Exhibit 16.1 [Letterhead of BDO Seidman, LLP] October 15, 2001 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 5th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Ladies and Gentlemen: We have read the statements made by Franklin Street Partners Limited Partnership, which we understand will be filed with the Commission, pursuant to Item 4 of Form 8-K, as part of the Company's Form 8-K report filed on October 17, 2001. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K. Very truly yours, /s/ BDO Seidman, LLP BDO Seidman, LLP