Exhibit 15.1

                October 21, 1997



                McMoRan Oil & Gas Co.
                1615 Poydras St.
                New Orleans, LA 70112

                Gentlemen:

                We  are aware  that  McMoRan  Oil  &  Gas Co.  Inc.  has
                incorporated by reference in its Registration Statements
                (File Nos. 33-82866,  33-99828, 33-80369,  33-80371, and
                333-31279) its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
                30, 1997,  which includes our  report dated  October 21,
                1997   covering   the    unaudited   interim   financial
                information contained therein.  Pursuant to Regulation C
                of the Securities Act of 1933 (the  Act), this report is
                not considered  a  part of  the registration  statements
                prepared or certified  by our firm or  a report prepared
                or certified by our firm within  the meaning of Sections
                7 and 11 of the Act.

                Very truly yours,

                /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                Arthur Andersen LLP