Exhibit 16.1 [LETTERHEAD OF KPMG LLP] September 30, 2005 Office of the Chief Accountant Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549 Ladies and Gentlemen: We were previously principal accountants for The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (the 'Company') and, under the date of March 28, 2005, we reported on the financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. On September 29, 2005, our appointment as principal accountants was terminated. We have read the Company's statements included under Item 4.01(a) of its Form 8-K dated October 5, 2005, and we agree with such statements, except for that we are not in a position to agree or disagree with the Company's statement that the dismissal was approved by the Board of Directors. Very truly yours, /s/ KPMG LLP