March 18, 2011
VIA EDGAR
Erin Magnor and Michael Seaman
Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
| Re: | Xenith Bankshares, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File number 333-170836) |
Dear Sir or Madam:
In accordance with Rule 461 of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, we hereby join Xenith Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company”) in requesting that the Company’s above-referenced registration statement on Form S-1 be declared effective on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
| SANDLER O’NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P. | ||
| By: | Sandler O’Neill & Partners Corp., the sole general partner | |
| By: | /s/ Christopher S. Hooper | |
| Christopher S. Hooper | ||
| An Officer of the Corporation | ||
