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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(c)
    
 
   
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
    
 
   
The Sole Director
    
   
Zilkha Energy Company:
    
 
   
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement
on Form S-1 of American Exploration Company of our report dated September 26,
1996, relating to the statements 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
    
   
October 31, 1996