Power of Attorney

Each director and officer of the registrant whose signature appears below hereby
appoints David E.A. Carson, George W. Morriss and William T. Kosturko,  and each
of them severally, as his or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and
beha f, in any and all  capacities  stated below and to file with the Commission
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments to this registration
statement,  and the  registrant  hereby  also  appoints  each such person as its
attorney-in-fact  with the authority to sign and file any such amendments in its
name and behalf.  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended,  this  Registration  Statement has been signed on August 8, 1997 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated.

Signatures
Title



/s/ David E.A. Carson
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David E.A. Carson
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director



/s/ James P. Biggs
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James P. Biggs
Executive Vice President, Director


/s/ George W. Morriss
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George W. Morriss
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




/s/ Vincent J. Calabrese
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Vincent J. Calabrese
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer




/s/ George P. Carter
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George P. Carter
Director




/s/ Joseph E. Clancy
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Joseph E. Clancy
Director










/s/ George R. Dunbar
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George R. Dunbar
Director



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Jerry Franklin
Director




/s/ Samuel W. Hawley
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Samuel W. Hawley
Director




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Betty Ruth Hollander
Director




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Jean M. LaVecchia
Director




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Eunice S. Groark
Director




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Saul Kwartin
Director



/s/ Jack E. McGregor
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Jack E. McGregor
Director












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James A. Thomas
Director




/s/ Wilmot F. Wheeler, Jr.
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Wilmot F. Wheeler, Jr.
Director