Independent Accountants' Consent

The Board of Directors
Peoples Bancorp. Inc.:


We consent to the use of our report dated January 21, 1997, except as to Note 21
which is as of December 31, 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
February 3, 1998