Exhibit 23.2


                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.:


We consent to the use of our report  dated  January  21,  1997,  relating to the
consolidated statements of condition of Peoples Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income,  stockholders'
equity  and cash  flows for each of the  years in the  three-year  period  ended
December 31, 1996,  included herein,  and to the reference to our Firm under the
heading "Experts" in the Registration  Statement/Prospectus  of Peoples Bancorp,
Inc.



                                                /s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Short Hills, New Jersey
December 18, 1997