause each First Subsidiary to:

(a) carry on its business, and maintain its books of account and other corporate
records,  in the ordinary  course  consistent  with past  practice and legal and
regulatory requirements;

(b) to the extent consistent with prudent business judgment,  use all reasonable
efforts to preserve its present business organization, to retain the services of
its  officers  and   employees,   and  maintain   customer  and  other  business
relationships;

(c)  maintain  all of the  structures,  equipment,  and other real and  personal
property  of  First  and the  First  Subsidiaries  in  good  repair,  order  and
condition, ordinary wear and tear and unavoidable casualty excepted;

(d) use all  reasonable  efforts to preserve or collect all  material  claims or
causes of action of First or the First Subsidiaries;

(e) keep in full force and effect all insurance coverage  maintained by First or
the First Subsidiaries;

(f)  perform  in all  material  respects  all  obligations  under  all  material
agreements,  contracts,  commitments  and other  instruments  which First or any
First  Subsidiary is a party or by which they may be bound or which relate to or
affect any of their respective assets or properties;

(g) comply in all material respects with all statutes, laws, regulations, rules,
ordinances,  orders, decrees, consent agreements,  examination reports and other
federal,  state and local  governmental or regulatory  directives  applicable to
First or any First  Subsidiary and the conduct of their  respective  businesses;
and

(h) at all times  maintain  the  allowance  for loan  losses at a level which is
adequate  to  absorb  reasonably  anticipated  losses  in  the  loan  and  lease
portfolio,  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles and
regulatory requirements.

         5.3 Approval of First Shareholders. Subject to the effectiveness of the
Registration  Statement  (defined  in Section  6.2  below),  First shall cause a
meeting of its shareholders (the "First  Shareholder  Meeting" together with the
FCNB  Shareholder  Meeting,  the  "Shareholder  Meetings") to be held as soon as
reasonably  possible,  but no later than sixty (60) days after the effectiveness
of the  Registration  Statement,  for the purpose of considering the approval of
the Merger and adoption of this  Agreement.  First shall cause to be distributed
to each  shareholder  of record of First


                                      A-14
<PAGE>

(according to the transfer  records of First as of the record date for the First
Shareholder  Meeting),   such  material  required  by  applicable  statutes  and
regulations  including  but not limited to a copy of the joint  Prospectus/Proxy
Statement (the "Proxy  Statement") to be prepared by FCNB in connection with the
Merger and to be included in the  Registration  Statement.  The Proxy  Statement
shall be mailed by First on the date (the  "Mailing  Date") at least twenty (20)
business days prior to the date of the First Shareholder  Meeting.  The Board of
Directors of First shall recommend to its shareholders that they vote the shares
held by them to approve the Merger and to adopt this  Agreement  and First shall
use its best efforts in good faith to obtain its  shareholders'  approval of the
Merger in accordance with Maryland law.

         5.4 Conduct of Business by FCNB. FCNB covenants that it shall, from the
date hereof until the Effective  Time,  use its best efforts to (i) preserve its
business  organization  intact in all  material  respects;  (ii)  maintain  good
relationships with its employees;  and (iii) preserve for itself the goodwill of
its and its  subsidiaries'  customer  and  other  business  relationships.  FCNB
covenants  that from the date hereof  until the  Effective  Time,  it shall not,
without the prior  written  consent of First,  knowingly  take any action  which
would (i)  adversely  affect the ability to obtain the  necessary  approvals  of
governmental authorities required for the transactions contemplated hereby; (ii)
adversely  affect  the  status  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  as a
reorganization for purposes of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as  amended;   (iii)  adversely  affect  the  eligibility  of  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby for  treatment  as a pooling  of  interests  for  financial
reporting  purposes;  or (iv)  adversely  affect  the  ability  to  perform  the
covenants and agreements under the Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         6.1 Access and  Information.  (a) First  shall  afford to FCNB,  and to
FCNB's accountants, counsel and other representatives,  reasonable access during
normal business hours,  during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all of
its  properties,  books,  contracts,  commitments and records and, during such a
period,  shall furnish promptly to FCNB (a) a copy of each report,  schedule and
other  document  filed or received by it during such period with or from (i) the
SEC; (ii the Federal  Reserve  Board;  (iii) the DFR; (iv) the FDIC; and (b) all
other information concerning its business,  properties and personnel as FCNB may
reasonably  request.  FCNB shall  cause all  information  obtained  by it or its
representatives pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the negotiation
thereof to be treated as  confidential  and shall not use, nor knowingly  permit
others to use, any such  information  for any purpose  other than in  connection
with the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  unless such  information  becomes
generally available to the public or is required to be disclosed pursuant to the
order of a court of  competent  jurisdiction  or otherwise  in  accordance  with
applicable  law, and in the event of the  termination  of this  Agreement  shall
promptly return all documents (including copies thereof) obtained hereunder from
First,  and shall  destroy  all  copies of any  analyses,  compilations,  notes,
studies or other documents prepared from any such material by FCNB or for FCNB's
use.

(b) FCNB shall afford to First,  and to First's  accountants,  counsel and other
representatives,  reasonable  access during normal  business  hours,  during the
period prior to the Effective Time, to all of its properties,  books, contracts,
commitments  and records and,  during such a period,  shall furnish  promptly to
First (a) a copy of each report,  schedule and other  document filed or received
by it during  such period  with or from (i) the SEC;  (ii) the  Federal  Reserve
Board;  (iii) the FDIC; (iv) the DFR; and (b) such other information  concerning
its business,  properties and personnel as First may reasonably  request.  First
shall cause all information  obtained by it or its  representatives  pursuant to
this Agreement or in connection  with the  negotiation  thereof to be treated as
confidential  and shall not use, nor  knowingly  permit  others to use, any such
information  for any  purpose  other than in  connection  with the  transactions
contemplated hereby,  unless such information becomes generally available to the
public  or is  required  to be  disclosed  pursuant  to the  order of a court of
competent  jurisdiction  or otherwise in accordance  with applicable law, and in
the  event of the  termination  of this  Agreement  shall  promptly  return  all
documents  (including  copies thereof)  obtained  hereunder from FCNB, and shall
destroy  all  copies of any  analyses,  compilations,  notes,  studies  or other
documents prepared from any such material by First or for First's use.

         6.2   Registration   Statement;   Other   Information;    Applications;
Cooperation.  (a) As  promptly  as  practicable  after the date  hereof  and the
furnishing by First of all information  regarding First required to be reflected
therein,  FCNB  shall  file  (i) a  registration  statement  (the  "Registration
Statement")  with the SEC on Form S-4 under the Securities  Act,  containing the
Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the Shareholder Meetings regarding
the Merger, (ii) the applications for Federal Reserve and Commissioner approval,
and  (iii) any other  applications  for  regulatory  or other


                                      A-15
<PAGE>

approvals  deemed  necessary or  appropriate  by FCNB.  FCNB will use reasonable
efforts to cause said Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as
practicable  thereafter.  The  parties  hereto  agree,  that  at  the  time  the
Registration  Statement  becomes  effective and at the Mailing Date of the Proxy
Statement,  the  Registration  Statement  will comply as to form in all material
respects  with  the  applicable  provisions  of  the  Securities  Act,  and  the
Registration  Statement,  at the  time  it  becomes  effective,  and  the  Proxy
Statement,  in either  case as  amended  or  supplemented  by any  amendment  or
supplement  filed  with the SEC,  will not  contain  any untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary to make the statements
therein,  in  light  of the  circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not
misleading;  provided,  however,  that  information  as of a later date included
therein  shall be deemed to modify  information  of an  earlier  date,  and with
respect to either party,  the foregoing  statement shall not apply to statements
in or  omissions  from the  Registration  Statement or Proxy  Statement  made in
reliance upon and in conformity  with  information  furnished by the other party
for use in the Registration  Statement or Proxy Statement.  After becoming aware
of any  statement  or  omission  which  renders the  statement  set forth in the
preceding sentence not true or correct, FCNB will promptly amend,  supplement or
revise such material in order to make the  statement in the  preceding  sentence
true and correct at all times up to and  including  the  Effective  Time.  First
shall have the right to review the Registration  Statement and each of the above
applications,  together with any and all amendments  thereto,  and to comment on
their form and content, prior to their being filed by FCNB. First agrees that it
shall, and shall cause its employees, agents, representatives,  and advisors to,
cooperate with FCNB in the preparation and filing of the Registration  Statement
and  the  aforementioned   regulatory   applications,   including,  but  not  in
limitation,  by providing on a prompt  basis  information  requested by FCNB for
inclusion  in such  documents,  and by  providing  comments  on  drafts  of such
documents on a timely basis.

(b) FCNB  agrees  to use its  best  efforts  to  prepare  and file all  material
applications, notices or other filings with respect to the Merger required to be
made with the Federal  Reserve  Board or the DFR, not later than sixty (60) days
from  the  date  hereof,  subject  to the  timely  furnishing  by  First  of all
information regarding First required to be included therein or necessary for the
preparation of such applications.

         6.3 Approval of FCNB Shareholders.  Subject to the effectiveness of the
Registration  Statement,  FCNB shall  cause a meeting of its  shareholders  (the
"FCNB Shareholder  Meeting") to be held as soon as reasonably  possible,  but no
later  than  sixty  (60)  days  after  the  effectiveness  of  the  Registration
Statement,  for the  purpose  of  considering  the  approval  of the  Merger and
adoption  of  this  Agreement.  FCNB  shall  cause  to be  distributed  to  each
shareholder of record of FCNB  (according to the transfer  records of FCNB as of
the record date for the FCNB  Shareholder  Meeting),  such material  required by
applicable  statutes and regulations  including but not limited to a copy of the
Proxy  Statement.  The Mailing  Date for the Proxy  Statement  shall be at least
twenty (20) business days prior to the date of the FCNB Shareholder Meeting. The
Board of Directors of FCNB shall  recommend to its  shareholders  that they vote
the shares  held by them to approve the Merger and to adopt this  Agreement  and
FCNB  shall use its best  efforts to obtain its  shareholders'  approval  of the
Merger in accordance with Maryland law.

         6.4 Notice of Actual or  Threatened  Breach.  Each party will  promptly
give written  notice to the other party upon becoming  aware of any impending or
threatened  occurrence  of any event or the  failure of any event to occur which
would cause or constitute a breach of any of the representations,  warranties or
covenants  made  by  such  party  in  this  Agreement,   any  other  changes  or
inaccuracies in any data previously  given or made available to the other party,
or which would threaten consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby.

         6.5  Current  Information.  During  the  period  from  the date of this
Agreement  to  the  Effective  Time,  First  will  cause  one  or  more  of  its
representatives  to confer on a regular and frequent basis with  representatives
of FCNB and to report the general status of its ongoing  operations.  First will
promptly notify FCNB of any material change in the normal course of its business
or in the operation of its properties and, to the extent permitted by applicable
law,  of  any   governmental   complaints,   investigations   or  hearings   (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated), or the institution
or the threat of material  litigation  involving First, and will keep FCNB fully
informed with respect to such events.  FCNB shall provide  copies of all reports
filed by FCNB  pursuant  to  Section  13 of the  Exchange  Act to First upon the
filing of such reports.

         6.6 Filing with  Department.  FCNB and First shall  execute and deliver
and use their  best  efforts to file  appropriate  Articles  of Merger  with the
Department at the earliest  practicable date after satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article VII hereof.


                                      A-16
<PAGE>

         6.7 Expenses.  Each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incident to
preparing  for,  entering  into  and  carrying  out  this  Agreement  and to the
consummation  of the  Merger and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  First
agrees that the aggregate expenses of First,  including all fees and expenses of
legal counsel,  accountants,  and financial or other advisors,  shall not exceed
reasonable  amounts in light of the  circumstances  and the amount and nature of
work or services to be performed.

         6.8  Miscellaneous  Agreements  and Consents.  Subject to the terms and
conditions  herein  provided,  each  of the  parties  hereto  agrees  to use all
reasonable  efforts to take,  or cause to be taken,  all  action,  and to do, or
cause to be done, all things  necessary,  proper or advisable  under  applicable
laws  and  regulations  to  consummate  and  make  effective  the   transactions
contemplated by this Agreement,  including, without limitation, using reasonable
efforts to lift or rescind any  injunction or  restraining  order or other order
adversely  affecting the ability of the parties to consummate  the  transactions
contemplated hereby. FCNB and First will, and First will cause each of the First
Subsidiaries,  as the case may be, to use its best efforts to obtain consents of
all third  parties  and  governmental  bodies  necessary  or  desirable  for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         6.9 Press  Releases.  FCNB and First will consult with each other as to
the form,  substance and timing of any press release or other public  disclosure
of matters  related to this  Agreement or any of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, FCNB and First agree that FCNB and First
shall,  immediately  following the execution hereof, issue a joint press release
announcing the execution of the Agreement and the proposed  Merger,  and further
agree  that  FCNB and First  shall  each be  entitled  to issue  separate  press
releases  announcing the execution of the Agreement and the proposed  Merger,  a
copy of which release will be provided to the other party prior to issuance.

         6.10  Current  Public  Information.  FCNB agrees  that it shall,  for a
period of two (2) years  following the Effective  Time,  use its best efforts to
meet the current public  information  requirements as set forth in paragraph (c)
of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, and will provide those persons
providing   affiliate  letters  pursuant  to  Section  7.2(n)  with  such  other
information as they may reasonably require and to otherwise  cooperate with such
persons to  facilitate  any sales of FCNB Common  Stock  issued to such  persons
pursuant to this Agreement in compliance  with the provisions of Rule 144 and/or
Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act.

         6.11  No   Purchases  or  Sales  of  FCNB  Common  Stock  During  Value
Determination  Period.  Except for  purchases  of shares of FCNB Common Stock by
FCNB in  connection  with the DRI Plan and FCNB's  401(k)  Plan,  neither  FCNB,
First, any subsidiary of FCNB, any First  Subsidiary,  nor any executive officer
or director of either FCNB,  First, any FCNB subsidiary or any First Subsidiary,
nor any shareholder who shall be deemed an "affiliate" of FCNB or First (as that
term is used  for  purposes  of Rule  144 and Rule  145  promulgated  under  the
Securities Act) shall purchase or sell on Nasdaq, or submit a bid to purchase or
an offer to sell on Nasdaq,  directly or  indirectly,  any shares of FCNB Common
Stock or any options,  warrants,  rights or other securities convertible into or
exchangeable  for shares of FCNB  Common  Stock  during the Value  Determination
Period.

         6.12 First Employees.  Following the Effective Time, FCNB shall provide
to all  officers  and  employees  of First who, at the  Effective  Time,  become
employees of FCNB  ("Continuing  Employees")  employee  benefits under terms and
conditions,  which when  taken as a whole,  are  substantially  similar to those
currently provided by FCNB to its similarly situated officers and employees. For
purposes of participation, vesting and accrual of benefits under FCNB's employee
benefit plans:  (i) service under any qualified  defined  benefit plans of First
shall be treated as service under FCNB's qualified  defined benefit plans;  (ii)
service under any qualified defined contribution plans of First shall be treated
as service under FCNB's qualified defined  contribution plans; and (iii) service
under any other  employee  benefit  plans of First  shall be  treated as service
under any similar  benefit plan  maintained  by FCNB.  FCNB shall cause the FCNB
welfare  benefit  plans  to  waive  any  waiting  period  and   restrictions  or
limitations for preexisting  conditions and  insurability.  FCNB shall honor all
employment, severance, consulting and other compensation contracts between First
and any current or former  director,  officer,  employee thereof existing on the
date hereof and disclosed in the First Disclosure Letter.

         6.13 Stock Option Agreement. First agrees that, simultaneously with the
execution of this Agreement, it shall grant FCNB an option, substantially in the
form attached hereto and made a part hereof, to acquire such number of shares of
First  Common Stock as shall equal 19.9% of the  outstanding  First Common Stock
following exercise thereof.


                                      A-17
<PAGE>

         6.14 Insurance.  (a) First agrees that it shall use its best efforts to
obtain  director's  and  officer's  liability  insurance  coverage  covering the
directors  and  officers of First who do not serve after the  Effective  Time as
directors  of FCNB or FCNB Bank  covering  a period  of not less than  three (3)
years after the Effective Time, from its current  insurance carrier or a carrier
reasonably acceptable to FCNB. In the event that First shall be unable to obtain
such insurance coverage FCNB shall be entitled to obtain comparable coverage for
such directors from its insurance carrier.

(b) FCNB  acknowledges  and agrees  that all rights to  indemnification  and all
limitations  on  liability  existing  in favor of the  officers,  directors  and
employees of First and its Subsidiaries  (the "Covered  Persons") as provided in
their respective Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or charter, Bylaws and
other  governing  documents,  as in effect as of the date hereof with respect to
matters  arising prior to the Effective  Time,  shall continue in full force and
effect,  and shall be honored by FCNB to the extent set forth in such  governing
documents,  as if  it  were  the  indemnifying  party  thereunder,  without  any
amendment  thereof,  provided,  however,  that all rights to  indemnification in
respect of any claim  asserted or made within such period shall  continue  until
the final disposition of such claim. Not in limitation of the foregoing,  in any
case where approval by FCNB is required to effectuate any  indemnification,  the
Covered Person seeking  indemnification shall be entitled to require, by written
notice delivered to FCNB, such  determination  regarding  approval to be made by
independent counsel mutually agreed upon by FCNB and such Covered Person.

(c) If FCNB or any successor or assign  thereof shall merge into or  consolidate
with any other  person,  and shall not be the  party  surviving  such  merger or
consolidation,  or shall transfer all or substantially  all of its assets to any
person,  then in each such case FCNB (or such  successor  or assign)  shall make
appropriate  provision for the assumption by the acquiring or surviving party of
the obligations set forth in Section  6.14(b).  Notwithstanding  anything to the
contrary  contained herein,  nothing in this Section 6.14 shall create any right
of any  Covered  Person to any  indemnification  by FCNB at any time  during any
period  following the Effective  Time when the insurance  coverage  described in
Section  6.14(a)  shall be in effect,  or at any time  following  the end of the
three (3) year period following the Effective Time.

         6.15 Unsolicited  Acquisition Proposals.  (a) Notwithstanding  anything
contained  in Section  5.1(k) to the  contrary,  in the event  that First  shall
receive  prior to the Effective  Time an  Unsolicited  Acquisition  Proposal (as
hereinafter  defined)  which,  in the good faith  determination  of the Board of
Directors of First,  the  fiduciary  duty of the  directors  under  Maryland law
requires  that the  Board of  Directors  consider,  negotiate,  communicate,  or
provide information with respect to (collectively "communications"),  which such
determination  shall be based on the written advice of, counsel to First, to the
effect that the  fiduciary  duty of the directors  requires such  communications
because such Unsolicited  Acquisition Proposal is more favorable (in the written
opinion of First's financial  advisor) to shareholders of First than the Merger,
then First shall be entitled to engage in such communications.

(b) For  purposes of this  Section 6.15 an  "Unsolicited  Acquisition  Proposal"
shall  mean any  proposal,  other than the  Merger,  received  by First  without
violation of the provisions of Section  5.1(k) hereof  regarding (i) any merger,
consolidation, share purchase or exchange, or purchase and assumption or similar
transaction  involving  First;  or  (ii)  any  sale,  lease,  transfer,  pledge,
encumbrance or other disposition,  directly or indirectly,  of all of the assets
of First. Any proposal relating to any such transaction made by any party at the
direction, suggestion, solicitation,  encouragement, or otherwise as a result of
contact  between  such  party and any  investment  banker or  financial  advisor
retained  by First  shall be  deemed  to be a  proposal  solicited  by First for
purposes  of  this  Section  6.15  and  shall  not   constitute  an  Unsolicited
Acquisition Proposal. First shall immediately advise FCNB of, and communicate to
FCNB the terms of, any such  inquiry or proposal  addressed to First or of which
First  or  its  officers,  directors,   employees,  agents,  or  representatives
(including,  without limitation, any investment banker or financial advisor) has
knowledge.  First's  Board of Directors  shall use its best efforts to cause its
officers,  directors,  employees,  agents and representatives to comply with the
requirements of this Section and Section 5.1(k).

         6.16  Disclosure  Letters.  First and FCNB  agree  that they shall each
update their  respective  Disclosure  Letter at and as of the Closing Date,  for
comparative purposes.


                                      A-18
<PAGE>


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   CONDITIONS

         7.1  Conditions to Each Party's  Obligation  to Effect the Merger.  The
respective  obligations  of each party to effect the Merger  shall be subject to
the  fulfillment  or waiver at or prior to the  Effective  Time of the following
conditions:

(a) Shareholder Approvals.  The Merger shall have been approved by the requisite
majorities of the shareholders of each of FCNB and First.

(b) Tax Opinion.  There shall have been delivered to FCNB and First,  an opinion
of Kevin  Kennedy,  Esquire,  special tax counsel to FCNB, in form and substance
satisfactory to FCNB and First to the effect that:

         (i) the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  (including the
         additional transactions  contemplated by Section 2.4 of this Agreement)
         will constitute a  reorganization  within the meaning of Section 368(a)
         of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

         (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by FCNB or First as a result of
         the transactions contemplated hereby;

         (iii) the tax basis of the assets of First in the hands of FCNB will be
         the  same as the tax  basis  of  such  assets  in the  hands  of  First
         immediately prior to the Effective Time;

         (iv) the holding period of the assets of First transferred to FCNB will
         include the period during which such assets were held by First prior to
         the Effective Time;

         (v) no gain or loss will be  recognized  by the  shareholders  of First
         upon the receipt of FCNB Common  Stock in exchange  for their shares of
         First Common Stock  (except in respect of cash  received in lieu of the
         issuance of fractional  shares of FCNB Common Stock and any shareholder
         of First who receives payment of cash as a dissenting shareholder);

         (vi) the tax basis of the FCNB Common Stock received by shareholders of
         First  pursuant to the  Agreement  will be the same as the tax basis of
         the First Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefore; and

         (vii) the  holding  period of the FCNB  Common  Stock  received  by the
         shareholders  of First will include the holding period of the shares of
         First Common Stock  surrendered  in exchange  therefore,  provided that
         such shares of First  Common  Stock are held as a First asset as of the
         Effective Time.

         7.2  Conditions  to  Obligation  of  FCNB to  Effect  the  Merger.  The
obligation of FCNB to effect the Merger shall be subject to the  fulfillment  or
waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties;  Corporate Proceedings.  The representations
and warranties of First set forth in Article IV hereof shall be true and correct
in all  material  respects  as of  the  date  of  this  Agreement  and as of the
Effective  Time,  and FCNB shall have received a certificate of the President of
First to that effect. All corporate action required to have been taken by, or on
the part of, First to authorize the execution,  delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Merger, respectively,  shall have been duly and validly taken,
and FCNB shall have received certified copies of the resolutions evidencing such
authorizations.

(b)  Performance  of  Obligations.  First  shall have in all  material  respects
performed all  obligations  required to be performed by it under this  Agreement
prior to the Effective  Time,  and FCNB shall have received a certificate of the
President of First to that effect.

(c) Permits,  Authorizations,  Etc. First and the First  Subsidiaries shall have
obtained  any and  all  material  permits,  authorizations,  consents,  waivers,
clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of the Merger.


                                      A-19
<PAGE>

(d) No Material  Adverse Change.  There shall not have been any material adverse
change in the business,  operation,  assets,  financial condition,  prospects or
results  of  operations  of  First,  First  Bank,  or any other  material  First
Subsidiary. For purposes hereof, adverse developments with respect to any matter
disclosed to FCNB prior to the date hereof and included in the First  Disclosure
Letter  delivered  to FCNB on the date hereof  shall not  constitute  a material
adverse  change  to the  extent  that  the  nature  and  scope  of  the  adverse
development is of the nature and within the scope of the matter disclosed.

(e) Regulatory Approvals. FCNB shall have received unconditional approval of the
Merger  contemplated by this Agreement from the Federal  Reserve Board,  the DFR
and any other federal or state  regulatory  agencies  whose approval is required
for  consummation  of  such  transaction  (except  for  such  conditions  as are
ordinarily  imposed in connection  with  transactions  of the type  contemplated
hereby and which are not, in the opinion of FCNB,  unduly  burdensome),  and all
notice and waiting  periods after the granting of any such  approval  shall have
expired.

(f) Environmental Matters. FCNB shall have completed,  with results satisfactory
to it, the investigations into environmental matters referred to in Section 4.19
above.

(g) No Injunction.  No injunction,  restraining order, stop order or other order
or action of any  federal or state  court or agency in the United  States  which
prevents the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect,  and no action shall
have been  instituted or threatened,  and no statute,  rule or regulation  shall
have been enacted,  by any state or federal  government  or  government  agency,
which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal the consummation of the transactions
contemplated  hereby or which in the  reasonable  judgment of FCNB would make it
inadvisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(h)  Litigation.  Except  as set forth in the First  Disclosure  Letter,  at the
Effective  Time,  there shall not be pending or threatened  against First or any
First Subsidiary or the officers or directors thereof in their capacity as such,
any  suit  action  or  proceeding   (including   antitrust  actions)  which,  if
successful,  would, in the reasonable  judgment of FCNB, have a material adverse
effect on the business,  operation,  assets,  financial condition,  prospects or
results of operations of First or First Bank.

(i) Dissenters.  Holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding  Common Stock of
First shall have validly  exercised and  perfected  their rights to dissent from
the Merger  and  demand  fair  value of their  shares of First  Common  Stock in
accordance with Maryland law.

(j) Voting Agreement.  Each of the directors of First shall have, simultaneously
with the execution of the Merger  Agreement  entered into a Voting  Agreement in
substantially in the form attached hereto.

(k)  Brokers  and Finders  Fees.  First shall have paid in full,  at or prior to
Closing,  all amounts owing in respect of the payments  contemplated  in Section
4.23 hereof.

(l) Accountants'  Letter. FCNB shall have received from Keller Bruner & Company,
L.L.C.,  independent  public  accountants  to First,  a letter dated the Closing
Date, with respect to certain financial information regarding First, which shall
be substantially in the following form:

                  (i)      they are independent public accountants with  respect
         to First;

                  (ii) in their  opinion the  audited  financial  statements  of
         First examined by them and included in the Proxy Statement furnished to
         shareholders  of First,  or  subsequently  provided  to FCNB and/or the
         shareholders of First,  comply as to form in all material respects with
         the requirements applicable thereto;

                  (iii) at the request of First they have carried out procedures
         to a  specified  date not more than  five  business  days  prior to the
         Effective Time as follows:  (1) read the unaudited financial statements
         of First  for the  period  from the  date of the  most  recent  audited
         financial  statements  of First through the last day of the most recent
         calendar  month ended prior to such  specified  date not more than five
         days prior to the Effective  Time; (2) read the minutes of the meetings
         of the  shareholders  and of the Board of Directors (and all committees
         thereof) of First from the date of the most recently audited  financial
         statements  to a date not more than five  days  prior to the  Effective
         Time,  and (3) consulted  with certain  officers and employees of First
         responsible  for


                                      A-20
<PAGE>

         financial  and  accounting   matters as to  whether  there has been any
         change  in   First  stock  or  long-term   debt,  or  any  decrease  in
         consolidated  net  assets or in the total or  per-share  amounts of net
         income of  First, and, based on such procedures and except as disclosed
         in such  letter,  nothing has come to their attention which would cause
         them  to believe that:

                           (A) the financial statements referred to in (1) above
                  do not fairly present the financial  position of First and the
                  results  of  its  operations  and  changes  in  its  financial
                  position at the dates and for the periods  referred to therein
                  and are not presented in conformity  with  generally  accepted
                  accounting  principles  applied on a basis  consistent  in all
                  material  respects  with  that  of  the  audited  consolidated
                  statements of First at December 31, 1998,  except as expressly
                  required by this Agreement or noted in such letter;

                           (B) as of said date not more than five  business days
                  prior to the Effective  Time,  there was any (x) change in the
                  First stock or  long-term  debt of First or (y)  decreases  in
                  consolidated  net  assets of First,  in each case as  compared
                  with the amounts  shown in the  balance  sheet of First at the
                  date of the most recent audited financial  statements,  or for
                  the  period  from  the  date  of  the  most  recent  financial
                  statements to said date not more than five business days prior
                  to the Effective Time,  there were any decreases,  as compared
                  with the  corresponding  portion of the preceding fiscal year,
                  in  the  total  or  per  share   amounts   of  income   before
                  extraordinary  items or net income,  other than, in each case,
                  as set forth in such letter;

                           (C) the  consolidated  financial  statements of First
                  for the quarter  immediately  preceding the Effective Time are
                  not prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting
                  principles,  and,  based on a review of the interim  financial
                  statements   of  First  and  upon  due  inquiry  made  of  the
                  management  of First,  that material  modifications  should be
                  made to such financial statements for them to be in conformity
                  with generally accepted accounting  principles as of said date
                  not more than five business days prior to the Effective  Time,
                  except as noted in such letter;

                           (D)  the   reserve   for   possible   credit   losses
                  established  by First is not  adequate  to  absorb  reasonably
                  anticipated  losses in the loan and leasing portfolio of First
                  in view of the size and  character  of such  portfolios,  then
                  current economic conditions and other pertinent factors; and

                           (E) there are any contingent  liabilities which could
                  have a materially  adverse  effect on the assets,  business or
                  prospects  of  First or any  First  Subsidiary  other  than as
                  disclosed in the most recent audited financial  statements for
                  First  or other  than,  in each  case,  as  disclosed  in said
                  letter.

The parties hereto  acknowledge and agree that the foregoing  letter is not, and
the contents  shall not be governed as a, "comfort  letter" as that term is used
for purposes of Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 72 , but is an
agreed upon procedures letter,

 (m) Opinion of Counsel.  First shall have  delivered to FCNB an opinion,  dated
the  Effective  Time,  of counsel  to First,  in form and  substance  reasonably
satisfactory to FCNB and its counsel, to the effect that:

                  (i) First is a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing
         and in good  standing  under  the  laws of the  State of  Maryland;  is
         registered  as a bank  holding  company  under the  BHCA;  and has full
         corporate  power and  authority  to own and  operate its  business  and
         properties and to carry on its business as currently conducted;

                  (ii)  First  Bank  is a state  charted  commercial  bank  duly
         organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
         State of Maryland;  and has full  corporate  power and authority to own
         and operate its business and properties and to carry on its business as
         currently conducted


                                      A-21
<PAGE>

                  (ii)  subject to possible  increase to reflect the issuance of
         shares of First  Common  Stock  pursuant  to the  exercise  of  options
         outstanding under the First Option Plans, the authorized  capital stock
         of First  consists  solely of 5,000,000  shares of capital  stock,  par
         value $1.00 per share,  2,000,000 of which are First Common  Stock,  of
         which 1,525,125 shares are validly issued and  outstanding,  fully paid
         and  nonassessable  and  have  not  been  issued  in  violation  of the
         preemptive   rights  of  any  person,   and   3,000,000  of  which  are
         undesignated;

                  (iii) subject to possible  decrease to reflect the exercise of
         such options, to the knowledge of such counsel,  except for the 102,952
         options  outstanding  pursuant  to the First  Option  Plans and 254,925
         Warrants, there are no outstanding  subscriptions,  warrants, or rights
         to acquire from First or First Bank,  or requiring  First or First Bank
         to issue,  or any  outstanding  securities or  obligations  convertible
         into,  shares of First Common Stock or other class of capital  stock or
         the capital stock of First Bank;

                  (iv)  to  the  knowledge  of  such   counsel,   there  are  no
         outstanding obligations of First or any First Subsidiary,  to purchase,
         reacquire or redeem any shares of First Common Stock;

                  (v) execution,  delivery and  performance of this Agreement by
         First  and  consummation  of  the  transactions  contemplated  in  this
         Agreement  do not and will not conflict  with,  or result in the breach
         of,  or  constitute  a  default  under,  any of the  provisions  of the
         Articles or Certificate of  Incorporation or Charter or Bylaws of First
         or any First  Subsidiary  or, to the  knowledge  of such  counsel,  any
         material agreement to which First or any First Subsidiary is a party or
         by which their properties or assets may be bound; and

                  (vi) First has full corporate power and corporate authority to
         execute,  deliver and perform this  Agreement,  and this  Agreement has
         been duly authorized,  approved and adopted by all requisite  corporate
         action of First,  and by the shareholders of First, and constitutes the
         valid and legally  binding  obligation of First in accordance  with its
         terms, subject to applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,
         moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting  creditors' rights
         generally and subject to general equity  principles which may limit the
         enforcement of certain remedies;

                  (vii) except as set forth in the First Disclosure Letter, such
         counsel does not know of any claim, litigation, arbitration proceeding,
         labor  dispute  or  investigation  of any kind  pending  or  threatened
         against  First,  or any First  Subsidiary  in any  court or before  any
         federal,   state  or   municipal  or  other   governmental   agency  or
         instrumentality relating in any way to the transactions contemplated in
         this Agreement, or which is determined adversely to First or such First
         Subsidiary,  would  have a  material  adverse  effect on the  financial
         condition,  results of operations,  business,  properties, or assets of
         First and the First Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and

                  (viii) to the knowledge of such  counsel,  such counsel has no
         reason to believe  that (except as to  financial  statements  and other
         financial  or  statistical  data,  or as to  materials  relating  to or
         supplied by FCNB or the FCNB  subsidiaries  for  inclusion in the Proxy
         Statement,  as  to  which  no  belief  need  be  expressed)  the  Proxy
         Statement,  as it may be amended or  supplemented,  contained an untrue
         statement of a material  fact or omitted any material  fact required to
         be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein,
         in light of the  circumstances in which they were made, not misleading,
         as of the time the Registration Statement became effective, the time of
         the Shareholder Meetings or as of the Closing Date.

 (n) Affiliate Letters. (i) First shall deliver or cause to be delivered to FCNB
a letter from each officer,  director or  shareholder of First who may be deemed
to be an "affiliate"  (as defined for purposes of Rules 145 and 405  promulgated
under the 1933 Act) of First, in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to
FCNB,  under the terms of which each such  officer,  director,  and  shareholder
acknowledges and agrees to abide by and comply with: all limitations  imposed by
this  Agreement  with  respect to the purchase or sale or other  disposition  of
shares of FCNB Common  Stock  after the date  hereof and prior to the  Effective
Time;  the  1933  Act  and  all  rules,  regulations  and  releases  promulgated
thereunder  with respect to the sale or other  disposition of the shares of FCNB
Common  Stock  received  by such  person  in  connection  with  this  Agreement,
including those  accounting  rules,  regulations,  releases and guidelines which
govern the  eligibility of the  transactions  governed hereby for treatment as a
pooling of interests,  including those which impose  limitations or restrictions
on the sale,  disposition or other  transactions with respect to shares of First
Common Stock and FCNB Common Stock prior to and during the period  following the
Effective Time.


                                      A-22
<PAGE>

         (ii) FCNB shall have received from each of its directors,  officers and
shareholders  who may be deemed  to be an  "affiliate"  a letter  in which  such
persons  agree  to abide  by the  provisions  of this  Agreement  regarding  the
purchase and sale or other  disposition of shares of FCNB Common Stock after the
date hereof and prior to the Effective Time and accounting  rules,  regulations,
releases  and  guidelines  which  govern  the  eligibility  of the  transactions
governed  hereby for treatment as a pooling of interests,  including those which
impose   limitations  or  restrictions   on  the  sale,   disposition  or  other
transactions  with respect to shares of First Common Stock and FCNB Common Stock
prior to and during the period following the Effective Time.

(o) Accounting Treatment. FCNB shall have received an opinion of Keller Bruner &
Company,  L.L.C.,  or  otherwise  determined  to  its  satisfaction,   that  the
transactions  contemplated hereby can be accounted for as a pooling of interests
for financial reporting purposes.

(p) Third Party  Consents.  First shall have  obtained all material  third party
consents under any agreement,  contract,  lease, note, license,  permit or other
document  by which  First or any  First  Subsidiary  is bound or to which any of
their  respective  properties is subject  required for the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

(r) Non-Competition Agreements. Each of the members of the Board of Directors of
First and First Bank shall have entered into an agreement, in form and substance
satisfactory  to FCNB,  with FCNB and FCNB  Bank  regarding  limitations  on the
ability  of such  persons to  compete  with FCNB and FCNB  Bank,  and to solicit
customers of FCNB, for the period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on
June 30, 2002.

(s) Option and Warrant Holder Agreements.  FCNB shall have received  agreements,
satisfactory  in form and  substance to FCNB,  from each of the holders of First
Options  pursuant  to the First  Option  Plans and  Warrants  consenting  to the
treatment  of such Options or Warrants,  as the case may be as  contemplated  by
Section 2.1(b) hereof.

(t)  Employment  Termination  Agreement.  FCNB shall have received an agreement,
satisfactory  in form and  substance  to FCNB,  from  Jacob  H.  Goldstein,  and
consented to by First and First Bank, relating to the termination of Goldstein's
existing  employment  agreement  with First and First  Bank as of the  Effective
Time.

         7.3  Conditions  to  Obligation  of First to  Effect  the  Merger.  The
obligation of First to effect the Merger shall be subject to the  fulfillment at
or prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties;  Corporate Proceedings.  The representations
and warranties of FCNB set forth in Article III hereof shall be true and correct
in all  material  respects  as of  the  date  of  this  Agreement  and as of the
Effective  Time as though made at and as of the Effective  Time, and First shall
have received a signed  certificate  the  President of FCNB to that effect.  All
corporate  action  required  to have been  taken by, or on the part of,  FCNB to
authorize the  execution,  delivery and  performance  of this  Agreement and the
Merger,  respectively,  shall have been duly and validly taken,  and First shall
have   received   certified   copies   of  the   resolutions   evidencing   such
authorizations.

(b)  Performance  of  Obligations.  FCNB  shall  have in all  material  respects
performed all  obligations  required to be performed by it under this  Agreement
prior to the Effective  Time, and First shall have received a certificate of the
President of FCNB to that effect.

(c)  Registration  Statement.  The  Registration  Statement  of FCNB  under  the
Securities  Act  relating  to the FCNB  Common  Stock  shall have been  declared
effective,  and no stop order with respect to the  Registration  Statement shall
have been  issued,  or First  shall have  received an opinion of counsel to FCNB
that such  registration is not required.  In addition,  all state securities and
blue  sky  permits  and  approvals   required  to  carry  out  the  transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained.

(d) Opinion of Counsel. FCNB shall have delivered to First an opinion, dated the
Effective  Time of  Kennedy,  Baris &  Lundy,  L.L.P.,  in  form  and  substance
reasonably satisfactory to First and its counsel, to the effect that:

                  (i) FCNB is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
         in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland; is registered
         as a bank holding  company under the BHCA;  and FCNB has full corporate
         power and authority to own and operate its business and  properties and
         to carry on its business as currently conducted;


                                      A-23
<PAGE>

                  (ii) subject to the possible  issuance of additional shares of
         FCNB Common Stock  pursuant to the exercise of options issued under the
         FCNB Option Plan or the DRI Plan the  authorized  capital stock of FCNB
         consists  solely of 20,000,000  shares of FCNB Common  Stock,  of which
         10,064,892 shares are validly issued and outstanding  immediately prior
         to the Effective Time, fully paid and  nonassessable  and have not been
         issued  in  violation  of the  preemptive  rights  of any  person,  and
         1,000,000  shares of undesignated  preferred  stock, no shares of which
         were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time;

                  (iii)  except  as set  forth  in  such  opinion,  to the  best
         knowledge  of such  counsel,  there are no  outstanding  subscriptions,
         warrants,  options or rights to acquire from FCNB, or requiring FCNB to
         issue, or any outstanding  securities or obligations  convertible into,
         shares of FCNB Common Stock;

                  (iv)  except  as set  forth  in  such  opinion,  to  the  best
         knowledge of such  counsel,  there are no  outstanding  commitments  or
         obligations of FCNB to purchase, reacquire or redeem any shares of FCNB
         Common Stock;

                  (v) the FCNB Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger,  when
         issued in exchange for the First Common Stock,  will be validly  issued
         and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable;

                  (vi)  execution,  delivery and performance of the Agreement by
         FCNB and consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Agreement
         do not and will not  conflict  with,  or  result in the  breach  of, or
         constitute a default  under,  any of the  provisions of the Articles of
         Incorporation  or Bylaws of FCNB,  or,  to the best  knowledge  of such
         counsel,  any  material  agreement to which FCNB is a party or by which
         its properties or assets may be bound;

                  (vii) FCNB has full corporate power and corporate authority to
         make, execute,  deliver and perform the Agreement and the Agreement has
         been duly authorized and approved by all requisite  corporate action of
         FCNB and constitutes the valid and legally binding  obligations of FCNB
         in  accordance  with  its  terms,  subject  to  applicable  bankruptcy,
         insolvency, reorganization,  moratorium and similar laws relating to or
         affecting  creditors'  rights  generally and subject to general  equity
         principles which may limit the enforcement of certain remedies;

                  (viii)  all  material  filings  and  registrations  with,  and
         notifications to, all federal,  state and local authorities required on
         the part of FCNB for the consummation of the Merger have been made, all
         approvals  and   authorizations   of  all  federal,   state  and  local
         authorities required on the part of FCNB for consummation of the Merger
         are in full force and effect and all  applicable  waiting  periods have
         passed;

                  (ix)  such  counsel  does not know of any  claim,  litigation,
         arbitration  proceeding,  labor  dispute or  investigation  of any kind
         pending or threatened  against FCNB in any court or before any federal,
         state or municipal or governmental  agency or instrumentality  relating
         in any way to the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; and

                  (x) to the best knowledge of such counsel, such counsel has no
         reason to believe  that (except as to  financial  statements  and other
         financial  or  statistical  data,  or as to  materials  relating  to or
         supplied by First or the First  Subsidiaries for inclusion in the Proxy
         Statement,  as  to  which  no  belief  need  be  expressed)  the  Proxy
         Statement, as amended or supplemented, contained an untrue statement of
         a material  fact or omitted  any  material  fact  required to be stated
         therein or necessary in order to make the statements  therein, in light
         of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, as of the
         time  the  Registration  Statement  became  effective,  the time of the
         Shareholder Meetings or as of the Closing Date.

(e) Fairness Opinion. First shall have received from a investment advisor of its
selection, reasonably acceptable to FCNB, an opinion dated as of a date prior to
effectiveness  of the  Registration  Statement to  shareholders  of First to the
effect  that the Merger is fair to the  shareholders  of First from a  financial
point of view.

(f) Nasdaq  Listing.  The shares of FCNB Common Stock to be issued to holders of
First Common Stock in  connection  with the Merger shall have been  approved for
quotation, upon notice of issuance, on Nasdaq.

                                      A-24
<PAGE>

(g) No Material  Adverse Change.  There shall not have been any material adverse
change in the business,  operation,  assets,  financial condition,  prospects or
results of operations of FCNB. For purposes hereof,  adverse  developments  with
respect to any matter  disclosed  to First prior to the date hereof and included
in the FCNB  Disclosure  Letter  delivered to First on the date hereof shall not
constitute a material  adverse change to the extent that the nature and scope of
the  adverse  development  is of the  nature  and within the scope of the matter
disclosed.

(h) No Injunction. The shall not be in effect any order, decree or injunction of
a  court  or  agency  of  competent  jurisdiction  which  enjoins  or  prohibits
consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  nor shall there be any
pending  proceeding of any agency of competent  jurisdiction  seeking any of the
foregoing.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

         8.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Effective Time:

(a)      by mutual consent of First and FCNB; or

(b) by either FCNB or First at anytime  after  December 31, 1999,  if the Merger
shall not theretofore have been  consummated,  unless the date reflected in this
Section  8.1(b)  shall be extended in writing by the  parties  hereto  provided,
however,  in the event  that  First  engages in  communications  relating  to an
Unsolicited  Acquisition Proposal pursuant to Section 6.15(a) above, First shall
not be entitled to terminate  this  Agreement  pursuant to provisions of Section
8.1(b);

(c) by  either  FCNB or First in the event of the  material  breach by the other
party of any material representation, warranty or agreement contained herein;

(d) by  either  of  First or FCNB if any  governmental  or  regulatory  approval
required for consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby
shall have been denied by final,  non-appealable order, or any such denial shall
not have been  appealed  within the time  available  for such appeal,  provided,
however, that the denial of any application relating to the merger, purchase and
assumption  or other  transaction  contemplated  by Section 2.3 hereof shall not
entitle First to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(d).

(e) by either FCNB or First in the event that any of the conditions precedent to
the  obligation  of such party to  consummate  the Merger cannot be satisfied or
fulfilled by the date specified in 8.1(b) of this  Agreement,  provided that the
terminating party shall not be in material breach of a material  representation,
warranty or covenant of this  Agreement at the time of  termination  pursuant to
this Section 8.1(e);

(h) by First,  in the  exercise  of its sole  discretion,  in the event that the
Merger and the  Agreement  are not  approved  by the  requisite  majority of the
shareholders of First at the First Shareholder Meeting;

(i) by FCNB,  in the  exercise  of its sole  discretion,  in the event  that the
Merger and the  Agreement  are not  approved  by the  requisite  majority of the
shareholders of FCNB at the FCNB shareholder meeting.

         8.2  Effect  of  Termination.  In the  event  of  termination  of  this
Agreement  by either  First or FCNB as  provided  in  Section  8.1  above,  this
Agreement  shall  forthwith  become void except that (i) the  provisions of this
Section  8.2,  the  provisions  regarding  the  confidentiality  and  return  or
destruction of documents of Section 6.1, and the provisions of Section 6.7 shall
survive any such  termination  and  abandonment,  and (ii)and  there shall be no
liability  on the part of either First or FCNB or their  respective  officers or
directors, except in the event of willful breach of a material provision of this
Agreement.

         8.3 Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by
action taken by or on behalf of their  respective  Boards of  Directors,  at any
time before or after  approval of the Merger by the  shareholders  of both First
and FCNB; provided,  however,  that after such approvals no such amendment shall
reduce the value of or change the form of the  consideration  to be delivered to
each of First's  shareholders  as  contemplated  by the  Agreement,  unless such
amendment is subject to the  obtaining  of the approval of the  amendment by the
shareholders  of First and such approval


                                      A-25
<PAGE>

is  obtained.  This  Agreement  may not be amended  except by an  instrument  in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

         8.4 Waiver.  Any term,  condition or provision of this Agreement may be
waived in writing at any time by the party which is, or whose  shareholders are,
entitled to the benefits thereof.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         9.1  Non-survival of  Representations,  Warranties and  Agreements.  No
investigation  by the parties hereto made  heretofore or hereafter  shall affect
the representations and warranties of the parties which are contained herein and
each such  representation  and warranty  shall survive such  investigation.  All
representations,  warranties  and agreements in this Agreement of First and FCNB
or in any  instrument  delivered  by First and FCNB  pursuant to this  Agreement
shall expire at the  Effective  Time or upon  termination  of this  Agreement in
accordance  with its terms  except  this  Section  9.1,  and the  provisions  of
Articles I and II,  Section  6.12 and 6.16 (to the extent they relate to, or are
to be performed after, the Effective Time).

         9.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly  received (i) on the date given if
delivered personally or by telecopier,  cable,  telegram or telex or (ii) on the
date received if sent by overnight  delivery  service or if mailed by registered
or certified mail (return  receipt  requested),  to the parties at the following
addresses  (or at such other  address for a party as shall be  specified by like
notice):

                            (a)     if to FCNB:

                                      A. Patrick Linton, President
                                      FCNB Corp
                                      7200 FCNB Court
                                      Frederick, Maryland 21703

                                    Copy to:

                                      David H. Baris, Esq.
                                      Kennedy, Baris & Lundy, L.L.P.
                                      Suite 300
                                      4719 Hampden Lane
                                      Bethesda, Maryland 20814

                            (b)     if to First:

                                      Jacob H. Goldstein, President
                                      First Frederick Financial Corporation
                                      22 West Patrick Street
                                      Frederick, Maryland 21701

         9.3 Material Adverse Change.  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary
contained  herein,  the term  "material  adverse  change" or  "material  adverse
effect"  or words of  similar  import,  shall not  include  the  impact  of: (i)
changes,   after  the  date  hereof,   in  laws  of  general   applicability  or
interpretations  thereof by courts or  governmental  authorities;  (ii) changes,
after the date hereof, in generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory
principles  generally applicable to banks; (iii) actions or omissions by a party
hereto (or any of its subsidiaries),  after the date hereof,  taken or failed to
be taken with the prior informed  written  consent of the other party, or at the
express written request of the other party, in  contemplation of the transaction
contemplated  hereby;  or (iv) the Merger and compliance  with the provisions of
this Agreement on the operating performance of the parties.


                                      A-26
<PAGE>

         9.4 Severability. Any invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement in any  jurisdiction  shall not invalidate or render
illegal or unenforceable  the remaining  provisions  hereof in such jurisdiction
and shall not  invalidate or render illegal or  unenforceable  such provision in
any other jurisdiction.

         9.5  Headings.  The  headings  of the  Articles  and  Sections  of this
Agreement are for  convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a
part of this Agreement.

         9.6 Attorneys' Fees. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any
provision of this Agreement,  or where any provision  hereof is validly asserted
as a defense,  the  successful  party shall be  entitled  to recover  reasonable
attorneys' fees in addition to any other remedy.

         9.7  Miscellaneous.  This Agreement (including exhibits, documents  and
instruments referred to herein)

(a) together with all Schedules,  exhibits,  documents and instruments  attached
hereto  or  required  to be  delivered  herewith,  or at or  prior  to  closing,
constitutes the entire  agreement and supersedes all other prior  agreements and
understandings,  both written and oral, among the parties,  or any of them, with
respect to the subject matter hereof;

(b) is not  intended to confer upon any person not a party  hereto any rights or
remedies hereunder;

(c) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except that FCNB may
without  prior  notice to or  approval  by First,  assign  this  Agreement  to a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of FCNB,  provided,  however,  that in the event of any
assignment of this  Agreement to a subsidiary of FCNB resulting in the merger of
First into such subsidiary,  the consideration received by shareholders of First
shall  nevertheless  consist  of  shares  of FCNB  Common  Stock as set forth in
Article II hereof;

(d) shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Maryland; and

(e) may be executed in two or more counterparts  which together shall constitute
a single agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
signed  by  their  respective  officers  thereunto  duly  authorized  and  their
respective  corporate  seals to be  affixed  hereto,  all as of the  date  first
written above.

ATTEST: [SEAL]                              FCNB CORP



 /s/ Helen G. Hahn                       By: /s/ A. Patrick Linton
- -----------------------------               -----------------------------
Name:  Helen G. Hahn                     Name:  A. Patrick Linton
Title: Secretary                         Title: President


ATTEST: [SEAL]                              FIRST FREDERICK FINANCIAL
                                             CORPORATION



 /s/ Mary Jo Clark                       By: /s/ Jacob H. Goldstein
- -----------------------------               -----------------------------
Name:  Mary Jo Clark                     Name:  Jacob H. Goldstein
Title: Secretary                         Title: President


                                      A-27
<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT B

           Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law


<PAGE>


                           ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND
                         CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS.
           TITLE 3. CORPORATIONS IN GENERAL -- EXTRAORDINARY ACTIONS.
                  Subtitle 2. Rights of Objecting Stockholders.

ss.3-201  "Successor" defined.

         (a)  Corporation  amending  charter.  -- In this  subtitle,  except  as
provided in subsection (b) of this section,  "successor"  includes a corporation
which amends its charter in a way which alters the contract rights, as expressly
set forth in the charter, of any outstanding stock, unless the right to do so is
reserved by the charter of the corporation.

         (b) Corporation whose stock is acquired. -- When used with reference to
a share  exchange,  "successor"  means  the  corporation  the stock of which was
acquired in the share exchange.

ss.3-202  Right to fair value of stock.

(a)   General rule. -- Except as provided in subsection  (c) of this section,  a
      stockholder of a Maryland  corporation has the right to demand and receive
      payment of the fair value of the  stockholder's  stock from the  successor
      if:
     (1) The corporation consolidates or merges with another corporation;
         (2) The stockholder's stock is to be acquired in a share exchange;
         (3)  The  corporation  transfers  its  assets  in  a  manner  requiring
corporate action underss.3-105 of this title;
         (4) The  corporation  amends  its  charter  in a way which  alters  the
contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any outstanding stock
and substantially  adversely affects the stockholder's  rights, unless the right
to do so is reserved by the charter of the corporation; or
         (5) The  transaction  is governed by ss.3-602 of this title or exempted
by  ss.3-603  (b) of this title.  (b) Basis of fair value.  -- (1) Fair value is
determined as of the close of business:
     (i) With respect to a merger  under  ss.3-106 of this title of a 90 percent
or more owned  subsidiary into its parent,  on the day notice is given or waived
under ss. 3-106; or
    (ii) With  respect  to any other  transaction,  on the day the  stockholders
voted on the transaction objected to.
         (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection,  fair value
may not include any  appreciation or  depreciation  which directly or indirectly
results from the transaction objected to or from its proposal.
         (3) In any  transaction  governed by ss.3-602 of this title or exempted
by  ss.3-603  (b) of this  title,  fair  value  shall  be  value  determined  in
accordance with the requirements of ss.3-603 (b) of this title.
  (c) When  right to fair value does not  apply.  -- Unless the  transaction  is
governed by ss.3-602 of this title or is exempted by ss.3-603 (b) of this title,
a  stockholder  may not  demand  the fair value of his stock and is bound by the
terms of the transaction if:
         (1) The  stock  is  listed  on a  national  securities  exchange  or is
designated as a national  market  system  security on an  interdealer  quotation
system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.:
            (i) With  respect to a merger  under  ss.3-106 of this title of a 90
            percent or more owned subsidiary into its parent, on the date notice
            is given or waived under ss.3-106; or
            (ii) With  respect to any other transaction,  on the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to vote on the transaction objected to;
         (2) The stock is that of the successor in a merger, unless:
             (i) The merger alters the contract rights of the stock as expressly
set forth in the  charter,  and the charter does not reserve the right to do so;
or
             (ii) The stock is to be changed or converted in whole or in part in
the merger into  something  other than either  stock in the  successor  or cash,
scrip, or other rights or interests  arising out of provisions for the treatment
of fractional shares of stock in the successor; or
          (3) The stock is that of an  open-end  investment  company  registered
with the Securities and Exchange  Commission under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the  value  placed  on the  stock in the  transaction  is its net asset
value.


                                      B-1
<PAGE>

ss.3-203  Procedure by stockholder.

  (a) Specific duties.  -- A stockholder of a corporation who desires to receive
payment of the fair value of his stock under this subtitle:
   (1) Shall  file with the  corporation  a written  objection  to the  proposed
transaction:
    (i) With respect to a merger under ss.3-106 of this title of a 90 percent or
more owned  subsidiary into its parent,  within 30 days after notice is given or
waived under ss.3-106; or
    (ii) With respect to any other  transaction,  at or before the stockholders'
meeting at which the transaction will be considered;
   (2) May not vote in favor of the transaction; and
   (3) Within 20 days after the  Department  accepts  the  articles  for record,
shall make a written demand on the successor for payment for his stock,  stating
the number and class of shares for which he demands payment.
  (b) Failure to comply with section.  -- A stockholder who fails to comply with
this section is bound by the terms of the consolidation, merger, share exchange,
transfer of assets, or charter amendment.

ss.3-204  Effect of demand on dividend and other rights.

  A stockholder who demands payment for his stock under this subtitle:
   (1) Has no right to receive any dividends or distributions payable to holders
of record of that stock on a record  date after the close of business on the day
as at which fair value is to be determined under ss.3-202 of this subtitle; and
   (2) Ceases to have any rights of a  stockholder  with  respect to that stock,
except the right to receive payment of its fair value.

ss.3-205  Withdrawal of demand.

  A demand for payment may be withdrawn only with the consent of the successor.

ss.3-206  Restoration of dividend and other rights.

  (a) When rights  restored.  -- The rights of a stockholder who demands payment
   are  restored  in full,  if:
     (1) The demand for payment is withdrawn;
     (2) A petition for an  appraisal  is not filed within the time  required by
this subtitle;
     (3) A court determines that the stockholder is not entitled to relief; or
     (4) The transaction objected to is abandoned or rescinded.
  (b)  Effect of  restoration.  -- The  restoration  of a  stockholder's  rights
entitles him to receive the dividends,  distributions, and other rights he would
have  received  if he had not  demanded  payment  for his  stock.  However,  the
restoration  does not  prejudice  any  corporate  proceedings  taken  before the
restoration.

ss.3-207  Notice and offer to stockholders.

  (a)  Duty of  successor.  -- (1) The  successor  promptly  shall  notify  each
objecting  stockholder  in writing of the date the  articles  are  accepted  for
record by the Department.
   (2) The  successor  also  may  send a  written  offer  to pay  the  objecting
stockholder  what it  considers  to be the fair value of his  stock.  Each offer
shall be accompanied by the following  information  relating to the  corporation
which issued the stock:
    (i) A balance sheet as of a date not more than six months before the date of
    the offer;  (ii) A profit and loss statement for the 12 months ending on the
    date of the balance  sheet;  and (iii) Any other  information  the successor
    considers pertinent.
  (b) Manner of sending  notice.  -- The successor  shall deliver the notice and
offer to each objecting stockholder  personally or mail them to him by certified
mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal
Service,  at the address he gives the successor in writing,  or, if none, at his
address as it appears on the records of the corporation which issued the stock.


                                      B-2
<PAGE>

ss.3-208  Petition  for  appraisal;  consolidation  of  proceedings;  joinder of
objectors.

  (a) Petition for appraisal. -- Within 50 days after the Department accepts the
articles  for record,  the  successor or an  objecting  stockholder  who has not
received  payment  for his stock may  petition  a court of equity in the  county
where the principal office of the successor is located or, if it does not have a
principal  office in this State,  where the resident  agent of the  successor is
located, for an appraisal to determine the fair value of the stock.
  (b) Consolidation of suits; joinder of objectors. -- (1) If more than one
appraisal proceeding is instituted,  the court shall direct the consolidation of
all the proceedings on terms and conditions it considers proper.
   (2) Two or more objecting  stockholders may join or be joined in an appraisal
proceeding.

ss.3-209  Notation on stock certificate.

  (a) Submission of  certificate.  -- At any time after a petition for appraisal
is filed,  the court may  require  the  objecting  stockholders  parties  to the
proceeding  to submit  their  stock  certificates  to the clerk of the court for
notation on them that the  appraisal  proceeding  is pending.  If a  stockholder
fails to comply with the order,  the court may dismiss the  proceeding as to him
or grant other appropriate relief.
  (b)  Transfer of stock  bearing  notation.  -- If any stock  represented  by a
certificate  which  bears  a  notation  is  subsequently  transferred,  the  new
certificate  issued for the stock shall bear a similar  notation and the name of
the  original  objecting  stockholder.  The  transferee  of this  stock does not
acquire  rights of any character with respect to the stock other than the rights
of the original objecting stockholder.

ss.3-210  Appraisal of fair value.

  (a) Court to appoint  appraisers.  -- If the court  finds  that the  objecting
stockholder  is entitled to an appraisal of his stock,  it shall  appoint  three
disinterested  appraisers  to determine the fair value of the stock on terms and
conditions the court  considers  proper.  Each  appraiser  shall take an oath to
discharge his duties honestly and faithfully.
  (b) Report of appraisers -- Filing. -- Within 60 days after their appointment,
unless the court sets a longer time,  the  appraisers  shall  determine the fair
value of the  stock as of the  appropriate  date and file a report  stating  the
conclusion of the majority as to the fair value of the stock.
  (c) Same -- Contents. -- The report shall state the reasons for the conclusion
and shall include a transcript of all testimony and exhibits offered.
  (d) Same --  Service;  objection.  -- (1) On the same day that the  report  is
filed, the appraisers shall mail a copy of it to each party to the proceedings.
   (2) Within 15 days after the report is filed,  any party may object to it and
request a hearing.

ss.3-211  Action by court on appraisers' report.

  (a) Order of court. -- The court shall consider the report and, on  motion  of
any party to the  proceeding,  enter an order which:
   (1) Confirms, modifies, or rejects it; and
   (2) If appropriate, sets the time for payment to the stockholder.
  (b) Procedure after order.  -- (1) If the  appraisers'  report is confirmed or
modified by the order,  judgment  shall be entered  against the successor and in
favor of each objecting stockholder party to the proceeding for the appraised
fair value of his stock.
   (2) If the appraisers' report is rejected, the court may:
    (i)  Determine  the fair  value of the  stock  and  enter  judgment  for the
    stockholder;  or (ii) Remit the proceedings to the same or other  appraisers
    on terms and
conditions it considers proper.
  (c) Judgment includes interest.  -- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of
this  subsection,  a judgment for the  stockholder  shall award the value of the
stock and  interest  from the date as at which  fair  value is to be  determined
under ss.3-202 of this subtitle.
   (2) The court may not allow  interest  if it finds  that the  failure  of the
stockholder  to  accept  an offer  for the stock  made  under  ss.3-207  of this
subtitle  was  arbitrary  and  vexatious  or not in good  faith.  In making this
finding, the court shall consider:


                                      B-3
<PAGE>

    (i) The price which the successor offered for the stock;
    (ii)  The  financial  statements  and  other  information  furnished  to the
    stockholder; and (iii) Any other circumstances it considers relevant.
  (d)  Costs of  proceedings.  -- (1) The  costs of the  proceedings,  including
reasonable  compensation  and  expenses of the  appraisers,  shall be set by the
court and  assessed  against the  successor.  However,  the court may direct the
costs to be apportioned  and assessed  against any objecting  stockholder if the
court finds that the failure of the stockholder to accept an offer for the stock
made under  ss.3-207 of this subtitle was arbitrary and vexatious or not in good
faith. In making this finding, the court shall consider:
    (i) The price which the successor offered for the stock;
    (ii)  The  financial  statements  and  other  information  furnished  to the
    stockholder; and
    (iii) Any other circumstances it considers relevant.
   (2) Costs may not include  attorney's  fees or expenses.  The reasonable fees
and expenses of experts may be included only if:
    (i) The successor did not make an offer for the stock under ss.3-207 of this
subtitle; or
    (ii) The value of the stock determined in the proceeding  materially exceeds
the amount offered by the successor.
  (e) Effect of judgment. -- The judgment is final and conclusive on all parties
and has the same force and  effect as other  decrees  in  equity.  The  judgment
constitutes  a lien on the  assets  of the  successor  with  priority  over  any
mortgage  or  other  lien  attaching  on or  after  the  effective  date  of the
consolidation, merger, transfer, or charter amendment.

ss.3-212  Surrender of stock.

  The successor is not required to pay for the stock of an objecting stockholder
or to pay a  judgment  rendered  against  it in a  proceeding  for an  appraisal
unless, simultaneously with payment:
   (1) The  certificates  representing the stock are surrendered to it, indorsed
in blank, and in proper form for transfer; or
   (2) Satisfactory  evidence of the loss or destruction of the certificates and
sufficient indemnity bond are furnished.

ss.3-213  Rights of successor with respect to stock.

  (a) General  rule.  -- A successor  which  acquires  the stock of an objecting
stockholder is entitled to any dividends or distributions  payable to holders of
record of that stock on a record  date after the close of business on the day as
at which fair value is to be determined under ss.3-202 of this subtitle.
  (b)  Successor  in  transfer  of assets.  -- After  acquiring  the stock of an
objecting stockholder,  a successor in a transfer of assets may exercise all the
rights of an owner of the stock.
  (c)  Successor in  consolidation,  merger,  or share  exchange.  -- Unless the
articles provide otherwise,  stock in the successor of a consolidation,  merger,
or  share  exchange  otherwise  deliverable  in  exchange  for the  stock  of an
objecting  stockholder  has the status of authorized  but unissued  stock of the
successor.  However,  a proceeding for reduction of the capital of the successor
is not necessary to retire the stock or to reduce the capital of the successor
represented by the stock.


                                      B-4



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