[ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD]                                 EXHIBIT 16.1

August 20, 2004

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated August 20, 2004, of RPC, Inc. and are in
agreement with the statements contained in the second, third, and fourth
paragraphs. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the
registrant contained therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP