Exhibit 15.1


The Board of Directors
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.


S-3 Registration Statement

With respect to the subject registration statement, we acknowledge our awareness
of the  incorporation by reference of our reports dated April 20, 2000, July 20,
2000  and  October  19,  2000  related  to  our  reviews  of  interim  financial
information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities  Act of 1933,  such reports are not
considered  part  of a  registration  statement  prepared  or  certified  by  an
accountant or reports prepared or certified by an accountant  within the meaning
of sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

Very truly yours,

KPMG LLP
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KPMG LLP
Providence, Rhode Island
November 10, 2000