EXHIBIT 16 Deloitte & Touche LLP (logo) Two Prudential Plaza Telephone: (312)946-3000 180 North Stetson Avenue Facsimile: (312)946-2600 Chicago, Illinois 60601-6779 March 5, 1999 Securities and Exchange Commission Mail Stop 9-5 450 5th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Dear Sirs/Madams: We have read and agree with the comments in Item 4(a) and 4(b) of Form 8-K of Norwest Financial, Inc. dated March 5, 1999. Yours truly, \S\ Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu International