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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(C)
 
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
 
The Sole Director
Zilkha Energy Company:
 
     We consent to the inclusion in the registration statement (No. 33-XXXXX) on
Form S-1 of American Exploration Company of our report dated September 26, 1996,
relating to the statement of oil and gas revenues and direct lease operating
expenses of the Zilkha II Properties for the year ended December 31, 1995, and
to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Houston, Texas
September 26, 1996