Exhibit 15.1






December 31, 2001



The Board of Directors
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Westerly, Rhode Island

Re: S-4 Registration Statement

With respect to the registration statement to be filed on or about January 3,
2002, we acknowledge our awareness of the use therein of our reports dated
April 19, 2001, except as to Note 6 which is dated May 14, 2001, July 19,
2001 and October 18, 2001 related to our reviews of interim financial
information.

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


                                        /s/ KPMG LLP