Exhibit 16.1

                  [LOGO] Shatswell, MacLeod& Company, P.C.

                                                             March 18, 2005


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

Commissioners:

We have read the statements made by Slade's Ferry Bancorp. (copy attached),
which we understand will be filed with the Commission, pursuant to Item 4.01
of Form 8-K, as part of Slade's Ferry Bancorp.'s Form 8-K report dated March
14, 2005.  We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form
8-K.

                                     Sincerely,

                                     /s/ Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C.

                                     Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C.


           83 PINE STREET * WEST PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS 01960-3635
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