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                                                           EXHIBIT  16

September 26, 1996

Ernst & Young LLP
Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6301

Dear Sirs:

At the September 24, 1996 Board of Directors meeting of Calumet Bancorp, Inc.,
the Board of Directors decided to terminate the service of Ernst
& Young as the Company's independent accountants.  The Board acknowledges the
cordial and businesslike relationship they had with Ernst & Young over the past
years.

As required by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), we are
requesting that you review the enclosed Form 8-K and furnish us with a letter
addressed to the SEC stating whether you agree with our statements in Item 4 of
the Form 8-K and, if not, state the respects in which you do not agree.

Sincerely,

CALUMET BANCORP, INC.



- -----------------------------------
Mr. Thaddeus Walczak
Chairman of the Board



Enclosure