EXHIBIT 16 August 30, 1996 Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 10549 Ladies and Gentlemen: We were previously principal accountants for First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and, under the date of January 19, 1996, we reported on the consolidated financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. On August 21, 1996, our appointment as principal accountants was terminated. We have read First Midwest Bancorp's statements included under Item 4 of its Form 8-K/A dated August 21, 1996, and we agree with such statements, except that we are not in a position to agree or disagree with First Midwest's statements that the change was unanimously recommended by the Audit Committee. Very truly yours, /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Chicago, Illinois