EXHIBIT 15

Date: October 21, 1994



Board of Directors
First Virginia Banks, Inc.



We are aware  of the incorporation by  reference in the Registration
Statement  (Form S-4) and  the  related  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  of
First  Virginia  Banks,  Inc.  for  the registration  of 4,048,584
shares  of its common stock  of our reports  dated April 11 and July 11,
1994 relating to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements
of First Virginia Banks,  Inc. which are  included in  its respective
Form  10-Q, for the  quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 1994.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act  of 1933, our reports are
not a part of  the registration statement prepared or certified by
accountants within  the meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act
of 1933.




                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                Washington, D.C.