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EXHIBIT 23(e)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
To the Board of Directors of First Community Bancshares, Inc.:
We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-4 No. 333-xxx) of First Community Bancshares, Inc. for the registration
of 435,000 shares of its common stock of our report dated July 17, 2000 relating
to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of First Community
Bancshares, Inc. that are included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2000.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
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Charleston, West Virginia
September 5, 2000
