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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2





                                 June 12, 1997





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

Re:    Patterson Energy, Inc.
       Registration on Form S-3



We are aware that our report dated April 30, 1997 on our review of interim
financial information of Patterson Energy, Inc. for the period ended March 31,
1997 and included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter then ended is incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should
not be considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by
us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.




                                                  /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                                  COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Dallas, Texas