<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY



                       AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT


                                     AMONG

                               THE 1855 BANCORP

                           COMPASS BANK FOR SAVINGS



                                      AND


                            SANDWICH BANCORP, INC.

                        THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK



                               FEBRUARY 2, 1998
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
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<S>                                                                                 <C>
ARTICLE I
   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
     1.1  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS....................................................... 1

ARTICLE II
   THE MERGER
     2.1 THE MERGER................................................................. 5
     2.2  EFFECTIVE TIME............................................................ 5
     2.3  CHARTER AND BY-LAWS....................................................... 5
     2.4  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION........................... 5
     2.5  TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS OF 1855 BANCORP AND COMPASS BANK................... 6
     2.6  ADDITIONAL ACTIONS........................................................ 6
     2.7  EFFECTS OF THE MERGER..................................................... 6
     2.8  POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES........................................... 6

ARTICLE III
   CONVERSION OF SHARES
     3.1 CONVERSION SHARES.......................................................... 7
     3.2  EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS.................................................... 7
     3.3  DISSENTING SHARES......................................................... 8
     3.4  SURRENDER OF SHARES; STOCK TRANSFER BOOKS................................. 8

ARTICLE IV
   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SANDWICH
     4.1  CAPITAL STRUCTURE......................................................... 9
     4.2  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH..........................10
     4.3  OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES........................................10
     4.4  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES.............10
     4.5  AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT........................................11
     4.6  SECURITIES DOCUMENTS AND REGULATORY REPORTS...............................12
     4.7  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................................................12
     4.8  MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE...................................................13
     4.9  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.....................................................13
     4.10  TAX MATTERS..............................................................13
     4.11  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................................14
     4.12  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.....................................................14
     4.13  CERTAIN INFORMATION......................................................15
     4.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS...................................................15
     4.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS........................................................17
     4.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS......................................................18
     4.17  INSURANCE................................................................18
     4.18  LOAN PORTFOLIO...........................................................18
     4.19  PROPERTIES...............................................................18
     4.20  LABOR....................................................................18
     4.21  REQUIRED VOTE; INAPPLICABILITY OF ANTITAKOVER STATUTES...................19
     4.22  MATERIAL INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS....................................19
     4.23  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.....................................................19
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

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     4.24  DISCLOSURES..............................................................19

ARTICLE V
   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF 1855 BANCORP
     5.1  CAPITAL STRUCTURE.........................................................19
     5.2  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF 1855 BANCORP......................19
     5.3  OWNERSHIP OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES................................20
     5.4  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES.....20
     5.5  AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT........................................20
     5.6  REGULATORY REPORTS........................................................21
     5.7  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................................................22
     5.8  MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE...................................................22
     5.9  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.....................................................22
     5.10  TAX MATTERS..............................................................23
     5.11  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................................23
     5.12  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.....................................................23
     5.13  CERTAIN INFORMATION......................................................24
     5.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS...................................................24
     5.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS........................................................25
     5.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS......................................................26
     5.17  INSURANCE................................................................26
     5.18  PROPERTIES...............................................................26
     5.19  LABOR....................................................................26
     5.20  OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK.......................................26
     5.21  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.....................................................26
     5.22  DISCLOSURES..............................................................27
     5.23  DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE......................................................27
     5.24  MERGER SUB...............................................................27

ARTICLE VI
   COVENANTS OF SANDWICH
     6.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.......................................................27
     6.2  CURRENT INFORMATION.......................................................30
     6.3  ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS..........................................30
     6.4  FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS............................................30
     6.5  DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS....................................................31
     6.6  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES...................................31
     6.7  ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS....................................................31
     6.8  FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.............................................31
     6.9  NO SOLICITATION...........................................................31

ARTICLE VII
   COVENANTS OF 1855 BANCORP
     7.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.......................................................32
     7.2  CURRENT INFORMATION.......................................................32
     7.3  ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS..........................................32
     7.4  FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS............................................33
     7.5  DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS....................................................33
     7.6  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES...................................33
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

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     7.7  ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS....................................................33
     7.8  FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.............................................34
     7.9  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.........................................................34
     7.10 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE......................35
     7.11 MERGER SUB................................................................36

ARTICLE VIII
   REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS
     8.1  SANDWICH SPECIAL MEETING..................................................37
     8.2  SANDWICH PROXY MATERIALS..................................................37
     8.3  CAPITAL OFFERING..........................................................37
     8.4  REGULATORY APPROVALS......................................................39

ARTICLE IX
   CLOSING CONDITIONS
     9.1  CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT...............39
     9.2  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF 1855 BANCORP UNDER THIS AGREEMENT........39
     9.3  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SANDWICH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT............40

ARTICLE X
   THE CLOSING
     10.1  TIME AND PLACE...........................................................41
     10.2  DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING................................................42

ARTICLE XI
   TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
     11.1  TERMINATION..............................................................42
     11.2  EFFECT OF TERMINATION....................................................43
     11.3  1855 BANCORP SPECIAL PAYMENT.............................................44
     11.4  SANDWICH CHANGE IN CONTROL EXPENSE FEE...................................45
     11.5  AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER..........................................46

ARTICLE XII
   MISCELLANEOUS
     12.1  CONFIDENTIALITY..........................................................47
     12.2  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.....................................................47
     12.3  SURVIVAL.................................................................47
     12.4  NOTICES..................................................................47
     12.5  PARTIES IN INTEREST......................................................48
     12.6  COMPLETE AGREEMENT.......................................................48
     12.7  COUNTERPARTS.............................................................48
     12.8  SEVERABILITY.............................................................48
     12.9  GOVERNING LAW............................................................49
     12.10 INTERPRETATION...........................................................49
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                       AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT

     AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated as of February 2,
1998, by and between The 1855 Bancorp, a Massachusetts mutual holding company
("1855 Bancorp"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, COMPASS BANK FOR SAVINGS, a
Massachusetts savings bank ("Compass Bank"), SANDWICH BANCORP, INC., a
Massachusetts corporation and bank holding company ("Sandwich"), and its wholly-
owned subsidiary, THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK, a Massachusetts co-operative
bank ("Sandwich Bank").

     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of 1855 Bancorp, the Board of Directors of
Compass Bank and the Boards of Directors of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank have
determined that it is in the best interests of their respective organizations
and, with respect to Sandwich, its stockholders to consummate, and have
approved, the business combination transactions provided for herein, in which a
newly-formed special-purpose subsidiary ("Merger Sub") of Compass Bank will,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, merge (the "Merger") with
Sandwich, with Sandwich as the surviving corporation of the Merger; and

     WHEREAS, as a condition to, and after the execution of, this Agreement,
1855 Bancorp and certain of the officers and directors of Sandwich and Sandwich
Bank are entering into voting agreements in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A; and

     WHEREAS, immediately after consummation of the Merger, it is anticipated
that Sandwich will be liquidated and Sandwich Bank will be merged with and into
Compass Bank (the "Bank Merger");

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and
agreements in connection with the Merger and to prescribe certain conditions to
the Merger;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations,
warranties and agreements herein contained, and of other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

     1.1  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms
have the following meanings (unless the context otherwise requires, both here
and throughout this Agreement, references to Articles and Sections refer to
Articles and Sections of this Agreement).

     "Bank Commissioner" shall mean the Commissioner of Banks of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     "BHCA" shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.

     "BIF" means the Bank Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC or any
successor thereto.

     "Capital Offering" shall mean the offering and sale of up to 49% of the
common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company or of Compass Bank or other
acceptable forms of capital or capital substitutes in comparable amount pursuant
to applicable law for purposes of funding the Merger.

     "Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 34 hereof.

     "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
<PAGE>

     "Compass Bank for Savings" shall mean Compass Bank, a Massachusetts-
chartered savings bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp.

     "Depositors Insurance Fund" shall mean the Depositors Insurance Fund of the
Mutual Savings Central Fund, Inc.

     "Disclosure Schedule" shall mean a written, signed disclosure schedule
delivered from the disclosing party to the other party specifically referring to
the appropriate section of this Agreement and describing in reasonable detail
the matters contained therein,

     "Dissenting Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 33 hereof.

     "DOJ" shall mean the United States Department of Justice.

     "Effective Date" shall mean the date on which the Effective Time occurs.

     "Effective Time" shall mean the date and time specified pursuant to Section
22 hereof as the effective time of the Merger.

     "Environmental Claim" means any written notice from any Governmental Entity
or third party alleging potential liability (including, without limitation,
potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental
response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries
or penalties) arising out of, based on, or resulting from the presence, or
release into the environment, of any Materials of Environmental Concern.

     "Environmental Laws" means any federal, state or local law, statute,
ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval,
consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any governmental
entity relating to (1) the protection, preservation or restoration of the
environment (including, without limitation, air, water vapor, surface water,
groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and
animal life or any other natural resource), and/or (2) the use, storage,
recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling,
labeling, production, release or disposal of Materials of Environment Concern.
The term Environmental Law includes without limitation (1) the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
(S)9601, et seq; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42
         -- ---
U.S.C. (S)6901, et seq; the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. (S)7401, et
                -- ---                                                    --
seq; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. (S)1251, et
---                                                                          --
seq; the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. (S)9601, et seq;
---                                                                   -- ---
the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)1101, et
                                                                           --
seq; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)300f, et seq; and all comparable
---                                                  -- ---
state and local laws, and (2) any common law (including without limitation
common law that may impose strict liability) that may impose liability or
obligations for injuries or damages due to, or threatened as a result of, the
presence of or exposure to any Materials of Environmental Concern.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

     "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "FDIA" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.

     "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
successor thereto.

     "FHLB" shall mean Federal Home Loan Bank.

     "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any
successor thereto.

     "Fixed Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 311
hereof.

                                       2
<PAGE>

     "Governmental Entity" shall mean any federal or state court, administrative
agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality.

     "MBCL" shall mean the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as amended.

     "MHPF" shall mean the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund.

     "Massachusetts Board" shall mean the Massachusetts Board of Bank
Incorporation.

     "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to the 1855 Bancorp or
Sandwich, respectively, any effect that (i) is material and adverse to the
financial condition, results of operations or business of 1855 Bancorp and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or Sandwich and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole,
respectively, or (ii) materially impairs the ability of either Sandwich, on the
one hand, or 1855 Bancorp, on the other hand, to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that "Material Adverse Effect" shall
not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in laws and regulations
particularly affecting banks, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles generally applicable to financial institutions and their holding
companies, (c) actions and omissions of a party (or any of its Subsidiaries)
taken with the prior written consent of the other party, (d) changes in interest
rates, and (e) the direct effects of compliance with this Agreement on the
operating performance of the parties including expenses incurred by the parties
hereto in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including without limitation the expenses associated with the termination of any
of the Sandwich Employee Plans as and to the extent contemplated herein.

     "Materials of Environmental Concern" means pollutants, contaminants,
wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum products,  and any other
materials regulated under Environmental Laws.

     "Merger" shall mean the merger of Merger Sub with and into Sandwich
pursuant to the terms hereof.

     "Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 311
hereof.

     "Mid-Tier Holding Company" shall mean that Massachusetts corporation that
may be formed as a subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp for the purpose of (i) serving as
a "mid-tier holding company" of Compass Bank and (ii) issuing up to 49% of its
common stock in the Capital Offering.

     "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

     "Offering Document" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 833.

     "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any
successor thereto.

     "Paying Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 341 hereof.

     "Previously Disclosed" shall mean disclosed in a Disclosure Schedule dated
on or prior to the date hereof.

     "Proxy Statement" shall mean the proxy statement, as amended or
supplemented, to be delivered to shareholders of Sandwich in connection with the
solicitation of their approval of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.

     "Rights" shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities,
stock appreciation rights and other arrangements or commitments which obligate
an entity to issue or dispose of any of its capital stock or other ownership
interests or which provide for compensation based on the equity appreciation of
its capital stock.

                                       3
<PAGE>

     "SAIF" means the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered by the
FDIC or any successor thereto.

     "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "Sandwich Bank" shall mean Sandwich Co-operative Bank, a Massachusetts-
chartered co-operative bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sandwich.

     "Sandwich Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of Sandwich.

     "Sandwich Employee Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4141
hereof.

     "Sandwich Financial Statements" shall mean (i) the audited consolidated
balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich Bank
as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and the consolidated statements of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich Bank for each of the three years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 as filed by Sandwich in its Securities
Documents, and (ii) the unaudited consolidated statements of financial condition
of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank (including related notes and schedules, if any) and
consolidated balance sheets, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
(including related notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank
included in the Securities Documents filed by Sandwich or Sandwich Bank with
respect to the quarterly periods ended subsequent to December 31, 1996, and
(iii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheets (including related notes and
schedules, if any) of Sandwich as of December 31, 1997 and the consolidated
statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
(including related notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich for the year ended
December 31, 1997, a copy of which has been provided to 1855 Bancorp.

     "Sandwich Options" shall mean options to purchase shares of Sandwich Common
Stock granted pursuant to the Sandwich Option Plans or as otherwise Previously
Disclosed.

     "Sandwich Option Plans" shall mean the following stock option plans of
Sandwich, as amended and as in effect as of the date hereof:  The Sandwich Bank
1986 Stock Option Plan and The Sandwich Bank 1994 Stock Option and Incentive
Plan.

     "Sandwich Preferred Stock" shall mean the shares of preferred stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of Sandwich.

     "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     "Securities Documents" shall mean all reports, offering circulars, proxy
statements, registration statements and all similar documents filed, or required
to be filed, pursuant to the Securities Laws.

     "Securities Laws" shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act; the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended; the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

     "Share Insurance Fund" shall mean the share insurance fund of the Co-
operative Central Bank.

     "Subsidiary" shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation
S-X of the SEC.

     "Surviving Corporation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 21
hereof.

     "1855 Bancorp Employee Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5141 hereof.

                                       4
<PAGE>

     "1855 Bancorp Financial Statements" shall mean the audited consolidated
statements of financial condition (including related notes and schedules) of
1855 Bancorp as of October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) of 1855 Bancorp for each of the three years ended
October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 as set forth in 1855 Bancorp's annual report for
the year ended October 31, 1997, a copy of which has been provided to Sandwich.

     Other terms used herein are defined in the preamble and elsewhere in this
Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE II

                                  THE MERGER

     2.1  THE MERGER.  As promptly as practicable following the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions to the parties' respective obligations hereunder, and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time:
(a) unless theretofore done, 1855 Bancorp shall cause Merger Sub to be organized
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compass Bank in accordance with Massachusetts
law; (b) Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Sandwich, with Sandwich as the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"); and (c) the separate
                            ---------------------
existence of Merger Sub shall cease and all of the rights, privileges, powers,
franchises, properties, assets, liabilities and obligations of Merger Sub shall
be vested in and assumed by Sandwich.

     2.2  EFFECTIVE TIME.  The Merger shall be effected by the filing of
Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in accordance with Massachusetts law to become effective on the
day of the closing ("Closing Date") provided for in Article X hereof (the
                     ------------
"Closing").  The term "Effective Time" shall mean the time on the Closing Date
--------               --------------
(or a subsequent date not later than the opening of business on the next
business day) when the Merger becomes effective as set forth in the Articles of
Merger.

     2.3  CHARTER AND BY-LAWS.  The Articles of Organization and By-laws of the
Surviving Corporation shall be the Articles of Organization, as amended, and By-
laws of Sandwich as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, until
thereafter amended as provided therein and by applicable law.

     2.4  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION.  The Directors of
Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
Directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with
the Articles of Organization and By-Laws of Surviving Corporation. The officers
of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
officers of Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

     2.5  TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS OF 1855 BANCORP AND COMPASS BANK.  Prior to or
at the Effective Time:

          2.5.1  Three directors of Sandwich (one of whom shall be the President
of Sandwich and the other two of whom shall be designated by 1855 Bancorp after
consultation with Sandwich) shall be elected to the Board of Directors of
Compass Bank;

          2.5.2  The President of Sandwich shall be appointed to the Executive
Committee of Compass Bank;

          2.5.3  Nine directors of Sandwich (three of whom shall be the same
individuals who are appointed as members of Compass Bank's Board of Directors
and the other six of whom shall be

                                       5
<PAGE>

designated by 1855 Bancorp after consultation with Sandwich) shall be elected to
the Board of Trustees of 1855 Bancorp; and

          2.5.4  All of the directors of Sandwich shall be invited to join the
Board of Corporators of 1855 Bancorp, effective at the next annual meeting of
1855 Bancorp.

     2.6  ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  If, at any time after the Effective Time,
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any further assignments
or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable (a) to vest,
perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in Surviving Corporation, title to
and possession of any property or right of Merger Sub acquired or to be acquired
by reason of, or as a result of, the Merger, or (b) otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, Merger Sub and its proper officers and directors
shall be deemed to have granted to Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of
attorney to execute and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and
assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm title to and possession of such property or rights in Surviving
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement; and the
proper officers and directors of Surviving Corporation are fully authorized in
the name of Merger Sub or otherwise to take any and all such action.

     2.7  EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.  At and after the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the effects set forth in Chapter 156B, Section 80 of the General Laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as amended.

     2.8  POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, prior to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp
shall be entitled to revise the structure of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, provided, that (i) there are
no material adverse federal or state income tax consequences to Sandwich and its
stockholders as a result of the modification; (ii) the consideration to be paid
to the holders of Sandwich Common Stock under this Agreement is not thereby
changed in kind or reduced in amount; (iii) there are no material adverse
changes to the benefits and other arrangements provided to or on behalf of
Sandwich's directors, officers and other employees; and (iv) such modification
will not delay materially or jeopardize receipt of any required regulatory
approvals or other consents and approvals relating to the consummation of the
Merger.  1855 Bancorp, Compass Bank, Sandwich and Sandwich Bank agree to
appropriately amend this Agreement and any related documents in order to reflect
any such revised structure.

                                  ARTICLE III

                             CONVERSION OF SHARES

     3.1  CONVERSION SHARES.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and
without any action on the part of Merger Sub, Sandwich or the holders of any of
the shares of Sandwich Common Stock (shares of Sandwich Common Stock being
hereinafter collectively referred to as "Shares"):
                                         ------

          3.1.1  Each Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time (other than any Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 312
and any Dissenting Shares (as hereinafter defined)) shall be cancelled and shall
be converted automatically into the right to receive an amount equal to $53.00
in cash for each Share (the "Fixed Consideration").  In the event that the
                             -------------------
Effective Time has not occurred on or prior to October 1, 1998, and the failure
of the Effective Time to have occurred on or prior to such anniversary is not
primarily attributable to acts or omissions by or circumstances related to
Sandwich, then the Fixed Consideration shall be adjusted upwards by an amount
determined by (A) multiplying (1) the Fixed Consideration by (2) a percentage
interest rate determined for the period commencing on the day after October 1,
1998, through and including the

                                       6
<PAGE>

Effective Date (the "Measurement Period") by averaging the discount rate,
expressed as a percentage, from face value on the [90-DAY TREASURY BILL RATE]
for the initial and each succeeding seven-day period (or portion thereof) during
the Measurement Period based on the most recent auction of such 90-day treasury
bill as reported in the "Money Rates" column of The Wall Street Journal or
                                                -----------------------
equivalent publication or information service, rounded at the date the foregoing
calculation is made at the Effective Time, upwards to the nearest $.01, then (B)
dividing the product determined pursuant to clause (A) by 365, and then (C)
multiplying the amount obtained after the application of clauses (A) and (B) by
the number of calendar days in the Measurement Period. The Fixed Consideration,
to the extent adjusted as provided above, is referred to herein as the "Merger
                                                                        ------
Consideration".
--------------

          3.1.2  Each Share held in the treasury of Sandwich and each Share
owned by Merger Sub, 1855 Bancorp or any direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp or of Sandwich immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be cancelled without any conversion thereof and no payment or
distribution shall be made with respect thereto.

          3.1.3  Each share of the common stock of Merger Sub issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and
exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of the
common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

     3.2  EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS.  Prior to the Effective Time, Sandwich shall,
in accordance with the terms of the Sandwich Option Plans, provide written
notice to each holder of a then outstanding stock option to purchase Shares
pursuant to the Sandwich Option Plans (whether or not such stock option is then
vested or exercisable), that such stock option shall be, as at the date of such
notice, exercisable in full and that such stock option will be automatically
canceled at the Effective Time and that, if such stock option is not exercised
or otherwise terminated before the Effective Time, such holder shall be entitled
to receive in cancellation of such option a cash payment from Sandwich at the
Closing in an amount equal to the excess of the Merger Consideration over the
per share exercise price of such stock option, multiplied by the number of
Shares covered by such stock option, subject to any required withholding of
taxes.  Subject to the foregoing, the Sandwich Option Plans and all options
issued thereunder shall terminate at the Effective Time.  Sandwich hereby
represents and warrants to 1855 Bancorp that the maximum number of Shares
subject to issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options issued and
outstanding under the Sandwich Option Plans is not and shall not be at or prior
to the Effective Time more than 144,778.

     3.3  DISSENTING SHARES.

          3.3.1  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary and
unless otherwise provided by applicable law, Shares that are issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and that are owned by
stockholders who have properly perfected their rights of appraisal within the
meaning of Section 85 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws (the

"Dissenting Shares"), shall not be converted into the right to receive the
------------------
Merger Consideration, unless and until such stockholders shall have failed to
perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost their right of payment under
applicable law, but, instead, the holders thereof shall be entitled to payment
of the appraised value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with the
provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 156B (S) 85 et seq.  If
                                                                  -- ----
any such holder shall have failed to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn
or lost such right of appraisal, each Share held by such stockholder shall
thereupon be deemed to have been converted into the right to receive and become
exchangeable for, at the Effective Time, the Merger Consideration in the manner
provided in Section 28 hereof.

          3.3.2  Sandwich shall give 1855 Bancorp (i) prompt notice of any
objections filed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 156B, (S) 85 et
                                                                              --
seq., received by Sandwich, withdrawals of
---
                                       7
<PAGE>

such objections, and any other instruments served in connection with such
objections pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws and received by Sandwich
and (ii) the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect
to objections under the Massachusetts General Laws consistent with the
obligations of Sandwich thereunder. Sandwich shall not, except with the prior
written consent of 1855 Bancorp, (x) make any payment with respect to any such
objection, (y) offer to settle or settle any such objections or (z) waive any
failure to timely deliver a written objection in accordance with the
Massachusetts General Laws.

     3.4  SURRENDER OF SHARES; STOCK TRANSFER BOOKS.

          3.4.1  Prior to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank shall
designate a bank or trust company, reasonably acceptable to Sandwich, to act as
agent (the "Paying Agent") for the holders of Shares in connection with the
            ------------
Merger to receive the funds to which holders of Shares shall become entitled
pursuant to Section 311.  Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Compass Bank
shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Paying Agent, for the benefit
of the holders of certificates evidencing such Shares (the "Certificates"), for
                                                            ------------
exchange in accordance with this Article III, such amount of cash as is
sufficient to pay the aggregate Merger Consideration which holders of Shares are
entitled to receive in exchange for outstanding Shares.

          3.4.2  Promptly after the Effective Time (but in no event more than
three business days thereafter), 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank shall cause to be
mailed to each person who was, at the Effective Time, a holder of record of
Shares entitled to receive the Merger Consideration a form of letter of
transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of
loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the
Certificates to the Paying Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the
surrender of the Certificates pursuant to such letter of transmittal. Sandwich
shall have the right to review the letter of transmittal, the instructions and
any accompanying letter. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent of a Certificate,
together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in
accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may be
required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such Certificate shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Merger Consideration for each Share
formerly evidenced by such Certificate, and such Certificate shall then be
cancelled. No interest shall accrue or be paid for the period following the
Effective Time on the Merger Consideration payable upon the surrender of any
Certificate for the benefit of the holder of such Certificate. If payment of the
Merger Consideration is to be made to a person other than the person in whose
name the surrendered Certificate is registered on the stock transfer books of
Sandwich, it shall be a condition of payment that the Certificate so surrendered
shall be endorsed properly or otherwise be in proper form for transfer and that
the person requesting such payment shall have paid all transfer and other taxes
required by reason of the payment of the Merger Consideration to a person other
than the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered or shall have
established to the satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation that such taxes
either have been paid or are not applicable.

          3.4.3  At any time following the twelfth month after the Effective
Time, 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank shall be entitled to require the Paying Agent
to deliver to it any funds which had been made available to the Paying Agent and
not disbursed to holders of Shares (including, without limitation, all interest
and other income received by the Paying Agent in respect of all funds made
available to it), and thereafter such holders shall be entitled to look to 1855
Bancorp and Compass Bank (subject to abandoned property, escheat and other
similar laws) only as general creditors thereof with respect to any Merger
Consideration that may be payable upon due surrender of the Certificates held by
them. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither 1855 Bancorp nor Compass Bank nor
the Paying

                                       8
<PAGE>

Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Share for any Merger Consideration
delivered in respect of such Share to a public official pursuant to any
abandoned property, escheat or other similar law.

          3.4.4  At the close of business on the Effective Date, the stock
transfer books of Sandwich shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no
further registration of transfers of Shares on the records of Sandwich. From and
after the Effective Time, the holders of Shares outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Shares
except as otherwise provided herein or by applicable law.

          3.4.5  In the event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by 1855
Bancorp or Compass Bank, upon the posting by such person of a bond in such
amount as 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank may reasonably direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate,
the Paying Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
Certificate, the cash representing the Merger Consideration deliverable in
respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SANDWICH

     Sandwich hereby represents and warrants to 1855 Bancorp as follows:

     4.1  CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The authorized capital stock of Sandwich consists
of 15,000,000 shares of Sandwich Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Sandwich
Preferred Stock.  As of the date of this Agreement, 1,944,260 shares of Sandwich
Common Stock are issued and outstanding, no shares of Sandwich Common Stock are
directly or indirectly held by Sandwich as treasury stock and no shares of
Sandwich Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.  All outstanding shares of
Sandwich Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully
paid and nonassessable, and none of the outstanding shares of Sandwich Common
Stock has been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any person, firm
or entity.  Except for Sandwich Options to acquire not more than 144,778 shares
of Sandwich Common Stock, a schedule of which has been Previously Disclosed,
there are no Rights authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to or
relating to the capital stock of Sandwich.

     4.2  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH.   Sandwich is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts with full corporate power and authority to
own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as
now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of property or
the conduct of its business requires such licensing or qualification, except
where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.  Sandwich is duly registered as a
bank holding company under the BHCA.  Sandwich has heretofore delivered to 1855
Bancorp true and complete copies of the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of
Sandwich as in effect as of the date hereof.

     4.3  OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES.  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed
the name, jurisdiction of incorporation and percentage ownership of each direct
or indirect Sandwich Subsidiary. Except for (x) capital stock of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries, (y) securities and other interests held in a fiduciary capacity
and beneficially owned by third parties or taken in consideration of debts
previously contracted, and (z) securities and other interests which are
Previously Disclosed, Sandwich does not own or have the right or obligation to
acquire, directly or indirectly, any outstanding capital stock or other voting
securities or ownership interests of any corporation, bank, savings association,

                                       9
<PAGE>

partnership, joint venture or other organization, other than investment
securities representing not more than 1% of any entity. The outstanding shares
of capital stock or other ownership interests of each Sandwich Subsidiary have
been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, and
are directly or indirectly owned by Sandwich free and clear of all liens,
claims, encumbrances, charges, pledges, restrictions or rights of third parties
of any kind whatsoever. No Rights are authorized, issued or outstanding with
respect to the capital stock or other ownership interests of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries and there are no agreements, understandings or commitments relating
to the right of Sandwich to vote or to dispose of such capital stock or other
ownership interests.

     4.4  ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES.  Each
of the Sandwich Subsidiaries is a bank, corporation or partnership duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized.  Each of the Sandwich Subsidiaries (i)
has full power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets
and to carry on its business as now conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires
such qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in
good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.  The deposit
accounts of Sandwich Bank are insured by the BIF or, in the case of certain
deposits, the SAIF, to the maximum extent permitted by the FDIA, and by the
Share Insurance Fund for amounts in excess of FDIC limits.  Sandwich Bank has
paid all deposit insurance premiums and assessments required by the FDIC and the
Share Insurance Fund.  Sandwich has heretofore delivered or made available to
1855 Bancorp true and complete copies of the Charter and Bylaws of Sandwich Bank
as in effect as of the date hereof.

     4.5  AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.

          4.5.1  Sandwich has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement and (subject to receipt of all necessary governmental
approvals and the approval of Sandwich's shareholders of this Agreement) to
perform all of its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof
on the part of Sandwich, except for the approval of this Agreement by Sandwich's
shareholders. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
Sandwich and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of Sandwich,
enforceable against Sandwich in accordance with its terms, subject, as to
enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity
principles.

          4.5.2  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, nor consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, nor compliance by Sandwich with any of the provisions hereof (i) does or
will conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of the Articles of
Organization or Bylaws of Sandwich or the equivalent documents of any Sandwich
Subsidiary, (ii) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any term,
condition or provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give
rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration with respect to,
or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property
or asset of Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary pursuant to, any material note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other
instrument or obligation to which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary is a
party, or by which any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or
affected, or (iii) subject to receipt of all required governmental and
shareholder approvals, violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary.

                                       10
<PAGE>

          4.5.3  Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices with, and
the consents and approvals of, as applicable, the FRB, the FDIC, the
Massachusetts Board, the MHPF, the Co-operative Central Bank and the Bank
Commissioner, (ii) the filing of the Proxy Statement with the SEC, (iii) the
approval of this Agreement by the requisite vote of the shareholders of
Sandwich, (iv) the filing of Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to the MBCL in connection with the
Merger, and (v) review of the Merger by the DOJ under federal antitrust laws,
and except for such filings, registrations, consents or approvals which are
Previously Disclosed, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations
with any Governmental Entity or with any third party are necessary on the part
of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank in connection with the execution and delivery by
Sandwich of this Agreement and the consummation by Sandwich of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

          4.5.4  As of the date hereof, neither Sandwich nor Sandwich Bank is
aware of any reasons relating to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank (including without
limitation Community Reinvestment Act compliance) why all consents and approvals
shall not be procured from all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as shall be necessary for (i)
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the
continuation by 1855 Bancorp after the Effective Time of the business of each of
1855 Bancorp and Sandwich as such business is carried on immediately prior to
the Effective Time, free of any conditions or requirements which, in the
reasonable opinion of Sandwich, could have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich or materially impair the value of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
to 1855 Bancorp.

     4.6  SECURITIES DOCUMENTS AND REGULATORY REPORTS

          4.6.1  Since January 1, 1993, Sandwich has timely filed with the SEC
or the FDIC (as applicable) and the NASD all Securities Documents required by
the Securities Laws and such Securities Documents complied in all material
respects with the Securities Laws and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

          4.6.2  Since January 1, 1993, each of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank has
duly filed with the FRB, the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC and any other
applicable federal or state banking authority, as the case may be, in correct
form the reports required to be filed under applicable laws and regulations and
such reports were in all material respects complete and accurate and in
compliance with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. Except as
Previously Disclosed, in connection with the most recent examinations of
Sandwich and Sandwich Bank by the FRB, the Bank Commissioner and the FDIC,
neither Sandwich nor Sandwich Bank was required to correct or change any action,
procedure or proceeding which Sandwich or Sandwich Bank believes has not been
corrected or changed as required as of the date hereof in all material respects.

     4.7  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

          4.7.1  Sandwich has previously delivered or made available to 1855
Bancorp accurate and complete copies of the Sandwich Financial Statements,
which, in the case of the consolidated statements of financial condition of
Sandwich Bank as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and the consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Sandwich Bank
for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are
accompanied by the audit reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent public
accountants with respect to Sandwich. The Sandwich Financial Statements referred
to herein, as well as the Sandwich Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant
to Section 62 hereof, fairly present or will fairly present, as the case may be,
the consolidated financial

                                       11
<PAGE>

condition of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank, as the case may be, as of the respective
dates set forth therein, and the consolidated results of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows of Sandwich for the respective periods or as
of the respective dates set forth therein.

          4.7.2  Each of the Sandwich Financial Statements referred to in
Section 4.7.1 has been or will be, as the case may be, prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the
periods involved, except as stated therein. The audits of Sandwich and the
Sandwich Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The books and records of
Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries are being maintained in material
compliance with applicable legal and accounting requirements, and such books and
records accurately reflect in all material respects all dealings and
transactions in respect of the business, assets, liabilities and affairs of
Sandwich and its Subsidiaries. The minute books of Sandwich and each of its
Subsidiaries contain complete and accurate records of all meetings and other
corporate actions authorized at such meetings held or taken since January 1,
1993 to date of its stockholders and Board of Directors.

          4.7.3  Except and to the extent (i) reflected, disclosed or provided
for in the consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of
December 31, 1997 (including related notes) and (ii) of liabilities incurred
since December 31, 1997 in the ordinary course of business, neither Sandwich nor
any Sandwich Subsidiary has any liabilities, whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise, material to the financial condition, results of
operations or business of Sandwich on a consolidated basis.

     4.8  MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  Since December 31, 1997 (i) Sandwich and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary and
usual course (excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection with this
Agreement, and excluding the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) no event
has occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.

     4.9  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  Except as Previously Disclosed:

          4.9.1  To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, Sandwich and its
Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Environmental Laws. Neither
Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary has received any communication alleging
that Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary is not in such compliance and, to the
best knowledge of Sandwich, there are no present circumstances that would
prevent or interfere with the continuation of such compliance.

          4.9.2  To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, none of the properties
presently or formerly owned, leased or operated by Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary, or in which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary has a lien or other
security interest, has been or is in material violation of or materially liable
under any Environmental Law.

          4.9.3  To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, there are no past or
present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents that
could reasonably form the basis of any material Environmental Claim or other
claim or action or governmental investigation that could result in the
imposition of any material liability arising under any Environmental Law against
Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose
liability for any Environmental Claim Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary has or
may have retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

          4.9.4  Sandwich has not conducted any environmental studies during the
past five years with respect to any properties owned by it or a Sandwich
Subsidiary as of the date hereof.

                                       12
<PAGE>

     4.10  TAX MATTERS

           4.10.1  Sandwich and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all federal,
state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income, franchise, bank, excise,
real property, personal property and other tax returns required by applicable
law to be filed by them (including, without limitation, estimated tax returns,
income tax returns, information returns and withholding and employment tax
returns) and have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, have
set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all material taxes
required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by such returns and, as of
the Effective Time, will have paid, or where payment is not required to have
been made, will have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of,
all material taxes for any subsequent periods ending on or prior to the
Effective Time. Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary will have any
material liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or
reserves or accruals so established.

           4.10.2  All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign)
income, franchise, bank, excise, real property, personal property and other tax
returns filed by Sandwich and its Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all
material respects. Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is delinquent in
the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge or, except as
Previously Disclosed, has requested any extension of time within which to file
any tax returns in respect of any fiscal year or portion thereof which have not
since been filed. Except as Previously Disclosed, the federal, state and local
income tax returns of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries have been examined by the
applicable tax authorities (or are closed to examination due to the expiration
of the applicable statute of limitations) and no deficiencies for any tax,
assessment or governmental charge have been proposed, asserted or assessed
(tentatively or otherwise) against Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary as a result
of such examinations or otherwise which have not been settled and paid. There
are currently no agreements in effect with respect to Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary to extend the period of limitations for the assessment or collection
of any tax. As of the date hereof, no audit, examination or deficiency or refund
litigation with respect to such return is pending or, to the best of Sandwich's
knowledge, threatened.

           4.10.3  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Sandwich nor any
Sandwich Subsidiary (i) is a party to any agreement providing for the allocation
or sharing of taxes, (ii) is required to include in income any adjustment
pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code by reason of a voluntary change in
accounting method initiated by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary (nor does
Sandwich have any knowledge that the Internal Revenue Service has proposed any
such adjustment or change of accounting method) or (iii) has filed a consent
pursuant to Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of
the Code apply.

     4.11  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   Except as Previously Disclosed, there are no
actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or proceedings instituted,
pending or, to the best knowledge of the senior officers and directors of
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary, threatened against Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary or against any asset, interest or right of Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary, or against any officer, director or employee of any of them, and
neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is a party to any order, judgment or
decree.

     4.12  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

           4.12.1  Each of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries has all
permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals of, and has
made all filings, applications and registrations with, federal, state, local and
foreign governmental or regulatory bodies that are required in order to permit
it to carry on its business as it is presently being conducted and the absence
of which could

                                       13
<PAGE>

reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich; all such
permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full
force and effect; and to the best knowledge of Sandwich, no suspension or
cancellation of any of the same is threatened.

           4.12.2  Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is in violation of
its respective Articles of Organization, Charter or Bylaws, or of any applicable
federal, state or local law or ordinance or any order, rule or regulation of any
federal, state, local or other governmental agency or body (including, without
limitation, all banking (including without limitation all regulatory capital
requirements), securities, municipal securities, safety, health, environmental,
zoning, anti-discrimination, antitrust, and wage and hour laws, ordinances,
orders, rules and regulations), or in default with respect to any order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court, or in default under any order, license,
regulation or demand of any governmental agency, any of which violations or
defaults could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Sandwich; and neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary has received any notice
or communication from any federal, state or local governmental authority
asserting that Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is in violation of any of the
foregoing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on Sandwich. Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is currently subject to
any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, written
directive, memorandum of understanding or written commitment (other than those
of general applicability to all banks and holding companies thereof), and
neither of them has received any written communication requesting that it enter
into any of the foregoing. No regulatory agency has initiated any proceeding or,
to the best knowledge of Sandwich, investigation into the business or operations
of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries since prior to December 31,
1992. Sandwich has not received any objection from any regulatory agency to
Sandwich's response to any violation, criticism or exception with respect to any
report or statement relating to any examinations of Sandwich or any of the
Sandwich Subsidiaries.

     4.13  CERTAIN INFORMATION  None of the information relating to Sandwich and
its Subsidiaries supplied or to be supplied for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in (i) the Offering Document will, at the time the Offering Document
is mailed to subscribers (and, if applicable, at the time the related Form S-1
and any amendment thereto becomes effective under the Securities Act), contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement, as of the
date(s) such Proxy Statement is mailed to shareholders of Sandwich and up to and
including the date of the meeting of shareholders to which such Proxy Statement
relates, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, provided that
information as of a later date shall be deemed to modify information as of an
earlier date.  The Proxy Statement mailed by Sandwich to its shareholders in
connection with the meeting of shareholders at which this Agreement will be
considered by such shareholders will comply as to form in all material respects
with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     4.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

           4.14.1  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed all stock option, employee
stock purchase and stock bonus plans, qualified pension or profit-sharing plans,
any deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or group insurance contract or any
other incentive, health and welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement
maintained for the benefit of employees or former employees of Sandwich or any
Sandwich Subsidiary (the "Sandwich Employee Plans"), whether written or oral,
and Sandwich has previously furnished or made available to 1855 Bancorp accurate
and complete copies of the same together with (i) the most recent actuarial and
financial reports prepared with respect to any qualified

                                       14
<PAGE>

plans, (ii) the most recent annual reports filed with any governmental agency,
and (iii) all rulings and determination letters and any open requests for
rulings or letters that pertain to any qualified plan.

           4.14.2  None of Sandwich, any Sandwich Subsidiary, any pension plan
maintained by either of them and qualified under Section 401 of the Code or, to
the best of Sandwich's knowledge, any fiduciary of such plan has incurred any
material liability to the PBGC or the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
any employees of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary.  To the best of Sandwich's
knowledge, no reportable event under Section 4043(b) of ERISA has occurred with
respect to any such pension plan.

           4.14.3  Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary participates in
or has incurred any liability under Section 4201 of ERISA for a complete or
partial withdrawal from a multi-employer plan (as such term is defined in
ERISA).

           4.14.5  A favorable determination letter has been issued by the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Sandwich Employee Plan which is an
"employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (a
"Sandwich Pension Plan") which is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the
Code to the effect that such plan is qualified under Section 401 of the Code and
the trust associated with such employee pension plan is tax exempt under Section
501 of the Code. No such letter has been revoked or, to the best of Sandwich's
knowledge, is threatened to be revoked and Sandwich does not know of any ground
on which such revocation may be based. Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich
Subsidiary has any liability under any such plan that is not reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich at December 31, 1997
included in the Sandwich Financial Statements, other than liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business in connection therewith subsequent to the
date thereof.

           4.14.5  To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, no prohibited
transaction (which shall mean any transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA
and not exempt under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) has
occurred with respect to any Sandwich Employee Plan which would result in the
imposition, directly or indirectly, of a material excise tax under Section 4975
of the Code or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.

           4.14.6  Full payment has been made (or proper accruals have been
established) of all contributions which are required for periods prior to the
date hereof, and full payment will be so made (or proper accruals will be so
established) of all contributions which are required for periods after the date
hereof and prior to the Effective Time, under the terms of each Sandwich
Employee Plan or ERISA; to the best of Sandwich's knowledge, no accumulated
funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Sandwich Pension Plan,
and there is no "unfunded current liability" (as defined in Section 412 of the
Code) with respect to any Sandwich Pension Plan.

           4.14.7  To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, the Sandwich Employee
Plans have been operated in compliance in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, all regulations, rulings and
announcements promulgated or issued thereunder and all other applicable
governmental laws and regulations.

           4.14.8  There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of Sandwich,
threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or
against any of the Sandwich Employee Plans or any trust related thereto or any
fiduciary thereof.

           4.14.9  Neither Sandwich nor 1855 Bancorp will be required to make a
Pension Payment as a result of the Merger.  The term "Pension Payment" shall
                                                      ---------------
mean the amount, if any, for which

                                       15
<PAGE>

Sandwich or its successor is or would be liable to the Co-operative Banks
Employees Retirement Association in connection with the cessation of Sandwich's
participation in said Association's pension plan and its complete withdrawal
from said pension plan.

     4.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS

           4.15.1  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Sandwich nor a
Sandwich Subsidiary is a party to, is bound or affected by, receives, or is
obligated to pay, benefits under

               (a) any agreement, arrangement or commitment, including without
     limitation any agreement, indenture or other instrument, relating to the
     borrowing of money by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary (other than in the
     case of Sandwich Bank deposits, FHLB advances, federal funds purchased and
     securities sold under agreements to repurchase in the ordinary course of
     business) or the guarantee by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary of any
     obligation, other than by Sandwich Bank in the ordinary course of its
     banking business,

               (b) any agreement or commitment relating to the employment of a
     consultant or the employment, election or retention in office of any
     present or former director, officer or employee of Sandwich or a Sandwich
     Subsidiary,

               (c) any agreement, arrangement or understanding pursuant to which
     any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) became or may become
     due to any director, officer or employee of Sandwich or a Sandwich
     Subsidiary upon execution of this Agreement or upon or following
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either
     alone or in connection with the occurrence of any additional acts or
     events);

               (d) any agreement, arrangement or understanding pursuant to which
     Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is obligated to indemnify any director,
     officer, employee or agent of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary;

               (e) any agreement, arrangement or understanding to which Sandwich
     or a Sandwich Subsidiary is a party or by which any of the same is bound
     which limits the freedom of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary to compete in
     any line of business or with any person,

               (f) any assistance agreement, supervisory agreement, memorandum
     of understanding, consent order, cease and desist order or condition of any
     regulatory order or decree with or by the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC, the
     FRB or any other regulatory agency,

               (g) any agreement (other than any agreement with a banking
     customer for the provision of banking services entered into by any Sandwich
     Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business) that involves a payment or
     series of payments of more than $50,000 in any one year from or to Sandwich
     or any Sandwich Subsidiary (unless such agreement is cancellable by
     Sandwich upon payment of a termination fee of not more than $40,000), or

               (h) any other agreement, arrangement or understanding which would
     be required to be filed as an exhibit to the Sandwich's Annual Report on
     Form 10-K under the Exchange Act and which has not been so filed.

           4.15.2  Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary is in material
default or non-compliance under any contract, agreement, commitment,
arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument to which it is a party
or by which its assets, business or operations may be bound or affected, whether
entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether written
or oral, and there has not occurred any event that with the lapse of time or the
giving of notice, or both, would constitute such a material default or non-
compliance.

                                       16
<PAGE>

     4.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Sandwich
nor any Sandwich Subsidiary nor any of their respective directors, officers or
employees, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any
broker or finder fees or commissions in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

     4.17  INSURANCE.  Each of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries is insured for
reasonable amounts with financially sound and reputable insurance companies
against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured and has
maintained all insurance required by applicable laws and regulations.  Sandwich
has Previously Disclosed all policies of insurance maintained by it or a
Sandwich Subsidiary as of the date hereof and any claims thereunder in excess of
$50,000 since January 1, 1995.  Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary has
received any notice of termination of any such insurance coverage or material
increase in the premiums therefor or has any reason to believe that any such
insurance coverage will be terminated or the premiums therefor materially
increased.

     4.18  LOAN PORTFOLIO.  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed all of the loans
in original principal amount in excess of $200,000 of Sandwich or any Sandwich
Subsidiary that as of the date of this Agreement are classified by Sandwich or
any Bank Regulator as "Special Mention", "Substandard", "Doubtful", "Loss" or
"Classified," together with the aggregate principal amount of and accrued and
unpaid interest on such all loans by category, it being understood that no
representation is being made that the FDIC, the Bank Commissioner or any other
Bank Regulator would agree with the loan classifications of Sandwich.

     4.19  PROPERTIES.  All real and personal property owned by Sandwich or its
Subsidiaries or presently used by any of them in its respective business is in
an adequate condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is sufficient to
carry on the business of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business consistent with their past practices.  Sandwich has good and marketable
title free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, defaults or equities
(other than equities of redemption under applicable foreclosure laws) to all of
the material properties and assets, real and personal, reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of December 31,
1997 included in the Sandwich Financial Statements or acquired after such date,
except (i) liens for current taxes not yet due or payable (ii) pledges to secure
deposits and other liens incurred in the ordinary course of its banking
business, (iii) such imperfections of title, easements and encumbrances, if any,
as are not material in character, amount or extent and (iv) as reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of December 31,
1997 included in the Sandwich Financial Statements.  All real and personal
property which is material to Sandwich's business on a consolidated basis and
leased or licensed by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is held pursuant to
leases or licenses which are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms and no such real property lease will terminate or lapse prior
to the Effective Time.

     4.20  LABOR.  No work stoppage involving Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary
is pending or, to the best knowledge of Sandwich, threatened.  Neither Sandwich
nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is involved in, or threatened with or affected by, any
labor dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or administrative proceeding involving the
employees of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary which could have a Material
Adverse Effect on Sandwich.  Employees of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries
are not represented by any labor union nor are any collective bargaining
agreements otherwise in effect with respect to such employees, and to the best
of Sandwich's knowledge, there have been no efforts to unionize or organize any
employees of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries during the past five
years.

     4.21  REQUIRED VOTE; INAPPLICABILITY OF ANTITAKOVER STATUTES

                                       17
<PAGE>

           4.21.1  The affirmative vote of the holders of two thirds of the
issued and outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock is necessary to approve
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby on behalf of Sandwich.

           4.21.2  Assuming the accuracy of the representation and warranty of
1855 Bancorp contained in Section 5.20 hereof, no "fair price," "moratorium,"
control share acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation,
including without limitation Chapters 110D and 110F of the MBCL, is applicable
to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     4.22  MATERIAL INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS.  Except as Previously
Disclosed, to the knowledge of Sandwich, no officer or director of Sandwich, or
any "associate" (as such term is defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act)
of any such officer or director, (i) has any material interest in any material
contract or property (real or personal), tangible or intangible, used in or
pertaining to the business of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries or
(ii) is indebted to, or has the right under a line of credit to borrow from,
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary in an amount exceeding $50,000.

     4.23  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.  Since December 31, 1996, neither Sandwich nor
any Sandwich Subsidiary has been a party to any material off-balance-sheet
transactions involving interest rate and currency swaps, options and futures
contracts, or any other similar derivative transactions, except as Previously
Disclosed.

     4.24  DISCLOSURES.  None of the representations and warranties of Sandwich
or any of the written information or documents furnished or to be furnished by
Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, when considered as a
whole, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
omits or will omit to state any material fact required to be stated or necessary
to make any such information or document, in light of the circumstances, not
misleading.

     4.25  DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE.  The Sandwich Disclosure Schedule sets forth,
among other things, disclosures with respect to or exceptions to Sandwich's
representations and warranties in this Article IV.  The mere inclusion of an
exception in the Sandwich Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed an admission
by Sandwich that such exception represents a material fact, event or
circumstance.

                                   ARTICLE V

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF 1855 BANCORP

     1855 Bancorp hereby represents and warrants to Sandwich as follows:

     5.1   CAPITAL STRUCTURE.  1855 Bancorp has no capital stock issued and
outstanding.

     5.2   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF 1855 BANCORP. 1855 Bancorp is
a mutual holding company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts with full corporate power
and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on
its business as now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing
of property or the conduct of its business requires such licensing or
qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good
standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp. 1855 Bancorp
is duly registered as a bank holding company under the BHCA and the regulations
of the FRB thereunder. 1855 Bancorp has heretofore delivered to Sandwich true
and complete copies of the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of 1855 Bancorp
as in effect as of the date hereof.

     5.3   OWNERSHIP OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES.  1855 Bancorp has
Previously Disclosed each direct or indirect 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary.  The
outstanding shares of capital stock of each 1855

                                       18
<PAGE>

Bancorp Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid
and nonassessable and are directly or indirectly owned by 1855 Bancorp free and
clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances, charges, pledges, restrictions or
rights of third parties of any kind whatsoever. No Rights are authorized, issued
or outstanding with respect to the capital stock or other ownership interests of
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary and there are no agreements, understandings or
commitments relating to the right of 1855 Bancorp to vote or to dispose of said
shares or other ownership interests.

     5.4   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF THE 1855 BANCORP
SUBSIDIARIES. Each of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized. Each of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries (i)
has full power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets
and to carry on its business as now conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires
such qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in
good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp. The
deposit accounts of Compass Bank are insured by the BIF or, in the case of
certain deposits, the SAIF, to the maximum extent permitted by the FDIA, and by
the Depositors Insurance Fund for amounts in excess of FDIC limits. Compass Bank
has paid all premiums and assessments required by the FDIC and the Depositors
Insurance Fund.

     5.5   AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.

           5.5.1   1855 Bancorp has all requisite corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and (subject to receipt of all necessary
governmental approvals and 1855 Bancorp's Corporators' approval of the Capital
Offering) to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action in respect thereof on the part of 1855 Bancorp and Compass
Bank, except for the approval of the Capital Offering by 1855 Bancorp's
Corporators. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
1855 Bancorp and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by
Sandwich, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of 1855 Bancorp
which is enforceable against 1855 Bancorp in accordance with its terms, subject,
as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity
principles.

           5.5.2   Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Capital
Offering) nor compliance by 1855 Bancorp with any of the provisions hereof (i)
does or will conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of the
Articles of Organization or Bylaws of 1855 Bancorp or the equivalent documents
of any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, (ii) violate, conflict with or result in a
breach of any term, condition or provision of, or constitute a default (or an
event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default)
under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration
with respect to, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance
upon any property or asset of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary
pursuant to, any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which 1855
Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is a party, or by which any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, or (iii) subject to
receipt of all required governmental, corporator and shareholder approvals,
violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
applicable to 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary.

           5.5.3   Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices with,
and the consents and approvals of, as applicable, the FRB, the FDIC, the
Massachusetts Board, the MHPF, the Depositors Insurance Fund, and the Bank
Commissioner, (ii) the filing and effectiveness of a Form S-1 Registration

                                       19
<PAGE>

Statement with the SEC by the Mid-Tier Subsidiary, if necessary, (iii)
compliance with applicable state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection
with the Capital Offering, (iv) the approval of the Capital Offering by the
requisite vote of the Corporators of 1855 Bancorp, (v) the filing of Articles of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant
to the MBCL in connection with the Merger and (vi) review of the Merger by the
DOJ under federal antitrust laws, and except for such filings, registrations,
consents or approvals as are Previously Disclosed, no consents or approvals of
or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity or with any third party
are necessary on the part of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary in
connection with the execution and delivery by 1855 Bancorp of this Agreement and
the consummation by 1855 Bancorp of the transactions contemplated hereby.

           5.5.4   As of the date hereof, 1855 Bancorp is not aware of any
reasons relating to 1855 Bancorp or any of its Subsidiaries (including without
limitation Community Reinvestment Act compliance) why all consents and approvals
shall not be procured from all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as shall be necessary for (i)
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the
continuation by 1855 Bancorp after the Effective Time of the business of each of
1855 Bancorp and Sandwich as such business is carried on immediately prior to
the Effective Time, free of any conditions or requirements which, in the
reasonable opinion of 1855 Bancorp, could have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich or materially impair the value of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
to 1855 Bancorp.

     5.6   REGULATORY REPORTS

           5.6.1   1855 Bancorp is not required to file any Securities Documents
with the SEC.

           5.6.2   Since January 1, 1993, each of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank
has duly filed with the FRB, the FDIC, and the Bank Commissioner, as the case
may be, in correct form the reports required to be filed under applicable laws
and regulations and such reports were in all material respects complete and
accurate and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws and
regulations. In connection with the most recent examinations of 1855 Bancorp and
Compass Bank by the FRB, the FDIC or the Bank Commissioner, neither 1855 Bancorp
nor Compass Bank was required to correct or change any action, procedure or
proceeding which 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank believes has not been corrected or
changed as required as of the date hereof in all material respects.

     5.7   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

           5.7.1   1855 Bancorp has previously delivered or made available to
Sandwich accurate and complete copies of the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements
which, in the case of the consolidated statements of financial condition of 1855
Bancorp as of October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated statements
of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years
ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are accompanied by the audit reports of
Arthur Andersen, independent public accountants with respect to 1855 Bancorp.
The 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements referred to herein, as well as the 1855
Bancorp Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 72 hereof,
fairly present or will fairly present, as the case may be, the consolidated
financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of the respective dates set forth
therein, and the consolidated results of operations, shareholders' equity and
cash flows of 1855 Bancorp for the respective periods or as of the respective
dates set forth therein.

           5.7.2   Each of the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements referred to in
Section 571 has been or will be, as the case may be, prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the periods
involved, except as stated therein.  The audits of 1855 Bancorp and the 1855
Bancorp Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in accordance
with

                                       20
<PAGE>

generally accepted auditing standards. The books and records of 1855 Bancorp and
the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries are being maintained in material compliance with
applicable legal and accounting requirements, and all such books and records
accurately reflect in all material respects all dealings and transactions in
respect of the business, assets, liabilities and affairs of 1855 Bancorp and the
1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries. The minute books of 1855 Bancorp and each of its
subsidiaries contain complete and accurate records of all meetings and other
corporate actions authorized at such meetings held or taken since January 1,
1993 to date of its stockholders and Board of Directors.

          5.7.3  Except and to the extent (i) reflected, disclosed or provided
for in the consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of
October 31, 1997 (including related notes) and (ii) of liabilities incurred
since October 31, 1997 in the ordinary course of business, neither 1855 Bancorp
nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has any liabilities, whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise, material to the financial condition, results of
operations or business of 1855 Bancorp on a consolidated basis.

     5.8  MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  Since October 31, 1997, (i) 1855 Bancorp and
its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary and
usual course (excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection with this
Agreement, and excluding the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) no event
has occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.

     5.9  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as Previously Disclosed:

          5.9.1  To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, 1855 Bancorp and the
1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Environmental
Laws. Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has received any
communication alleging that 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is not
in such compliance and, to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, there are no
present circumstances that would prevent or interfere with the continuation of
such compliance.

          5.9.2  To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, none of the properties
owned, leased or operated by 1855 Bancorp or the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries, or
in which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary has a lien or other security
interest, has been or is in violation of or liable under any Environmental Law.

          5.9.3  To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, there are no past or
present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents that
could reasonably form the basis of any material Environmental Claim or other
claim or action or governmental investigation that could result in the
imposition of any liability arising under any Environmental Law against 1855
Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose
liability for any Environmental Claim 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary has or may have retained or assumed either contractually or by
operation of law.

     5.10  TAX MATTERS.  1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries have
timely filed all federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income,
franchise, bank, excise, real property, personal property and other tax returns
required by applicable law to be filed by them (including, without limitation,
estimated tax returns, income tax returns, information returns and withholding
and employment tax returns) and have paid, or where payment is not required to
have been made, have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of,
all material taxes required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by such
returns and, as of the Effective Time, will have paid, or where payment is not
required to have been made, will have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for
the payment of, all material taxes for any subsequent periods ending on or prior
to the Effective Time.  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any of the 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiaries will have any material liability for any such taxes

                                       21
<PAGE>

in excess of the amounts so paid or reserves or accruals so established. As of
the date hereof, no audit, examination or deficiency or refund litigation with
respect to any federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income,
franchise, bank, excise, real property, personal property and other tax returns
filed by 1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries is pending or, to the
best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, threatened.

     5.11 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  Except as Previously Disclosed, there are no
actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or proceedings instituted,
pending or, to the best knowledge of the senior officers and directors of 1855
Bancorp or any 1855 Subsidiary, threatened against 1855 Bancorp or any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary or against any asset, interest or right of 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, or against any officer, director or employee of any
of them, and neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is a party to
any order, judgment or decree.

     5.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

          5.12.2  Each of 1855 Bancorp and each of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries
has all permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals of,
and has made all filings, applications and registrations with, federal, state,
local and foreign governmental or regulatory bodies that are required in order
to permit it to carry on its business as it is presently being conducted and the
absence of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on 1855 Bancorp; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders
and approvals are in full force and effect; and to the best knowledge of 1855
Bancorp, no suspension or cancellation of any of the same is threatened.

          5.12.2  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries
is in violation of its respective Articles of Organization, Charter or other
chartering instrument or Bylaws, or of any applicable federal, state or local
law or ordinance or any order, rule or regulation of any federal, state, local
or other governmental agency or body (including, without limitation, all banking
(including without limitation all regulatory capital requirements), securities,
municipal securities, safety, health, environmental, zoning, anti-
discrimination, antitrust, and wage and hour laws, ordinances, orders, rules and
regulations), or in default with respect to any order, writ, injunction or
decree of any court, or in default under any order, license, regulation or
demand of any governmental agency, any of which violations or defaults could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp; and
neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has received any notice or
communication from any federal, state or local governmental authority asserting
that 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is in violation of any of the
foregoing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on 1855 Bancorp. Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is subject
to any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, written
directive, memorandum of understanding or written commitment (other than those
of general applicability to all banks or holding companies thereof), and none of
them has received any written communication requesting that it enter into any of
the foregoing. No regulatory agency has initiated any proceeding or, to the best
knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, investigation into the business or operations of 1855
Bancorp or any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries since prior to December 31,
1992. 1855 Bancorp has not received any objection from any regulatory agency to
1855 Bancorp's response to any violation, criticism or exception with respect to
any report or statement relating to any examinations of 1855 Bancorp or any of
the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries.

     5.13 CERTAIN INFORMATION   None of the information relating to 1855 Bancorp
and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries to be included or incorporated by reference in
the Proxy Statement, as of the date(s) such Proxy Statement is mailed to
shareholders of Sandwich and up to and including the date(s) of the meeting of
shareholders to which such Proxy Statement relates, will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements therein, in light of the

                                       22
<PAGE>

circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, provided that
information as of a later date shall be deemed to modify information as of an
earlier date.

     5.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

          5.14.1  1855 Bancorp has Previously Disclosed all stock option,
employee stock purchase and stock bonus plans, qualified pension or profit-
sharing plans, any deferred compensation, bonus or group insurance contract or
any other incentive, health and welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement
maintained for the benefit of employees or former employees of 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary (the "1855 Bancorp Employee Plans"), whether written
                                  ---------------------------
or oral.

          5.14.2  None of 1855 Bancorp, any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, any pension
plan maintained by any of them and qualified under Section 401 of the Code or,
to the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, any fiduciary of such plan has incurred
any material liability to the PBGC or the Internal Revenue Service with respect
to any employees of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary. To the best of
1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no reportable event under Section 4043(b) of ERISA has
occurred with respect to any such pension plan.

          5.14.3  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary
participates in or has incurred any liability under Section 4201 of ERISA for a
complete or partial withdrawal from a multi-employer plan (as such term is
defined in ERISA).

          5.14.4  A favorable determination letter has been issued by the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to each 1855 Bancorp Employee Plan which
is an "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (an
"1855 Bancorp Pension Plan") which is intended to qualify under Section 401 of
the Code to the effect that such plan is qualified under Section 401 of the Code
and the trust associated with such employee pension plan is tax exempt under
Section 501 of the Code. No such letter has been revoked or, to the best of 1855
Bancorp's knowledge, is threatened to be revoked and 1855 Bancorp does not know
of any ground on which such revocation may be based. Neither 1855 Bancorp nor
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has any liability under any such plan that is not
reflected on the consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp
at October 31, 1997 included in the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements, other
than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection
therewith subsequent to the date thereof.

          5.14.5  To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no prohibited
transaction (which shall mean any transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA
and not exempt under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) has
occurred with respect to any 1855 Bancorp Employee Plan which would result in
the imposition, directly or indirectly, of a material excise tax under Section
4975 of the Code or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.

          5.14.6  Full payment has been made (or proper accruals have been
established) of all contributions which are required for periods prior to the
date hereof, and full payment will be so made (or proper accruals will be so
established) of all contributions which are required for periods after the date
hereof and prior to the Effective Time, under the terms of each 1855 Bancorp
Employee Plan or ERISA; to the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no accumulated
funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any 1855 Bancorp Pension
Plan, and there is no "unfunded current liability" (as defined in Section 412 of
the Code) with respect to any 1855 Bancorp Pension Plan.

          5.14.7  To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, 1855 Bancorp Employee
Plans have been operated in compliance in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, all

                                       23
<PAGE>

regulations, rulings and announcements promulgated or issued thereunder and all
other applicable governmental laws and regulations.

          5.14.8  There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of 1855
Bancorp, threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on
behalf of or against any of the 1855 Bancorp Employee Plans or any trust related
thereto or any fiduciary thereof.

     5.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS.  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary is in material default or in non-compliance under any contract,
agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument
to which it is a party or by which its assets, business or operations may be
bound or affected, whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or
otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not occurred any event that
with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute such a
default or non-compliance.

     5.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither 1855
Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, nor any of their respective directors,
officers or employees, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any broker or finder fees or commissions in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

     5.17  INSURANCE.  1855 Bancorp and each 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is insured
for reasonable amounts with financially sound and reputable insurance companies
against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured and has
maintained all insurance required by applicable laws and regulations.

     5.18  PROPERTIES.  All real and personal property owned by 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary or presently used by any of them in its respective
business is in an adequate condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is
sufficient to carry on its business in the ordinary course of business
consistent with their past practices.  1855 Bancorp has good and marketable
title free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, defaults or equities
(other than equities of redemption under applicable foreclosure laws) to all of
the material properties and assets, real and personal, reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of October 31,
1997 included in the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements or acquired after such
date, except (i) liens for current taxes not yet due or payable (ii) pledges to
secure deposits and other liens incurred in the ordinary course of its banking
business, (iii) such imperfections of title, easements and encumbrances, if any,
as are not material in character, amount or extent and (iv) as reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of October 31,
1997 included in the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements. All real and personal
property which is material to 1855 Bancorp's business on a consolidated basis
and leased or licensed by 1855 Bancorp or an 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is held
pursuant to leases or licenses which are valid and enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms and no such real property lease will terminate or
lapse prior to the Effective Time.

     5.19  LABOR.  No work stoppage involving 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary is pending or, to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, threatened.
Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is involved in, or
threatened with or affected by, any labor dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or
administrative proceeding involving its employees which could have a Material
Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.  Employees of 1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiaries are not represented by any labor union nor are any collective
bargaining agreements otherwise in effect with respect to such employees, and to
the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, there have been no efforts to unionize or
organize any employees of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary during the
past five years.

                                       24
<PAGE>

     5.20  OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK.  As of the date hereof, neither
1855 Bancorp nor, to its best knowledge, any of its affiliates or associates (as
such terms are defined under the Exchange Act), (i) beneficially own, directly
or indirectly, or (ii) are parties to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in
each case, shares of Sandwich Common Stock which in the aggregate represent 5%
or more of the outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock (other than shares
held in a fiduciary capacity and beneficially owned by third parties, shares
taken in consideration of debts previously contracted.

     5.21  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.  Since December 31, 1996, neither 1855 Bancorp
nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has been a party to any material off-balance-
sheet transactions involving interest rate and currency swaps, options and
futures contracts, or any other similar derivative transactions, except as
Previously Disclosed.

     5.22  DISCLOSURES. None of the representations and warranties of 1855
Bancorp or any of the written information or documents furnished or to be
furnished by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich in connection with or pursuant to this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, when
considered as a whole, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact, or omits or will omit to state any material fact required to be
stated or necessary to make any such information or document, in light of the
circumstances, not misleading.

     5.23  DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE. The 1855 Bancorp Disclosure Schedule sets forth,
among other things, disclosures with respect to or exceptions to 1855 Bancorp's
representations and warranties in this Article V. The mere inclusion of an
exception in the 1855 Bancorp Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed an
admission by 1855 Bancorp that such exception represents a material fact, event
or circumstance.

     5.24  MERGER SUB.    Upon its formation, Merger Sub will be a corporation,
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Massachusetts, all of the outstanding capital stock of which is, or will be
prior to the Effective Time, owned directly or indirectly by Compass Bank free
and clear of any lien, charge or other encumbrance.  From and after its
incorporation, Merger Sub has not and will not engage in any activities other
than in connection with or as contemplated by this Agreement.

          5.24.1  Merger Sub has, or will have prior to the Effective Time, all
corporate power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereunder and carry out all of its obligations with respect to such
transactions. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby has been,
or will have been prior to the Closing, duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Merger Sub.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                             COVENANTS OF SANDWICH

     6.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.

          6.1.1  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except with the written consent of 1855
Bancorp, Sandwich will operate its business, and it will cause each of the
Sandwich Subsidiaries to operate its business, only in the usual, regular and
ordinary course of business; use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its
business organization and assets and maintain its rights and franchises; and
take no action which would (i) materially adversely affect the ability of 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich to obtain any necessary approvals of governmental
authorities required for the transactions contemplated hereby or materially
increase the period of time necessary

                                       25
<PAGE>

to obtain such approvals, or (ii) materially adversely affect its ability to
perform its covenants and agree ments under this Agreement.

          6.12  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  Sandwich agrees that from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except as otherwise specifically permitted or
required by this Agreement, or consented to by 1855 Bancorp in writing (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), Sandwich will not, and will cause
each of the Sandwich Subsidiaries not to:

           (a)  change or waive any provision of its Charter or By-laws;

           (b)  change the number of shares of its authorized or issued capital
     stock (except for the issuance of Sandwich Common Stock pursuant to the
     exercise of outstanding stock options under the Sandwich Stock Option
     Plans, as contemplated by Section 41 hereof);

           (c)  issue or grant any option, warrant, call, commitment,
     subscription, right to purchase or agreement of any character relating to
     the authorized or issued capital stock of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich
     Subsidiaries, or any securities convertible into shares of such stock;
     except that Sandwich may issue shares of Sandwich Common Stock or permit
     treasury shares to become outstanding to satisfy presently outstanding
     options under and in accordance with the terms of the Sandwich Stock Option
     Plans;

           (d)  effect any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend,
     stock split or like change in capitalization, or redeem, repurchase or
     otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock;

           (e)  declare or pay any dividends or other distributions with respect
     to its capital stock except for a quarterly cash dividend not in excess of
     $0.35 per share, declared and paid in accordance with applicable law,
     regulation and contractual and regulatory commitments and for dividends
     paid by any Sandwich Subsidiary to Sandwich;

           (f)  enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate any
     contract or agreement (including without limitation any settlement
     agreement with respect to litigation) except in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice; provided, however, that Sandwich
     shall have the right, on or before the Effective Time, to amend (i) its
     Supplemental Retirement Plans to nullify section 10.01(b) thereof, (ii) its
     defined benefit Pension Plan to ensure that any excess funding projected as
     of the Effective Time inures solely to the benefit of Sandwich's employees
     who are plan participants (but only to the extent that 1855 Bancorp
     receives confirmation from CBERA, or otherwise receives confirmation, in
     each case reasonably satisfactory to it, that such amendment will not
     result in any liability, contingent or otherwise, to 1855 Bancorp or its
     Subsidiaries), and (iii) each employment agreement to permit the employee
     who is party to the agreement to elect, more than 90 days before the
     Effective Time, to receive severance benefits in designated annual
     installments over a future period of up to two years after the Effective
     Time, with interest accruing at the prevailing one-year constant maturity
     treasury rate;

           (g)  except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practice, incur any material liabilities or material obligations, whether
     directly or by way of guaranty, including any obligation for borrowed money
     whether or not evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument
     (other than FHLB advances not exceeding 110% of the December 31, 1997
     level), or acquire any equity, debt, or other investment securities;

           (h)  make any capital expenditures in excess of $25,000 individually
     or $100,000 in the aggregate, other than pursuant to Previously Disclosed
     binding commitments existing on the date hereof;

                                       26
<PAGE>

           (i)  make or commit to make any commercial or commercial real estate
     loan or loans to one borrower (including such borrower's related interests)
     in an aggregate principal balance (or with an aggregate commitment) of
     $1,000,000 or more;

           (j)  grant any increase in rates of compensation to its employees,
     except merit increases in accordance with past practices and general
     increases to employees as a class in accordance with past practice or as
     required by law; grant any increase in rates of compensation to, or pay or
     agree to pay any bonus or severance to, or provide any other new employee
     benefit or incentive to its directors or to its officers who are currently
     covered by employment or severance agreements with Sandwich except for
     nondiscretionary payments required by such agreements and except for
     increases in officer compensation rates by no more than 4.5% on an
     aggregate basis; enter into any employment, severance or similar agreements
     or arrangements with any director or employee; adopt or amend in any
     material respect or terminate any employee benefit plan, pension plan or
     incentive plan except as required by law or the terms of such plan or as
     provided in Section 6.1.2, or permit the vesting of any material amount of
     benefits under any such plan other than pursuant to the provisions thereof
     as in effect on the date of this Agreement; or make any contributions to
     Sandwich's deferred compensation plans, supplemental executive retirement
     plans, grantor trust, defined benefit Pension Plan or 401(k) Plan not in
     the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or make any
     contributions to Sandwich's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, other than
     contributions, based on Sandwich's accrual levels in effect for 1998 on the
     date of this Agreement, for the period ending on the Effective Time; or
     make any cash bonus payments pursuant to Sandwich's Management Incentive
     Compensation Plan, other than (i) accrued but unpaid amounts from March
     through December 1997 and amounts to be accrued in January and February
     1998 equal to $24,167 per month, and (ii) the budgeted amount accruing from
     March 1, 1998 through the earlier to occur of December 31, 1998 or the
     Effective Time (it being understood that the monthly budgeted amount is
     equal to $24,167 and that such amount will be paid prior to the Effective
     Time to then-current employees of Sandwich or any Subsidiary); or make any
     contributions to Sandwich's Grantor Trust other than nondiscretionary
     contributions required by the terms of the applicable Benefit Plan ;

           (k)  make application for the opening or closing of any, or open or
     close any, branch or automated banking facility;

           (l)  make any equity investment or commitment to make such an
     investment in real estate or in any real estate development project, other
     than in connection with foreclosures, settlements in lieu of foreclosure or
     troubled loan or debt restructurings in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with customary banking practices;

           (m)  except as the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors
     otherwise requires (as determined in good faith upon the advice of legal
     counsel), merge into, consolidate with, affiliate with, or be purchased or
     acquired by, any other Person, or permit any other to be merged,
     consolidated or affiliated with it or be purchased or acquired by it, or,
     except to realize upon collateral in the ordinary course of its business,
     acquire a significant portion of the assets of any other Person, or sell a
     significant portion of its assets;

           (n)  make any material change in its accounting methods or practices,
     except changes as may be required by GAAP or by regulatory requirements;

           (o)  enter into any off-balance sheet transaction involving interest
     rate and currency swaps, options and futures contracts, or any other
     similar derivative transactions;

                                       27
<PAGE>

           (p)  knowingly take any action that would result in the
     representations and warranties of Sandwich contained in this Agreement not
     being true and correct on the date of this Agreement or at any future
     date on or prior to the Closing Date; or

           (q)  agree to do any of the foregoing.

     6.2  CURRENT INFORMATION.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, Sandwich will cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with representatives of 1855 Bancorp and report the
general status of its ongoing operations at such times as 1855 Bancorp may
reasonably request.  Sandwich will promptly notify 1855 Bancorp of any material
change in the normal course of its business or in the operation of its
properties and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the
same may be contemplated), or the institution or the threat of material
litigation involving Sandwich. Sandwich will also provide 1855 Bancorp such
information with respect to such events as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request
from time to time.  As soon as reasonably available, but in no event more than
45 days after the end of each calendar quarter ending after the date of this
Agreement (other than the last quarter of each fiscal year ending December 31),
the Sandwich will deliver to 1855 Bancorp its quarterly report on Form 10-Q
under the Exchange Act, and, as soon as reasonably available, but in no event
more than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, Sandwich will deliver to
1855 Bancorp its Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Within 25 days after the end of
each month, Sandwich will deliver to 1855 Bancorp a consolidated balance sheet
and a consolidated statement of operations, without related notes, for such
month.

     6.3  ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.  Sandwich shall permit 1855 Bancorp
reasonable access upon reasonable notice to its properties and those of the
Sandwich Subsidiaries, and shall disclose and make available to 1855 Bancorp
during normal business hours all of its books, papers and records relating to
the assets, stock ownership, properties, operations, obligations and
liabilities, including, but not limited to, all books of account (including the
general ledger), tax records, minute books of directors' and stockholders'
meetings, organizational documents, by-laws, material contracts and agreements,
filings with any regulatory authority, litigation files, plans affecting
employees, and any other business activities or prospects in which 1855 Bancorp
may have a reasonable interest; provided, however, that Sandwich shall not be
required to take any action that would provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the
rights or business interests or confidences of any customer or other person or
would result in the waiver by it of the privilege protecting communications
between it and any of its counsel.  Sandwich shall provide and shall request its
auditors to provide 1855 Bancorp with such historical financial information
regarding it (and related audit reports and consents) as 1855 Bancorp may
reasonably request for securities disclosure purposes.

     6.4  FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS.

        6.4.1  Promptly upon receipt thereof, Sandwich will furnish to 1855
Bancorp copies of each annual, interim or special audit of the books of Sandwich
and the Sandwich Subsidiaries made by its independent accountants and copies of
all internal control reports submitted to Sandwich by such accountants in
connection with each annual, interim or special audit of the books of Sandwich
and the Sandwich Subsidiaries made by such accountants.

        6.4.2  As soon as practicable, Sandwich will furnish to 1855 Bancorp
copies of all such financial statements and reports as it or any Subsidiary
shall send to its stockholders, the SEC, the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC or any
other regulatory authority, except as legally prohibited thereby.

                                       28
<PAGE>

        6.4.3  Sandwich will advise 1855 Bancorp promptly of the receipt of any
examination report of any federal or state regulatory or examination authority
with respect to the condition or activities of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries.

        6.4.2  With reasonable promptness, Sandwich will furnish to 1855 Bancorp
such additional financial data as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request, including
without limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan reports.

     6.5  DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.  From time to time prior to the Effective
Time, Sandwich will promptly supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules
delivered in connection herewith pursuant to Article IV with respect to any
material matter hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the
date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in
such Disclosure Schedules or which is necessary to correct any information in
such Schedules which has been rendered inaccurate thereby.  No supplement or
amendment to such Schedules shall have any effect for the purpose of determining
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article IX.

     6.6  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES.  Sandwich shall use all
reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and approvals
of any other Persons necessary or desirable for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, Sandwich shall utilize the services of a professional proxy
soliciting firm to help obtain the shareholder vote required to be obtained by
it hereunder.

     6.7  ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions herein
provided, Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all corporate or other action and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     6.8  FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.  In the event that Sandwich determines
that a condition to its obligation to complete the Merger cannot be fulfilled
and that it will not waive that condition, it will promptly notify 1855 Bancorp.

     6.9  NO SOLICITATION.  Unless and until this Agreement shall have been
properly terminated by either party pursuant to Section 111 hereof, neither
Sandwich nor any of its subsidiaries shall (and Sandwich and Sandwich Bank shall
use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause its representatives, including,
but not limited to, investment bankers, attorneys and accountants, not to),
directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, initiate or participate in any
discussions or negotiations with, or, provide any information to, any
corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than 1855
Bancorp and its affiliates or Representatives) concerning any merger, tender
offer, sale of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital stock or debt
securities or similar transaction involving Sandwich or Sandwich Bank (an
"Acquisition Transaction"); provided, however that Sandwich and its
------------------------
representatives shall be permitted to participate in discussions or negotiations
with, or provide information to, any other corporation, partnership, person or
other entity or group with respect to an Acquisition Transaction if the Board of
Directors of Sandwich determines (in good faith upon the advice of outside
counsel) that their fiduciary duties require them to do so.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 69 shall prohibit Sandwich or its
Board of Directors from taking and disclosing to Sandwich's stockholders a
position with respect to a tender offer by a third party pursuant to Rules 14d-9
and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or from making such disclosure
to Sandwich's stockholders which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors
(upon the advice of counsel), may be required under applicable law or is
necessary in order to comply with its fiduciary obligations. Sandwich will
immediately communicate to 1855 Bancorp the terms of any proposal, discussion,
negotiation or inquiry relating to an Acquisition Transaction and the identity
of the party making such

                                       29
<PAGE>

proposal or inquiry which it may receive in respect of any such transaction
(which shall mean that any such communication shall be delivered no less
promptly than by telephone within 24 hours of Sandwich's receipt of any such
proposal or inquiry) or its receipt of any request for information from the FRB,
the DOJ, or any other governmental agency or authority with respect to a
proposed Acquisition Transaction. Sandwich shall continue to consult with 1855
Bancorp after receipt of such proposal or commencement of such discussion or
negotiation relating to an Acquisition Transaction, and will not take any action
with respect to such proposed Acquisition Transaction except after reasonable
consultation with 1855 Bancorp.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                           COVENANTS OF 1855 BANCORP

     7.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except with the written consent of Sandwich and
except as provided below, 1855 Bancorp will take no action which would (i)
materially adversely affect the ability of 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich to obtain
any necessary approvals of governmental authorities required for the
transactions contemplated hereby or materially increase the period of time
necessary to obtain such approvals, or (ii) materially adversely affect its
ability to perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement, or (iii)
result in the representations and warranties of 1855 Bancorp contained in this
Agreement not being true and correct on the date of this Agreement or at any
future date on or prior to the Closing Date; provided that nothing herein
contained shall preclude 1855 Bancorp from taking any action Previously
Disclosed.

     7.2  CURRENT INFORMATION.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp will cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with representatives of Sandwich and report the
general status of its ongoing operations at such times as Sandwich may
reasonably request. 1855 Bancorp will promptly notify Sandwich of any material
change in the normal course of its business or in the operation of its
properties and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the
same may be contemplated), or the institution or the threat of material
litigation involving 1855 Bancorp. 1855 Bancorp will also provide Sandwich such
information with respect to such events as Sandwich may reasonably request from
time to time. As soon as reasonably available, but in no event more than 45 days
after the end of each calendar quarter ending after the date of this Agreement
(other than the last quarter of each fiscal year ending October 31), the 1855
Bancorp will deliver to Sandwich a consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated
statement of operations, without related notes, for such quarter prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and within 25 days
after the end of each month, 1855 Bancorp will deliver to Sandwich a
consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated statement of operations, without
related notes, for such month prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.

     7.3  ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.  1855 Bancorp shall permit Sandwich
reasonable access upon reasonable notice to its properties and those of its
subsidiaries, and shall disclose and make available to Sandwich during normal
business hours all of its books, papers and records relating to the assets,
stock ownership, properties, operations, obligations and liabilities, including,
but not limited to, all books of account (including the general ledger), tax
records, minute books of directors' and stockholders' meetings, organizational
documents, by-laws, material contracts and agreements, filings with any
regulatory authority, litigation files, plans affecting employees, and any other
business activities or prospects in which Sandwich may have a reasonable
interest; provided, however, that 1855 Bancorp shall not be required to take any
action that would provide access to or to disclose information where such access
or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights or business interests or
confidences

                                       30
<PAGE>

of any customer or other person or would result in the waiver by it of the
privilege protecting communications between it and any of its counsel.

     7.4  FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS.

          7.4.1  Promptly upon receipt thereof, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to
Sandwich copies of each annual, interim or special audit of the books of 1855
Bancorp and its subsidiaries made by its independent accountants and copies of
all internal control reports submitted to 1855 Bancorp by such accountants in
connection with each annual, interim or special audit of the books of 1855
Bancorp and its subsidiaries made by such accountants.

          7.4.2  As soon as practicable, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to Sandwich
copies of all such financial statements and reports as it or any Subsidiary
shall send to the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC, the FRB or any other regulatory
authority, except as legally prohibited thereby.

          7.4.3  1855 Bancorp will advise Sandwich promptly of the receipt of
any examination report of any federal or state regulatory or examination
authority with respect to the condition or activities of 1855 Bancorp or any of
its subsidiaries.

          7.4.4  With reasonable promptness, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to
Sandwich such additional financial data as Sandwich may reasonably request,
including without limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan
reports.

     7.5  DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.  From time to time prior to the Effective
Time, 1855 Bancorp will promptly supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules
delivered in connection herewith pursuant to Article V with respect to any
material matter hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the
date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in
such Disclosure Schedules or which is necessary to correct any information in
such Schedules which has been rendered inaccurate thereby.  No supplement or
amendment to such Schedules shall have any effect for the purpose of determining
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article IX.

     7.6  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES. 1855 Bancorp shall use all
reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and approvals
of any other Persons necessary or desirable for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the
approval of its Corporators of the Capital Offering.

     7.7  ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions herein
provided, 1855 Bancorp agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to
be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,
proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and
make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     7.8  FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.  In the event that 1855 Bancorp
determines that a condition to its obligation to complete the Merger cannot be
fulfilled and that it will not waive that condition, it will promptly notify
Sandwich.

     7.9  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

          7.9.1  All employees of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries as of the
Effective Time shall become employees of 1855 Bancorp or an 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary as of the Effective Time. Nothing in this Agreement shall give any
employee of Sandwich or its Subsidiaries a right to continuing employment with
1855 Bancorp or any Subsidiary thereof after the Effective Time. Any employee of
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary whose employment with 1855 Bancorp or any
1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is terminated by 1855 Bancorp within one year after the
Effective Time shall be entitled to receive (i) a lump-sum severance benefit in
an amount equal to two-weeks' pay for each year of employment (with

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<PAGE>

partial years of service included in the calculation on a pro-rated basis), up
to a maximum of 26 weeks' pay, and (ii) continuation of health benefits, on the
same terms and conditions applicable to 1855 Bancorp's active employees, for the
same number of weeks factored into the calculation of severance payments, and
thereafter COBRA benefits for an additional period of time determined as though
the Sandwich employee terminates employment upon expiration of the period
covered by said continued health benefits.

          7.9.2  As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp
shall provide or cause to be provided to all employees of Sandwich and any
Sandwich Subsidiary who remain employed by 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary after the Effective Time with employee benefits which, in the
aggregate, are no less favorable than those generally afforded to other
employees of 1855 Bancorp or the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries holding similar
positions, subject to the terms and conditions under which those employee
benefits are made available to such employees, provided, however, that (i) for
purposes of determining eligibility for and vesting of such employee benefits
only (and not for pension benefit accrual purposes), service with Sandwich or
any Sandwich Subsidiary prior to the Effective Time shall be treated as service
with an "employer" as if such persons had been employees of 1855 Bancorp, to the
extent permissible under the terms of 1855 Bancorp's Employee Plans, (ii) this
Section 79 shall not be construed to limit the ability of 1855 Bancorp and its
Subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any employee or to review employee
benefits programs from time to time and to make such changes as they deem
appropriate, and (iii) 1855 Bancorp or a Subsidiary shall continue to provide
post-retirement medical benefits to former employees of Sandwich who as of the
Effective Time are receiving post-retirement medical benefits in accordance with
Sandwich's Previously Disclosed retiree health care Plans I, II, and III, (iv)
1855 Bancorp shall honor any and all vacation leave (but not sick leave) accrued
by Sandwich's employees, except to the extent of any duplication of benefits,
and (v) no preexisting condition exclusion that is currently inapplicable to a
Sandwich employee and/or the employee's covered dependents shall affect their
rights to health benefits or coverage under 1855 Bancorp's plans, to the extent
permissible under such plans.

          7.9.3  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed to 1855 Bancorp certain
employment and change of control agreements, deferred compensation plans,
Grantor Trust Agreement, Supplemental Retirement Plans and Split Dollar
Insurance Agreements (collectively, "Benefit Agreements"). Following the
Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall honor or cause its Subsidiaries to honor in
accordance with their terms all such Previously Disclosed Benefit Agreements and
assume or cause its Subsidiaries to assume all duties, liabilities and
obligations under such agreements and  arrangements. 1855 Bancorp agrees that
(i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby constitutes a
"Change in Control" as defined in the Benefit Agreements, and (ii) each of
Sandwich's officers who is party to an employment agreement with Sandwich will
be deemed to have suffered a material change in their responsibilities and
supervision as of the Effective Time, it being understood that the President of
Sandwich shall terminate employment as of the Effective Time and receive
payments under Section 11(a) of his Employment at such time.

          7.9.4  The allocated assets of Sandwich's Employee Stock Ownership
Plan shall be distributed as soon as administratively practicable after the
later of the Effective Time and the receipt of a favorable determination letter,
which Sandwich may request at any time after the date of this Agreement, from
the Internal Revenue Service as to the effect of the plan's termination on its
tax-qualified status under sections 401, 409, and 4975 of the Code. Participants
in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan shall have the right to transfer their
distributions into any tax-qualified defined contribution plan that 1855 Bancorp
maintains, but only if and to the extent that such plan accepts rollover
contributions or trustee-to-trustee transfers from other tax-qualified plans.

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<PAGE>

     7.10  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.

          7.10.1  1855 Bancorp shall maintain, or shall cause Compass Bank to
maintain, in effect for six years from the Effective Time, if available, the
current directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by
Sandwich (provided, that 1855 Bancorp may substitute therefor policies of at
least the same coverage containing terms and conditions which are not materially
less favorable) with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that in no event shall 1855 Bancorp be required to expend
pursuant to this Section 7.10.1 more than $60,000 in the aggregate.  In
connection with the foregoing, Sandwich agrees to provide such insurer or
substitute insurer with such representations as such insurer may request with
respect to the reporting of any prior claims.

          7.10.2  From and after the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall, or
shall cause Compass Bank to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each person who
is now, or who has been at any time before the date hereof or who becomes before
the Effective Time, an officer or director of Sandwich or the Sandwich
Subsidiaries or any of their respective subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties")
against all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including attorney's
fees), liabilities or judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement (which
settlement shall require the prior written consent of 1855 Bancorp, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) of or in connection with any claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, or
administrative (each a "Claim"), in which an Indemnified Party is, or is
threatened to be made, a party or witness in whole or in part on or arising in
whole or in part out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer
or employee of Sandwich or any of its subsidiaries if such Claim pertains to any
matter of fact arising, existing or occurring before the Effective Time
(including, without limitation, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby), regardless of whether such Claim is asserted or claimed
before, or at or after, the Effective Time (the "Indemnified Liabilities"), to
the fullest extent permitted under applicable state or federal law in effect as
of the date hereof or as amended applicable to a time before the Effective Time
and under Sandwich's and Sandwich Bank's Articles of Organization or Charter and
By-Laws. 1855 Bancorp shall pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of
any such action or proceeding to each Indemnified Party to the full extent
permitted by applicable state or federal law in effect as of the date hereof or
as amended applicable to a time before the Effective Time upon receipt of an
undertaking to repay such advance payments if he shall be adjudicated or
determined to be not entitled to indemnification in the manner set forth below.
Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section 7.10.2
upon learning of any Claim, shall notify 1855 Bancorp (but the failure so to
notify 1855 Bancorp shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have
under this Section 7.10.2, except to the extent such failure materially
prejudices 1855 Bancorp) and shall deliver to 1855 Bancorp the undertaking
referred to in the previous sentence. In the event of any such Claim (whether
arising before or after the Effective Time) (1) 1855 Bancorp shall have the
right to assume the defense thereof (in which event the Indemnified Parties will
cooperate in the defense of any such matter) and upon such assumption 1855
Bancorp shall not be liable to any Indemnified Party for any legal expenses of
other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by any Indemnified
Party in connection with the defense thereof, except that if 1855 Bancorp elects
not to assume such defense, or counsel for the Indemnified Parties reasonably
advises the Indemnified Parties that there are or may be (whether or not any
have yet actually arisen) issues which raise conflicts of interest between 1855
Bancorp and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel
reasonably satisfactory to them, and 1855 Bancorp shall pay the reasonable fees
and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties, (2) 1855 Bancorp shall
be obligated pursuant to this paragraph to pay for only one firm of counsel for
all Indemnified Parties whose reasonable fees and expenses shall be paid
promptly as statements are received, (3) 1855 Bancorp shall not be liable for
any settlement effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld) and (4) no Indemnified Party

                                       33
<PAGE>

shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder with respect to a matter as to
which (x) he shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in
good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of
Sandwich or any Subsidiary, or (y) in the event that a proceeding is compromised
or settled so as to impose any liability or obligation upon an Indemnified
Party, if there is a determination that with respect to said matter said
Indemnified Party did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
action was in the best interests of Sandwich or any Subsidiary. The
determination shall be made by a majority vote of the trustees of 1855 Bancorp
who were formerly directors of Sandwich and who are not involved in such
proceeding (the "Former Sandwich Directors"), or, if a majority of the Former
Sandwich Directors are involved in the proceeding, by a committee of three
disinterested Former Sandwich Directors chosen by all of the Former Sandwich
Directors for the purpose of making such determination.

          7.10.3  In the event that either 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank or any
of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other
person and shall not be the continuing or surviving bank or entity of such
consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its
properties and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, proper
provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of 1855 Bancorp shall
assume the obligations set forth in this Section 7.10.

          7.10.4  The obligations of 1855 Bancorp provided under this Section
7.10 are intended to be enforceable against 1855 Bancorp directly by the
Indemnified Parties and shall be binding on all respective successors and
permitted assigns of 1855 Bancorp.

     7.11  MERGER SUB.  Prior to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp will take any
and all necessary action to cause (i) Merger Sub to be organized, (ii) Merger
Sub to become a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp,
(iii) the directors and stockholder or stockholders of Merger Sub to approve the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iv) Merger Sub to execute one
or more counterparts of this Agreement and to deliver at least one such
counterpart so executed to Sandwich, whereupon Merger Sub shall become a party
to and be bound by this Agreement.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                         REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS

     8.1  SANDWICH SPECIAL MEETING.  Sandwich will (i) as promptly as
practicable, take all steps necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and
hold a meeting of its stockholders (the "Sandwich Stockholders Meeting") for the
purpose of approving this Agreement and the Merger, and for such other purposes
as may be, in Sandwich's reasonable judgment, necessary or desirable, (ii)
subject to the fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Directors of Sandwich as
advised by counsel, recommend to its stockholders the approval of the
aforementioned matters to be submitted by it to its stockholders, and (iii)
cooperate and consult with 1855 Bancorp with respect to each of the foregoing
matters.

     8.2  SANDWICH PROXY MATERIALS.  As soon as practicable after the date
hereof, Sandwich shall file the Sandwich Proxy Statement with the SEC under the
Exchange Act and shall use all reasonable efforts to have the Sandwich Proxy
Statement cleared by the SEC.  1855 Bancorp and Sandwich shall cooperate with
each other in the preparation of the Sandwich Proxy Statement; 1855 Bancorp
shall provide Sandwich with any information concerning it that Sandwich may
reasonably request in connection with the Proxy Statement and Sandwich shall
notify 1855 Bancorp promptly of the receipt of any comments of the SEC with
respect to the Sandwich Proxy Statement and of any requests by the SEC for any
amendment or supplement thereto or for additional information and shall provide
to 1855 Bancorp promptly copies of all correspondence between Sandwich or any
representative of Sandwich and the SEC. Sandwich shall give 1855 Bancorp and its
counsel the opportunity to review the Sandwich Proxy Statement prior to its
being filed with the SEC and shall give 1855 Bancorp and its counsel the

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<PAGE>

opportunity to review all amendments and supplements to the Sandwich Proxy
Statement and all responses to requests for additional information and replies
to comments prior to their being filed with, or sent to, the SEC. Each of 1855
Bancorp and Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts, after consultation
with the other party hereto, to respond promptly to all such comments of and
requests by the SEC and to cause the Sandwich Proxy Statement and all required
amendments and supplements thereto to be mailed to the holders of Sandwich
Common Stock entitled to vote at the Sandwich Stockholders Meeting referred to
in Section 8.1 hereof at the earliest practicable time. 1855 Bancorp shall
promptly notify Sandwich if at any time it becomes aware that the Proxy
Statement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. In such event, Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall cooperate in the
preparation of a supplement or amendment to such Proxy Statement which corrects
such misstatement or omission, and shall cause the same to be filed with the SEC
and to be mailed to Sandwich's stockholders.

     8.3  CAPITAL OFFERING.  Commencing promptly after the date of this
Agreement, 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank will take all reasonable steps
necessary to effect the Capital Offering and 1855 Bancorp shall use its best
efforts to satisfy the conditions to closing set forth in Section 9.2.5
(provided that in no event shall 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank (or the Mid-Tier
Subsidiary) be required to undertake a full conversion to stock form or
otherwise issue more than 49% of its capital stock).  If the Capital Offering is
to be effected through the Mid-Tier Holding Company, such steps shall include,
without limitation, organizing the Mid-Tier Holding Company as a newly-created
subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp and contributing all of the capital stock of Compass
Bank to the Mid-Tier Holding Company. In addition, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, 1855 Bancorp shall cause the following to be done:

          8.3.1  1855 Bancorp shall duly call, give notice of, convene and hold
a special meeting of its Board of Corporators as soon as practicable for the
purpose of approving the Capital Offering. The Board of Trustees of 1855 Bancorp
will recommend to the Corporators the approval of the Capital Offering.

          8.3.2  Compass Bank will use all reasonable efforts to prepare and
file all required regulatory applications required in connection with the
Capital Offering, including, without limitation, filing applications with the
Bank Commissioner, the FDIC and the FRB (to the extent that the Capital Offering
is effected through the Mid-Tier Holding Company).

          8.3.3  1855 Bancorp shall prepare as promptly as practicable, and
Sandwich shall co-operate in the preparation of, a prospectus or offering
circular (the "Offering Document") meeting all requirements of applicable
federal and state securities and banking laws and regulations. If the Capital
Offering is to be effected through the Mid-Tier Holding Company, 1855 Bancorp
shall incorporate such Offering Document into a Form S-1 Registration Statement
("Form S-1") satisfying all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, and
the rules and regulations thereunder, and shall use its reasonable best efforts
to have the Form S-1 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable after such filing.

          8.3.4  Sandwich shall provide 1855 Bancorp with any information
concerning it that 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request in connection with the
Offering Document, and Sandwich shall promptly notify 1855 Bancorp if at any
time it becomes aware that the Offering Document or the Form S-1 contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In such
event, Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall cooperate in the preparation of a
supplement or amendment to such Offering Document, which corrects such misstate-

                                       35
<PAGE>

ment or omission, and shall cause an amended Form S-1 to be filed with the SEC
(if applicable). Sandwich shall provide to 1855 Bancorp a "comfort" letter from
the independent certified public accountants for Sandwich, dated as of the date
of the Offering Document and updated as of the date of consummation of the
Capital Offering, with respect to certain financial information regarding
Sandwich, each in form and substance which is customary in transactions such as
the Capital Offering, and shall cause its counsel to deliver to the placement
agent for the Capital Offering such opinions as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably
request.

          8.3.5  1855 Bancorp shall give Sandwich and its counsel the
opportunity to review the Offering Document prior to its being filed with the
Bank Commissioner and FDIC (and the SEC, if applicable) and shall give Sandwich
and its counsel the opportunity to review all amendments and supplements to the
Offering Document and all responses to requests for additional information and
replies to comments prior to their being filed with, or sent to, the Bank
Commissioner, the FDIC (and the SEC, if applicable). Each of 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts, after consultation with the other
party hereto, to respond promptly to all such comments of and requests by the
Bank Commissioner, FDIC and the SEC and to cause the Offering Document and all
required amendments and supplements thereto to be mailed to the qualified
depositors of Compass Bank at the earliest practicable time.

     8.4  REGULATORY APPROVALS. Each of Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp will cooperate
with the other and use all reasonable efforts to promptly prepare all necessary
documentation, to effect all necessary filings and to obtain all necessary
permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and
governmental bodies necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including without limitation the Merger, the Bank Merger and
the Capital Offering. Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp will furnish each other and each
other's counsel with all information concerning themselves, their subsidiaries,
directors, officers and stockholders and such other matters as may be necessary
or advisable in connection with the Offering Document, the Proxy Statement and
any application, petition or any other statement or application made by or on
behalf of Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp to any governmental body in connection with
the Capital Offering, the Merger, the Bank Merger, and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall have the right
to review and approve in advance all characterizations of the information
relating to 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich, as the case may be, and any of their
respective subsidiaries, which appear in any filing made in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any governmental body. In
addition, Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall each furnish to the other for review a
copy of each such filing made in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement with any governmental body prior to its filing.

                                  ARTICLE IX

                              CLOSING CONDITIONS

     9.1  CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  The
respective obligations of each party under this Agreement shall be subject to
the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions,
none of which may be waived:

         9.1.1  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.  This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been approved in accordance with applicable law,
Articles of Organization, By-laws and NASD policy by the requisite vote of the
stockholders of Sandwich.

         9.1.2  INJUNCTIONS.  None of the parties hereto shall be subject to any
order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which
enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

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<PAGE>

          9.1.3  REGULATORY APPROVALS. All necessary approvals, authorizations
and consents of all governmental bodies required to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained and shall remain in full
force and effect and all waiting periods relating to such approvals,
authorizations or consents shall have expired; and no such approval,
authorization or consent shall include any condition or requirement, not
reasonably foreseen as of the date of this Agreement, that would, in the good
faith reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors of 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich, materially and adversely affect the business, operations, financial
condition, property or assets of the combined enterprise or of Sandwich or
Sandwich Bank or otherwise materially impair the value of Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank to 1855 Bancorp.

     9.2  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF 1855 BANCORP UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
The obligations of 1855 Bancorp under this Agreement shall be further subject to
the satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following
conditions:

          9.2.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and
warranties of Sandwich set forth in Article IV hereof shall be true and correct
in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing
Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (or on the date when made in
the case of any representation and warranty which specifically relates to an
earlier date), except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or consented
to in writing by 1855 Bancorp; provided, however, that (i) in determining
whether or not the condition contained in this Section 9.2.1 shall be satisfied,
no effect shall be given to any exceptions in such representations and
warranties relating to materiality or Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the
condition contained in this Section 9.2.1 shall be deemed to be satisfied unless
the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct
constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and Sandwich shall
have delivered to 1855 Bancorp a certificate of Sandwich to such effect signed
by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Sandwich as of
the Effective Time.

          9.2.2  AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS.  Sandwich shall have performed in all
material respects all obligations and complied in all material respects with all
agreements or covenants of Sandwich to be performed or complied with by it at or
prior to the Effective Time under this Agreement, except to the extent that any
failure to perform or comply shall not individually, or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, or materially adversely affect consummation of the Merger and other
transactions contemplated hereby, and 1855 Bancorp shall have received a
certificate signed on behalf of Sandwich by the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer of Sandwich to such effect dated as of the Effective
Time.

          9.2.3  PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC.  Sandwich and the Sandwich
Subsidiaries shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations,
consents, waivers, clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation
of the Merger by Sandwich, the failure to obtain which would have a Material
Adverse Effect on Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

          9.2.4  LEGAL OPINION. 1855 Bancorp shall have received an opinion,
dated the Closing Date, from Housley Kantarian and Bronstein P.C., counsel to
Sandwich, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          9.2.5  CAPITAL OFFERING. 1855 Bancorp shall have consummated the
Capital Offering, and such Capital Offering shall have resulted in net proceeds
to Compass Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company sufficient to enable Compass
Bank to remain "well-capitalized" under applicable federal banking law and
otherwise to meet regulatory capital requirements, in each case after giving
effect to the Merger.

                                       37
<PAGE>

     Sandwich will furnish 1855 Bancorp with such certificates of its officers
or others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set
forth in this Section 9.2 as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request.

     9.3  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SANDWICH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  The
obligations of Sandwich under this Agreement shall be further subject to the
satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:

          9.3.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and
warranties of 1855 Bancorp set forth in Article V hereof shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (or on the date when
made in the case of any representation and warranty which specifically relates
to an earlier date), except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or
consented to in writing by Sandwich; provided, however, that (i) in determining
whether or not the condition contained in this Section 9.3.1 shall be satisfied,
no effect shall be given to any exceptions in such representations and
warranties relating to materiality or Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the
condition contained in this Section 9.3.1 shall be deemed to be satisfied unless
the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct
constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp; and 1855 Bancorp shall have delivered to Sandwich a certificate of 1855
Bancorp to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer of 1855 Bancorp as of the Effective Time;

          9.3.2  AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS. 1855 Bancorp shall have performed in
all material respects all obligations and complied in all material respects with
all agreements or covenants of 1855 Bancorp to be performed or complied with by
it at or prior to the Effective Time under this Agreement except to the extent
that any failure to perform or comply shall not individually, or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially adversely affect consummation of
the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby, and Sandwich shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of 1855 Bancorp by the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 1855 Bancorp to such effect dated as of
the Effective Time.

          9.3.3  PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC. 1855 Bancorp and its subsidiaries
shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
waivers, clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of the
Merger by 1855 Bancorp and the Bank Merger by Compass Bank, the failure to
obtain which would have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

          9.3.4  LEGAL OPINION. Sandwich shall have received an opinion from
Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP, counsel to 1855 Bancorp, dated the Closing Date, in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

          9.3.5  PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATIONS.  1855 Bancorp shall have
delivered to the Paying Agent on or before the Closing Date the aggregate amount
of the Merger Consideration in immediately available funds to be paid to holders
of the Sandwich common stock pursuant to Article III of this Agreement and the
Paying Agent shall provide Sandwich with a certificate evidencing such delivery.

     1855 Bancorp will furnish Sandwich with such certificates of its officers
or others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set
forth in this Section 9.3 as Sandwich may reasonably request.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                  THE CLOSING

                                       38
<PAGE>

     10.1  TIME AND PLACE.  Subject to the provisions of Articles IX and XI
hereof, the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby shall take place at
the offices of Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP, One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts at 10:00 a.m. on a date specified by 1855 Bancorp at least three
business days prior to such date.  The Closing Date shall be as soon as
practicable after the later to occur of the consummation of the Capital Offering
or the receipt of last required approval for the Merger and the Bank Merger and
the expiration of the last of all required waiting periods under such approvals,
or at such other place, date or time as 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich may mutually
agree upon.

     10.2  DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing there shall be delivered to
1855 Bancorp and Sandwich the opinions, certificates, and other documents and
instruments required to be delivered under Article IX hereof.

                                  ARTICLE XI

                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     11.1  TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of Sandwich:

          11.1.1  At any time by the mutual written agreement of 1855 Bancorp
and Sandwich;

          11.1.2  By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (provided, that the
                                                      --------
terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been
a material breach of any of the representations or warranties set forth in this
Agreement on the part of the other party, which breach by its nature cannot be
cured prior to the Effective Time or within 30 business days after written
notice by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich (or by Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp) of such
breach (for purposes of this Section 11.1.2 a material breach shall be deemed to
be a breach which has, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on the party making such representations or warranties (provided,
                                                                       --------
that no effect shall be given to any qualification relating to materiality or a
Material Adverse Effect in such representations and warranties) or a Material
Adverse Effect on the business, operations, financial condition, property or
assets of the combined enterprise or which materially adversely affects
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Capital Offering);

          11.1.3  By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (provided, that the
                                                      --------
terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been
a material failure to perform or comply with any of the covenants or agreements
set forth in this Agreement on the part of the other party, which failure shall
not have been cured within 30 business days after written notice by 1855 Bancorp
to Sandwich (or by Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp) of such failure (for purposes of
this Section 11.1.3 a material failure to perform or comply shall be deemed to
be a failure which has, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on the party so failing or on the business, operations, financial
condition, property or assets of the combined enterprise or which materially
adversely affects consummation of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Capital Offering);

          11.1.4  At the election of either 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich, if the
Closing shall not have occurred on or before December 31, 1998 (the "Termination
                                                                     -----------
Date"), or such later date as shall have been agreed to in writing by 1855
----
Bancorp and Sandwich; provided, that no party may terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 11.1.4 if the failure of the Closing to have occurred
on or before said date was due to such party's breach of any of its obligations
under this Agreement, and provided, further, that the Termination Date may be
extended for an additional two-month period by either party by written notice to
the other party (given not later than one week prior to the Termination Date) if
the

                                       39
<PAGE>

Closing shall not have occurred because of failure to have obtained approval
from one or more regula tory authorities whose approval is required in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
(including, without limitation, in connection with the Capital Offering) under
circumstances in which neither party has the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 11.1.6 hereof;

          11.1.5  By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp if the stockholders of
Sandwich shall have voted at the Sandwich stockholders meeting on the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such vote shall not have been
sufficient to approve such transactions;

          11.1.6  By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (i) if final action has
been taken by a regulatory authority whose approval is required in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the
Capital Offering), which final action (x) has become unappealable and (y) does
not approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or (ii) if
any court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority shall have
issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining
or otherwise prohibiting the Merger or the Bank Merger and such order, decree,
ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;

          11.1.7  By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (i) if final action has
been taken by a regulatory authority whose approval is required in connection
with the Capital Offering, which final action (x) has become unappealable and
(y) does not approve the Capital Offering, or (ii) if any court of competent
jurisdiction or other governmental authority shall have issued an order, decree,
ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the Capital Offering and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have
become final and nonappealable; or

          11.1.8  By Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp if a Payment Event occurs.

     11.2  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

          11.2.1  In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to any
provision of Section 111, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no
further force, except that (i) the provisions of Sections 1.1, 11.3, 11.4, 12.1,
12.2, 12.6, 12.9, 12.10, this Section 11.2, and any other Section which, by its
terms, relates to post-termination rights or obligations, shall survive such
termination of this Agreement and remain in full force and effect.

          11.2.2  If this Agreement is terminated, expenses and damages of the
parties hereto shall be determined as follows:

               (a)  Subject to Sections 11.3 and 11.4, termination of this
     Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1 (other than termination pursuant to
     Sections 11.1.2 and 11.1.3 as a result of a willful breach or gross
     negligence by a party hereto) shall be without liability, cost or expense
     on the part of any party to the other.

               (b)  In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to
     Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 hereof resulting from the willful conduct or gross
     negligence of a party, such party shall be obligated to reimburse the other
     party for up to $1,000,000 of out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including,
     without limitation, reasonable legal, accounting and investment banking
     fees and expenses, incurred by such other party in connection with the
     entering into of this Agreement and the carrying out of any and all acts
     contemplated hereunder (collectively referred to as "Costs").  The payment
                                                          -----
     of Costs is not an exclusive remedy, but is in addition to any other rights
     or remedies available to the parties hereto at law or in equity or as is
     contemplated herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if
     (i) Sandwich makes the payment contemplated in Section 11.4 of this
     Agreement or (ii) if 1855 Bancorp makes the payment

                                       40
<PAGE>

     contemplated in Section 113 of this Agreement, such party shall not have
     any further liability to the other party (or its Subsidiaries), whether for
     Costs, breach or otherwise.

          11.2.3  Except as provided in Sections 11.2.2, 11.3 and 11.4, whether
or not the Merger is consummated, all Costs incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne by the party
incurring such costs and expenses.

          11.2.4  In no event shall any officer, agent or director of Sandwich,
any Sandwich Subsidiary, 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, be
personally liable thereunder for any default by any party in any of its
obligations hereunder unless any such default was intentionally caused by such
officer, agent or director.

     11.3 1855 BANCORP SPECIAL PAYMENT.  As a condition of Sandwich's
willingness to, and in order to induce Sandwich to, enter into this Agreement,
and to reimburse Sandwich for incurring the damages, costs and expenses related
to entering into this Agreement and consummating the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, 1855 Bancorp hereby agrees to pay to Sandwich, as liquidated
damages and in lieu of any other rights or remedies under this Agreement, a
payment in the amount of $4,000,000 (the "Special Payment") if and only if (i)
                                          ---------------
the Merger is not consummated and the Agreement is terminated in accordance with
its terms due to the failure of the condition set forth in Section 9.2.5 of this
Agreement, or (ii) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 11.1.7, or
(iii) 1855 Bancorp otherwise does not consummate the Capital Offering by no
later than December 31, 1998 (subject to the two month extension contemplated in
Section 11.1.4 herein), or (iv) Sandwich has terminated this Agreement in
accordance with Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 because 1855 Bancorp has intentionally
or willfully breached any of its representations or warranties herein or
intentionally and willfully failed to perform or comply with any of its
covenants or agreements herein, to such extent as to permit such termination
(such reasons for termination being hereinafter referred to as the "Special
                                                                    -------
Payment Event"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, 1855 Bancorp shall have no
-------------
obligation to make any Special Payment to Sandwich if the Special Payment Event
is primarily due to a breach of a representation or warranty of Sandwich
(subject to the standard set forth in Section 1112 of this Agreement) or a
breach by Sandwich one or more covenants in this Agreement (subject to the
standard set forth in Section 1113 of this Agreement), which breach of
representation, warranty or covenant directly or adversely affects 1855
Bancorp's ability to consummate the Merger or satisfy the condition set forth in
Section 925 of this Agreement.

          11.3.1  PAYMENTS REQUIRED.  Any payment required to be made under this
Section 113 shall be paid by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Sandwich within five
business days after demand by Sandwich.

          11.3.2  EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary set forth in this Agreement, if 1855 Bancorp pays or causes to be paid
to Sandwich the Special Payment, neither 1855 Bancorp nor Compass Bank will have
any further obligations or liabilities to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank with respect
to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     11.4 SANDWICH CHANGE IN CONTROL EXPENSE FEE. As a condition of 1855
Bancorp's willingness to, and in order to induce 1855 Bancorp to, enter into
this Agreement, and to reimburse 1855 Bancorp for incurring the damages, costs
and expenses related to entering into this Agreement and consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Sandwich hereby agrees to pay to
1855 Bancorp, as liquidated damages, and in lieu of any other rights or remedies
under this Agreement, a payment in the amount of $4,000,000 (the "Expense Fee")
                                                                  -----------
if and only if a Payment Event (as hereinafter defined) shall have occurred
before the Expense Fee Termination Date (as hereinafter defined) determined in
accordance with Section 11.4.3.

                                       41
<PAGE>

          11.4.1  "PAYMENT EVENT" shall mean any of the following events:

              (a) Without 1855 Bancorp's prior written consent, Sandwich shall
     have authorized, proposed, or entered into, or publicly announced an
     intention to authorize, propose, or enter into an agreement with any person
     (other than 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary) to effect (A) a
     merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving Sandwich or any
     Sandwich Subsidiary, (B) the disposition, by sale, lease, exchange or
     otherwise, of assets of Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary representing in
     either case 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Sandwich and the
     Sandwich Subsidiaries, or (C) the issuance, sale or other disposition of
     (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar
     transaction) securities representing 15% or more of the voting power of
     Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary (any of the foregoing a "Change of
     Control Transaction"); or

              (b) any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
     Subsidiary) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is
     defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of or the right
     to acquire beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined
     in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall have been formed which
     beneficially owns or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 34%
     or more of the then outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock.

          11.4.2  A "TIME EXTENSION EVENT" means any of the following events:

              (a) any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
     Subsidiary) shall have commenced (as such term is defined in Rule 14d-2
     under the Exchange Act), or shall have filed a registration statement under
     the Securities Act with respect to, a tender offer or exchange offer to
     purchase any shares of Sandwich Common Stock such that, upon consummation
     of such offer, such person would own or control 10% or more of the then
     outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock (such an offer being referred
     to herein as a "Tender Offer" and an "Exchange Offer," respectively); or

              (b) following the public announcement of an Acquisition Proposal,
     the holders of Sandwich Common Stock shall not have approved this Agreement
     at the meeting of such stockholders held for the purpose of voting on this
     Agreement (the term ""Acquisition Proposal" is defined to mean (x) a bona
                           --------------------
     fide proposal by any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any subsidiary of
     1855 Bancorp) shall have been made to Sandwich or its stockholders to
     engage in a Change of Control Transaction, (y) any person (other than 1855
     Bancorp or any subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp) shall have stated its intention
     to Sandwich or its stockholders to make a proposal to engage in a Change of
     Control Transaction if this Agreement terminates or (z) any person (other
     than 1855 Bancorp or any subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp) shall have filed an
     application or notice with any Governmental Entity to engage in a Change of
     Control Transaction); or

              (c) following the occurrence of an Acquisition Proposal:

                  (i)   the meeting of Sandwich stockholders held for the
              purpose of voting on this Agreement shall not have been held or
              shall have been canceled prior to termination of this Agreement,

                  (ii)  Sandwich's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or
              modified in a manner adverse to 1855 Bancorp the recommendation of
              Sandwich's Board of Directors with respect to this Agreement and
              the Merger; or

                                       42
<PAGE>

                  (iii) Sandwich shall have willfully or intentionally breached
              any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation contained in
              this Agreement and such breach would entitle 1855 Bancorp to
              terminate this Agreement under Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 hereof
              (without regard to the cure period provided for therein unless
              such cure is promptly effected without jeopardizing consummation
              of the Merger pursuant to the terms of this Agreement).

          11.4.3  DURATION OF 1855 BANCORP'S RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO EXPENSE FEE.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this
Section 11.4 shall remain in effect and shall be enforceable by 1855 Bancorp or
any successor in interest until the "Expense Fee Termination Date", which shall
                                     ----------------------------
be the earliest to occur of:

              (a) The Effective Time of the Merger,

              (b) The date that is 12 months after termination of this Agreement
     following the occurrence of a Time Extension Event;

              (c) The date on which the Agreement is terminated in accordance
     with its terms, but only if such termination takes place prior to the
     occurrence of a Payment Event or a Time Extension Event.

          11.4.4  PAYMENTS REQUIRED.  Any payment required to be made under this
Section 11.4 shall be paid by Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by 1855 Bancorp within five
business days after demand by 1855 Bancorp.  In the event of a termination under
circumstances that would trigger a payment under this Section 11.4, the
standstill provisions contained in the Confidentiality Agreement shall
terminate.

          11.4.5  EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary set forth in this Agreement, if Sandwich pays or causes to be paid to
1855 Bancorp or to Compass Bank the Expense Fee, neither Sandwich nor Sandwich
Bank will have any further obligations or liabilities to 1855 Bancorp or Compass
Bank with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     11.5 AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER.  Subject to applicable law, at any
time prior to the Effective Time (whether before or after approval thereof by
the stockholders of Sandwich), the parties hereto may (a) amend this Agreement,
(b) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts
of any other party hereto, (c) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, or (d)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein;
provided, however, that after any approval of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby by the stockholders of Sandwich, there may not
be, without further approval of such stockholders, any amendment of this
Agreement which reduces the amount or changes the form of consideration to be
delivered to Sandwich's stockholders pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement
may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each
of the parties hereto. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of such party, but such waiver or failure to insist on strict
compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not
operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other
failure.

                                  ARTICLE XII

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

                                       43
<PAGE>

     12.1 CONFIDENTIALITY.  Except as specifically set forth herein, 1855
Bancorp and Sandwich mutually agree to be bound by the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreements previously executed by the parties hereto, which
Agreements are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  The parties hereto
agree that such Confidentiality Agreements shall continue in accordance with
their respective terms, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.

     12.2 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall cooperate with
each other in the development and distribution of all news releases and other
public information disclosures with respect to this Agreement, except as may be
otherwise required by law, and neither Sandwich nor 1855 Bancorp shall issue any
joint news releases with respect to this Agreement unless such news releases
have been mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, except as required by law.

     12.3 SURVIVAL.  All representations, warranties and covenants in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall expire
on, and be terminated and extinguished at, the Effective Date other than
covenants that by their terms are to survive or be performed after the Effective
Date.

     12.4 NOTICES.  All notices or other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered by receipted hand delivery or
mailed by prepaid registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or by
cable, telegram, telex or fax addressed as follows:

     If to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank, to:

               100 Old King's Highway
               Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563
               Attention: President
               Fax: (508) 833-0005

     With required copes to each of :

               Harry K. Kantarian, Esq.
               Leonard S. Volin, Esq.
               Housley Kantarian & Bronstein, P.C.
               1220 19/th/ Street, N.W.
               Suite 700
               Washington, D.C. 29936
               Fax: (202) 822-9611

     If to 1855 Bancorp or to Compass Bank, to:

               791 Purchase Street
               New Bedford, Massachusetts  02740-2101
               Attention: President
               Fax: (508) 984-6212

     With required copies to each of:

               Peter W. Coogan, Esq.
               Carol Hempfling Pratt, Esq.
               Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP

                                       44
<PAGE>

               One Post Office Square
               Boston, Massachusetts 02109
               Fax: (617) 832-7000

or such other address as shall be furnished in writing by any party, and any
such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date
so mailed.

     12.5   PARTIES IN INTEREST.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any party hereto without
the prior written consent of the other party, and that (except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Agreement or as is contemplated in Section 7.9 of
this Agreement) nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any other
Person any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

     12.6   COMPLETE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement, including the Exhibits and
Disclosure Schedules hereto and the documents and other writings referred to
herein or therein or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, contains the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter.
There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or
undertakings between the parties other than those expressly set forth herein or
therein.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
(other than the Confidentiality Agreements referred to in Section 121 hereof)
between the parties, both written and oral, with respect to its subject matter.

     12.7   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
each of which shall be deemed an original.

     12.8   SEVERABILITY.  In the event that any one or more provisions of this
Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect, by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement and the
parties shall use their reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and
enforceable provision which, insofar as practical, implements the purposes and
intents of this Agreement.

     12.9   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
Massachusetts, without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.

     12.10  INTERPRETATION.  When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections or Exhibits, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit to this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated.  The recitals hereto constitute an
integral part of this Agreement.  References to Sections include subsections,
which are part of the related Section (e.g., a section numbered "Section 5.5.1"
would be part of "Section 5.5" and references to "Section 5.5" would also refer
to material contained in the subsection described as "Section 5.5.1"). The table
of contents, index and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.  Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are
used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation".  The phrases "the date of this Agreement", "the date
hereof" and terms of similar import, unless the context otherwise requires,
shall be deemed to refer to the date set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.


     THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

                                       45
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1855 Bancorp, Compass Bank, Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized
officers as of the date first set forth above.

                       THE 1855 BANCORP


[SEAL]                 By:________________________________
                          President and CEO

[SEAL]                 By:_________________________________
                          Treasurer


                       COMPASS BANK FOR SAVINGS


[SEAL]                 By:________________________________
                          President and CEO

[SEAL]                 By:_________________________________
                          Treasurer


                       SANDWICH BANCORP, INC.


[SEAL]                 By:__________________________________
                          President and CEO

[SEAL]                 By:_________________________________
                          Treasurer

                       THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK


[SEAL]                 By:________________________________
                          President and CEO

[SEAL]                 By:_________________________________
                          Treasurer

                                       46
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit A

                           FORM OF VOTING AGREEMENT



                                        February     , 1998


The 1855 Bancorp
[address]

Ladies and Gentlemen

     The undersigned is a director of Sandwich Bancorp ("Sandwich") and is the
beneficial holder of shares of common stock of Sandwich ("Sandwich Common
Stock").

     Sandwich and The 1855 Bancorp ("1855 Bancorp") are considering the
execution of an Affiliation and Merger Agreement ("Affiliation Agreement")
contemplating the merger of a newly formed special-purpose subsidiary  of
Compass Bank, a Massachusetts stock savings bank and wholly owned subsidiary of
1855 Bancorp, with and into Sandwich, with Sandwich as the surviving corporation
of the merger (the "Merger"), such execution being subject in the case of 1855
Bancorp to the execution and delivery of this letter agreement ("Agreement").
In consideration of the substantial expenses that 1855 Bancorp will incur in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Affiliation Agreement and
in order to induce 1855 Bancorp to execute the Affiliation Agreement and to
proceed to incur such expenses, the undersigned agrees and undertakes, in his
capacity as a shareholder of Sandwich and not in his capacity as a director of
Sandwich, as follows:

     1. The undersigned will vote or cause to be voted for approval of the
Affiliation Agreement all of the shares of Sandwich Common Stock the undersigned
is entitled to vote with respect thereto.

     2. The undersigned will not effect any transfer or other disposition of any
of the undersigned's shares of Sandwich Common Stock until Sandwich's
shareholders have voted to approve the Affiliation Agreement or until the
Affiliation Agreement has been terminated pursuant to the terms thereof.  In the
case of any transfer by operation of law or otherwise, this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the transferee.  Any transfer or other
disposition in violation of the terms of this paragraph 2 shall be null and
void.

     3. The undersigned agrees that Sandwich's transfer agent shall be given an
appropriate stop transfer order and shall not be required to register any
attempted transfer of shares of Sandwich Common Stock, unless the transfer has
been effected in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

     4. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that any remedy at law for
breach of the foregoing provisions shall be inadequate and that, in addition to
any other relief which may be available, 1855 Bancorp shall be entitled to
temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving
actual damages.
<PAGE>

     5. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to shares with respect to
which the undersigned may have voting power as a fiduciary for others.  In
addition, this agreement shall only apply to actions taken by the undersigned in
his capacity as a shareholder of Sandwich and shall not in any way limit or
affect actions the undersigned may take in his capacity as a director of
Sandwich.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                        Very truly yours,


                                        ________________________


Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:

THE 1855 BANCORP


By:__________________________
   Its

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit B

        FORM OF OPINION OF HOUSLEY, KANTARIAN & BRONSTEIN, P.C./LOCAL
                 COUNSEL REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO 1855 BANCORP


     (a)  Each of Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank is validly existing under
the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Sandwich Bancorp is duly
registered as a bank holding company under the BHCA.

     (b)  The authorized capital stock of Sandwich Bancorp consists of ______
shares of Sandwich Bancorp Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Sandwich
Bancorp Preferred Stock. All of the outstanding shares of Sandwich Bancorp
Common Stock have been duly authorized and are nonassessable, and the
shareholders of Sandwich Bancorp have no preemptive rights with respect to any
shares of capital stock of Sandwich Bancorp.  All of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of Sandwich Bank and each other Sandwich Subsidiary have been duly
authorized and are nonassessable, and, to the actual knowledge of such counsel,
are directly or indirectly owned by Sandwich Bancorp free and clear of all
liens, claims, encumbrances, charges, restrictions or rights of third parties of
any kind whatsoever.

     (c)  The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank and, assuming due authorization, execution
and delivery by 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank enforceable in accordance with
its terms, except that the enforceability of the obligations of Sandwich Bancorp
and Sandwich Bank may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors, (ii) equitable
principles limiting the right to obtain specific performance or other similar
equitable relief and (iii) considerations of public policy.

     (d)  Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank have all requisite corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver the Agreement and to consummate the Merger.
All corporate actions required to be taken by Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank
by law and their respective Charters and Bylaws to authorize the execution and
delivery of the Agreement and consummation of the Merger have been taken.

     (e)  All consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any
federal or state banking agency which are necessary to be obtained by Sandwich
Bancorp and Sandwich Bank to permit the execution of the Agreement and
consummation of the Merger have been obtained.

     (f)  Neither the execution of the Agreement nor consummation of the Merger
will (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of the Charter or
By-laws or similar governing instruments, of Sandwich Bancorp or any of its
Subsidiaries, (ii) constitute a breach of or default under, or give rise to a
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration with respect to, [specified
agreements listed in Disclosure Schedules] except as described in the Sandwich
Disclosure Schedule, or (iii) violate any Massachusetts banking or corporate law
or federal banking law of the United States binding upon Sandwich Bancorp or any
of its Subsidiaries, or any order, writ, injunction or decree of which we have
actual knowledge to which Sandwich Bancorp or any of its Subsidiaries, is
subject.

     (g)  We do not have actual knowledge of any actions, suits or proceedings
pending or threatened against Sandwich Bancorp or any Subsidiary, at law or in
equity, before any court or

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

governmental body which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin,
alter or materially delay consummation of the Merger.

     In rendering their opinion, such counsel may rely, to the extent such
counsel deems such reliance necessary or appropriate, upon certificates of
governmental officials,  certificates or opinions of other counsel to Sandwich
Bancorp or a Sandwich Bancorp Subsidiary reasonably satisfactory to 1855 Bancorp
and, as to matters of fact, certificates of officers of Sandwich Bancorp or a
Sandwich Bancorp Subsidiary.  The opinion of such counsel need refer only to
matters of Massachusetts and federal law and may add other qualifications and
explanations of the basis of their opinion as may be reasonably acceptable to
1855 Bancorp.

     Counsel may expressly exclude any opinions as to choice of law and anti-
trust matters and may add such other qualifications and explanations of the
basis of its opinions as are consistent with the Legal Opinion Accord prepared
by the Section of Business Law of the American Bar Association.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit C
                                                                       ---------



                  FORM OF OPINION OF FOLEY, HOAG & ELIOT LLP
                  ------------------------------------------


     (a)  Each of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank is validly existing under the
laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and 1855 Bancorp is duly registered
as a bank holding company under the BHCA.

     (b)  The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by 1855
Bancorp and Compass Bank and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery
by Sandwich Bancorp and Sandwich Bank, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank enforceable in accordance with its
terms, except that the enforceability of the obligations of 1855 Bancorp and
Compass Bank may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors, (ii) equitable
principles limiting the right to obtain specific performance or other similar
equitable relief and (iii) considerations of public policy, and except that
certain remedies may not be available in the case of a nonmaterial breach of the
Agreement.

     (c)  1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank have all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver the Agreement and to consummate the Merger.
All corporate actions required to be taken by 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank by
law and their respective Charters and Bylaws to authorize the execution and
delivery of the Agreement and consummation of the Merger have been taken.

     (d)  All consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any
federal or state banking agency which are necessary to be obtained by 1855
Bancorp and Compass Bank to permit the execution of the Agreement and
consummation of the Merger have been obtained.

     (e)  Neither the execution of the Agreement nor consummation of the Merger
will (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of the Charter or
By-laws or similar governing instruments, of 1855 Bancorp or any of its
Subsidiaries or (ii) violate any Massachusetts banking or corporate law or
federal banking law of the United States binding upon 1855 Bancorp or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any order, writ, injunction or decree of which we have actual
knowledge to which 1855 Bancorp or any of its Subsidiaries, is subject.

     (f)  We do not have actual knowledge of any actions, suits or proceedings
pending or threatened against 1855 Bancorp or any Subsidiary, at law or in
equity, before any court or governmental body which in any manner challenges or
seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay consummation of the Merger.

     In rendering their opinion, such counsel may rely, to the extent such
counsel deems such reliance necessary or appropriate, upon certificates of
governmental officials and, as to matters of fact, certificates of officers of
1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary.  The opinion of such counsel need
refer only to matters of Massachusetts and federal law, and may add other
qualifications and explanations of the basis of their opinion as may be
reasonably acceptable to Sandwich Bancorp.

     Counsel may expressly exclude any opinions as to choice of law and anti-
trust matters and may add such other qualifications and explanations of the
basis of its opinions as are consistent with

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

the Legal Opinion Accord prepared by the Section of Business Law of the American
Bar Association.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1

                             AMENDED AND RESTATED

                       AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT

                                     AMONG

                               THE 1855 BANCORP

                           COMPASS BANK FOR SAVINGS



                                      AND


                            SANDWICH BANCORP, INC.

                        THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK



                                MARCH 23, 1998
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                 ARTICLE I
                            CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
        <S>                                                                 <C>
        1.1   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS..........................................   1

                                  ARTICLE II
                                  THE MERGER

        2.1   THE MERGER...................................................   5
        2.2   EFFECTIVE TIME...............................................   5
        2.3   CHARTER AND BY-LAWS..........................................   5
        2.4   DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION..............   6
        2.5   DIRECTORS OF 1855 BANCORP AND COMPASS BANK...................   6
        2.6   ADDITIONAL ACTIONS...........................................   6
        2.7   EFFECTS OF THE MERGER........................................   6
        2.9   POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES..............................   6

                                 ARTICLE III
                             CONVERSION OF SHARES

        3.1   MERGER CONSIDERATION.........................................   7
        3.2   EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS.......................................   8
        3.3   DISSENTING SHARES............................................   8
        3.4   PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK.............   9
        3.5   RESERVATION OF SHARES........................................  11

                                 ARTICLE IV
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SANDWICH

        4.1   CAPITAL STRUCTURE............................................  11
        4.2   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH.............  12
        4.3   OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES...........................  12
        4.4   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIAR...  12
        4.5   AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT...........................  12
        4.6   SECURITIES DOCUMENTS AND REGULATORY REPORTS..................  14
        4.7   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................  14
        4.8   MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE......................................  15
        4.9   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS........................................  15
        4.10  TAX MATTERS..................................................  15
        4.11  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................  16
        4.12  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.........................................  16
        4.13  CERTAIN INFORMATION..........................................  17
        4.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.......................................  17
        4.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS............................................  18
        4.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS..........................................  19
        4.17  INSURANCE....................................................  20


</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                 <C>
        4.18  LOAN PORTFOLIO...............................................  20
        4.19  PROPERTIES...................................................  20
        4.20  LABOR........................................................  20
        4.21  REQUIRED VOTE; INAPPLICABILITY OF ANTITAKOVER STATUTES.......  20
        4.22  MATERIAL INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS........................  21
        4.23  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.........................................  21
        4.24  DISCLOSURES..................................................  21
        4.27  POOLING OF INTERESTS.........................................  21

                                   ARTICLE V
                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF 1855 BANCORP

        5.1   CAPITAL STRUCTURE............................................  22
        5.2   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF 1855 BANCORP.........  22
        5.3   OWNERSHIP OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES...................  22
        5.4   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF THE 1855 BANCORP
              SUBSIDIARIES.................................................  23
        5.5   AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT...........................  23
        5.6   REGULATORY REPORTS...........................................  24
        5.7   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................  24
        5.8   MATERIAL ADVERSE CGE.........................................  25
        5.9   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS........................................  25
        5.10  TAX MATTERS..................................................  26
        5.11  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................  26
        5.12  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.........................................  26
        5.13  CERTAIN INFORMATION..........................................  27
        5.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.......................................  27
        5.15  CERTAIN CONTRACTS............................................  28
        5.16  BROKERS AND FINDERS..........................................  28
        5.17  INSURANCE....................................................  28
        5.18  PROPERTIES...................................................  29
        5.19  LABOR........................................................  29
        5.20  OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK...........................  29
        5.21  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.........................................  29
        5.22  DISCLOSURES..................................................  29
        5.23  DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE..........................................  30
        5.24  POOLING OF INTERESTS.........................................  30
        5.25  MERGER SUB...................................................  30

                                  ARTICLE VI
                             COVENANTS OF SANDWICH

        6.1   CONDUCT OF BUSINESS..........................................  30
        6.2   CURRENT INFORMATION..........................................  33
        6.3   ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.............................  33
        6.4   FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS...............................  33
        6.5   DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.......................................  34
        6.6   CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES......................  34
        6.7   ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.......................................  34

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE> <CAPTION>
        <S>                                                                 <C>
        6.8   FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS................................  34
        6.9   NO SOLICITATION..............................................  34
        6.10  CEASE NEGOTIATIONS...........................................  35

                                  ARTICLE VII
                           COVENANTS OF 1855 BANCORP

        7.1   CONDUCT OF BUSINESS..........................................  35
        7.2   CURRENT INFORMATION..........................................  36
        7.3   ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.............................  36
        7.4   FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS...............................  36
        7.5   DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.......................................  37
        7.6   CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES......................  37
        7.7   ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.......................................  37
        7.8   FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS................................  37
        7.9   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS............................................  37
        7.10  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.........  38
        7.11  MERGER SUB...................................................  40

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                         REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS

        8.1  SANDWICH SPECIAL MEETING......................................  40
        8.2  PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS....................................  40
        8.3  1855 BANCORP CONVERSION FROM MUTUAL TO STOCK FORM.............  41
        8.4  REGULATORY APPROVALS..........................................  43
        8.5  AFFILIATES; PUBLICATION OF COMBINED FINANCIAL RESULTS.........  43

                                  ARTICLE IX
                              CLOSING CONDITIONS

        9.1  CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT...  43
        9.2  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF 1855 BANCORP UNDER THIS
             AGREEMENT.....................................................  45
        9.3  CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SANDWICH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. 46

                                   ARTICLE X
                                  THE CLOSING

       10.1  TIME AND PLACE................................................  47
       10.2  DELIVERIES AT THE PRE-CLOSING AND THE CLOSING.................  47

                                  ARTICLE XI
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

        11.1  TERMINATION..................................................  47
        11.2  EFFECT OF TERMINATION........................................  49
        11.4  SANDWICH CHANGE IN CONTROL EXPENSE FEE.......................  50
        11.5  AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER..............................  52
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  ARTICLE XII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

        <S>                                                                 <C>
        12.1   CONFIDENTIALITY.............................................  53
        12.2   PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS........................................  53
        12.3   SURVIVAL....................................................  53
        12.4   NOTICES.....................................................  53
        12.5   PARTIES IN INTEREST.........................................  54
        12.6   COMPLETE AGREEMENT..........................................  54
        12.7   COUNTERPARTS................................................  54
        12.8   SEVERABILITY................................................  55
        12.9   GOVERNING LAW...............................................  55
        12.10  INTERPRETATION..............................................  55
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

             AMENDED AND RESTATED AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT

     This AMENDED AND RESTATED AFFILIATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT ("Agreement"),
is dated as of March 23, 1998 by and among THE 1855 BANCORP, a Massachusetts
mutual holding company ("1855 Bancorp"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, COMPASS
BANK FOR SAVINGS, a Massachusetts savings bank ("Compass Bank"), SANDWICH
BANCORP, INC., a Massachusetts corporation and bank holding company
("Sandwich"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK, a
Massachusetts co-operative bank ("Sandwich Bank").

     WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of 1855 Bancorp, the Board of Directors of
Compass Bank and the Boards of Directors of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank have
determined that it is in the best interests of their respective organizations
and, with respect to Sandwich, its stockholders to consummate a business
combination transaction among the parties, and on February 2, 1998, the parties
entered into an Affiliation and Merger Agreement (the "Original Agreement")
providing for the merger (the "Merger") of Sandwich with a newly-formed special-
purpose subsidiary ("Merger Sub") of 1855 Bancorp, with Sandwich as the
surviving corporation of the Merger;

     WHEREAS, following the date of the Original Agreement, the parties
determined that it was necessary to make certain amendments to the Original
Agreement in order to consummate the Merger, including changes in the amount and
nature of the consideration to be paid to the stockholders of Sandwich;

     WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to the 1855 Bancorp's willingness to
enter into this Agreement, (i) Sandwich is concurrently entering into a Stock
Option Agreement with 1855 Bancorp (the "Sandwich Option Agreement"), in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit A, pursuant to which Sandwich is granting to
1855 Bancorp the option to purchase shares of Sandwich Common Stock (as defined
herein) under certain circumstances and (ii) 1855 Bancorp and certain of the
directors of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank are entering into voting agreements in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit B;

     WHEREAS, after consummation of the Merger, it is anticipated that Sandwich
Bank will be merged with and into Compass Bank (the "Bank Merger");

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and
agreements in connection with the Merger and to prescribe certain conditions to
the Merger;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations,
warranties and agreements herein contained, and of other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and suffi  ciency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

     1.1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms
have the following meanings (unless the context otherwise requires, both here
and throughout this Agreement, refer ences to Articles and Sections refer to
Articles and Sections of this Agreement).

     "Bank Commissioner" shall mean the Commissioner of Banks of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
<PAGE>

     "BHCA" shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.

     "BIF" means the Bank Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC or any
successor thereto.

     "Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 34 hereof.

     "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     "Compass Bank for Savings" shall mean Compass Bank, a Massachusetts-
chartered savings bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp.

     "Conversion" shall mean the conversion from mutual to stock form of the
1855 Bancorp.

     "Conversion Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.3.

     "Depositors Insurance Fund" shall mean the Depositors Insurance Fund of the
Mutual Savings Central Fund, Inc.

     "Disclosure Schedule" shall mean a written, signed disclosure schedule
delivered from the disclosing party to the other party specifically referring to
the appropriate section of this Agreement and describing in reasonable detail
the matters contained therein.

     "Dissenting Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 hereof.

     "DOJ" shall mean the United States Department of Justice.

     "Effective Date" shall mean the date on which the Effective Time occurs.

     "Effective Time" shall mean the date and time specified pursuant to Section
2.2 hereof as the effective time of the Merger.

     "Environmental Claim" means any written notice from any Governmental Entity
or third party alleging potential liability (including, without limitation,
potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental
response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries
or penalties) arising out of, based on, or resulting from the presence, or
release into the environment, of any Materials of Environmental Concern.

     "Environmental Laws" means any federal, state or local law, statute,
ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval,
consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any governmental
entity relating to (1) the protection, preservation or restoration of the
environment (including, without limitation, air, water vapor, surface water,
groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and
animal life or any other natural resource), and/or (2) the use, storage,
recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling,
labeling, production, release or disposal of Materials of Environment Concern.
The term Environmental Law includes without limitation (1) the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
(S)9601, et seq; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42
         -- ---
U.S.C. (S)6901, et seq; the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. (S)7401, et
                -- ---                                                    --
seq; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. (S)1251, et
---                                                                          --
seq; the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. (S)9601, et seq;
---                                                                   -- ---
the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)1101, et
                                                                           --
seq; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)300f, et seq; and all comparable
---                                                  -- ---
state and local laws, and (2) any common law (including without limitation
common law that may impose strict liability) that may impose liability or
obligations for injuries or damages due to, or threatened

                                       2
<PAGE>

as a result of, the presence of or exposure to any Materials of Environmental
Concern.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

     "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "Exchange Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.

     "Exchange Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1.

     "FDIA" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.

     "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
successor thereto.

     "FHLB" shall mean Federal Home Loan Bank.

     "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any
successor thereto.

     "Governmental Entity" shall mean any federal or state court, administrative
agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality.

     "MBCL" shall mean the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as amended.

     "MHPF" shall mean the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund.

     "Massachusetts Board" shall mean the Massachusetts Board of Bank
Incorporation.

     "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to the 1855 Bancorp or
Sandwich, respectively, any effect that (i) is material and adverse to the
financial condition, results of operations or business of 1855 Bancorp and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or Sandwich and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole,
respectively, or (ii) materially impairs the ability of either Sandwich, on the
one hand, or 1855 Bancorp, on the other hand, to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that "Material Adverse Effect" shall
not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in laws and regulations
particularly affecting banks, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles generally applicable to financial institutions and their holding
companies, (c) actions and omissions of a party (or any of its Subsidiaries)
taken with the prior written consent of the other party, (d) changes in interest
rates, and (e) the direct effects of compliance with this Agreement on the
operating performance of the parties including expenses incurred by the parties
hereto in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including without limitation the expenses associated with the termination of any
of the Sandwich Employee Plans as and to the extent contemplated herein.

     "Materials of Environmental Concern" means pollutants, contaminants,
wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum products,  and any other
materials regulated under Environmental Laws.

     "Merger" shall mean the merger of Merger Sub with and into Sandwich
pursuant to the terms hereof.

     "Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1
hereof.

     "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

     "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any
successor thereto.

                                       3
<PAGE>

     "Previously Disclosed" shall mean disclosed in a Disclosure Schedule dated
on or prior to the date hereof.

     "Pre-Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 101 hereof.

     "Pre-Closing Date" shall be the date on which the Pre-Closing occurs.

     "Proxy Statement-Prospectus" shall mean the proxy statement/prospectus, as
amended or supplemented, to be delivered to shareholders of Sandwich in
connection with the solicitation of their approval of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and the offering of the 1855 Common Stock to
them as Merger Consideration.

     "Rights" shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities,
stock appreciation rights and other arrangements or commitments which obligate
an entity to issue or dispose of any of its capital stock or other ownership
interests or which provide for compensation based on the equity appreciation of
its capital stock.

     "SAIF" means the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered by the
FDIC or any successor thereto.

     "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "Sandwich Bank" shall mean Sandwich Co-operative Bank, a Massachusetts-
chartered co-operative bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sandwich.

     "Sandwich Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of Sandwich.

     "Sandwich Employee Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.14.1 hereof.

     "Sandwich Financial Statements" shall mean the audited consolidated balance
sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank, as the case may be, as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the
consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) of Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank, as the case may be, for each of the three years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 as filed by Sandwich or Sandwich Bank, as the case may be, in its
Securities Documents.

     "Sandwich Options" shall mean options to purchase shares of Sandwich Common
Stock granted pursuant to the Sandwich Option Plans or as otherwise Previously
Disclosed.

     "Sandwich Option Plans" shall mean the following stock option plans of
Sandwich, as amended and as in effect as of the date hereof:  The Sandwich Bank
1986 Stock Option Plan and The Sandwich Bank 1994 Stock Option and Incentive
Plan.

     "Sandwich Preferred Stock" shall mean the shares of preferred stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of Sandwich.

     "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     "Securities Documents" shall mean all reports, offering circulars, proxy
statements, registration statements and all similar documents filed, or required
to be filed, pursuant to the Securities Laws.

     "Securities Laws" shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act; the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended; the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

                                       4
<PAGE>

     "Share Insurance Fund" shall mean the share insurance fund of the Co-
operative Central Bank.

     "Stock Exchange" shall mean the Nasdaq National Market.

     "Subsidiary" shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation
S-X of the SEC.

     "Surviving Corporation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1
hereof.

     "1855 Bancorp Employee Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.14.1 hereof.

     "1855 Bancorp Financial Statements" shall mean the audited consolidated
statements of financial condition (including related notes and schedules) of
1855 Bancorp as of October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) of 1855 Bancorp for each of the three years ended
October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 as set forth in 1855 Bancorp's annual report for
the year ended October 31, 1997, a copy of which has been provided to Sandwich.

     "1855 Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value to be
determined, of 1855 Bancorp.

     "1855 Trading Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.2
hereof.

     Other terms used herein are defined in the preamble and elsewhere in this
Agreement.
                                   ARTICLE II

                                   THE MERGER

     2.1 THE MERGER.  As promptly as practicable following the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions to the parties' respective obligations hereunder, and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time:
(a) unless theretofore done, 1855 Bancorp shall cause Merger Sub to be organized
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp in accordance with Massa  chusetts
law; (b) Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Sandwich, with Sandwich as the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"); and (c) the separate
                            ---------------------
existence of Merger Sub shall cease and all of the rights, privileges, powers,
franchises, properties, assets, liabilities and obligations of Merger Sub shall
be vested in and assumed by Sandwich.

     2.2 EFFECTIVE TIME.  The Merger shall be effected by the filing of Articles
of Merger with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
accordance with Massachusetts law to become effective on the day of the closing
("Closing Date") provided for in Article X hereof (the "Closing").  The term
  ------------                                          -------
"Effective Time" shall mean the time on the Closing Date (or a subsequent date
---------------
not later than the opening of business on the next business day) when the Merger
becomes effective as set forth in the Articles of Merger.

     2.3 CHARTER AND BY-LAWS.  The Articles of Organization and By-laws of the
Surviving Corporation shall be the Articles of Organization, as amended, and By-
laws of Sandwich as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, until
thereafter amended as provided therein and by applicable law.

                                       5
<PAGE>

     2.4 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION.  The Directors of
Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
Directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with
the Articles of Organization and By-Laws of Surviving Corporation.  The
officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
initial officers of Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

     2.5 DIRECTORS OF 1855 BANCORP AND COMPASS BANK.

     2.5.1 Prior to or at the Effective Time, three directors of Sandwich (one
of whom shall be the President of Sandwich and the other two of whom shall be
designated by 1855 Bancorp after consultation with Sandwich) shall be elected to
the Board of Directors of 1855 Bancorp.

     2.5.2 The President of Sandwich shall be appointed to the Executive
Committee of Compass Bank.

     2.6 ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  If, at any time after the Effective Time,
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any further assignments
or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable (a) to vest,
perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in Surviving Corporation, title to
and possession of any property or right of Merger Sub acquired or to be acquired
by reason of, or as a result of, the Merger, or (b) otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, Merger Sub and its proper officers and directors
shall be deemed to have granted to Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of
attorney to execute and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and
assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm title to and possession of such property or rights in Surviving
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement; and the
proper officers and directors of Surviving Corporation are fully authorized in
the name of Merger Sub or otherwise to take any and all such action.

     2.7 EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.  At and after the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the effects set forth in Chapter 156B, Section 80 of the General Laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as amended.

     2.8 THE SANDWICH OPTION AGREEMENT.  The parties acknowledge that Sandwich
and 1855 Bancorp have entered into that certain Sandwich Option Agreement dated
as of even date herewith pursuant to which Sandwich has granted to 1855 Bancorp
the right to purchase certain shares of Sandwich Common Stock upon terms and
conditions specified in the Sandwich Option Agreement.

     2.9 POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, prior to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp
shall be entitled to revise the structure of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, provided, that (i) there are
no material adverse federal or state income tax consequences to Sandwich and its
stockholders as a result of the modification; (ii) the consideration to be paid
to the holders of Sandwich Common Stock under this Agreement is not thereby
changed in kind or reduced in amount; (iii) there are no material adverse
changes to the benefits and other arrangements provided to or on behalf of
Sandwich's directors, officers and other employees; and (iv) such modification
will not delay materially or jeopardize receipt of any required regulatory
approvals or other consents and approvals relating to the consummation of the
Merger. 1855 Bancorp, Compass Bank, Sandwich and Sandwich Bank agree to
appropriately amend this Agreement and any related documents in order to reflect
any such revised structure.


                                       6
<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE III
                              CONVERSION OF SHARES

     3.1 MERGER CONSIDERATION.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger
and without any action on the part of 1855 Bancorp, Merger Sub, Sandwich or the
holders of any of the shares of Sandwich Common Stock (shares of Sandwich Common
Stock being hereinafter collectively referred to as "Shares"):
                                                     ------

     3.1.1 Each Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time (other than any Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 3.1.5 and any
Dissenting Shares (as hereinafter defined)) shall, by virtue of the Merger and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into and
exchangeable for a number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share,
of 1855 Bancorp ("1855 Common Stock") equal to one share multiplied by the
                  -----------------
Exchange Ratio (rounded to the nearest four decimal places), determined as
follows:

       (a)  If the 1855 Trading Price is between $10.01 and $13.50 (inclusive),
   the Exchange Ratio shall be determined by dividing $64.00 by the 1855 Trading
   Price.

       (b)  If the 1855 Trading Price is between $13.51 and $15.00 (inclusive),
   the Exchange Ratio shall be 4.7407.

       (c)  If the 1855 Trading Price is greater than $15.00, the Exchange Ratio
   shall be determined by dividing $71.11 by the 1855 Trading Price.

       (d)  If the 1855 Trading Price is $10.00 or less, the Exchange Ratio will
   be 6.4.

     3.1.2 For purposes of this Agreement, the "1855 Trading Price" shall be
determined by averaging the closing bid and asked price of the 1855 Common Stock
for each of the second through the ninth trading days (inclusive) following
consummation of the Conversion (the average of the closing bid and asked price
for each such day is referred to as the "Daily Closing Price"), discarding the
two highest and two lowest Daily Closing Prices, and averaging the remaining
Daily Closing Prices.  The closing bid and asked prices shall be as quoted at
the close of business on the Stock Exchange.

     3.1.3 The foregoing determination of the Exchange Ratio assumes that the
initial public offering ("IPO") price of the 1855 Bancorp Common Stock in the
Conversion will be $10.00 per share. If the IPO price is an amount other than
$10.00, the Exchange Ratios and dollar amounts in Section 3.1.1 shall be
proportionately adjusted to reflect the actual IPO price.

     3.1.4 Shares of Sandwich Common Stock converted into 1855 Common Stock
pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall no longer be outstanding and shall
automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and each certificate
(each a "Certificate") previously representing any such Share shall thereafter
         -----------
represent the right to receive (i) the number of whole shares of 1855 Common
Stock and (ii) cash in lieu of fractional shares into which the Shares
represented by such Certificate have been converted pursuant to this Section 3.1
and Section 3.4 hereof (the "Merger Consideration").  Certificates previously
                            --------------------
representing Shares of Sandwich Common Stock shall be exchanged for
certificates representing whole shares of 1855 Common Stock and cash in lieu
of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor upon the surrender of
such Certificates in accordance with Section 3.4 hereof, without any interest
thereon.

                                       7

<PAGE>

     3.1.5 Each Share held in the treasury of Sandwich and each Share owned by
Merger Sub, 1855 Bancorp or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
1855 Bancorp or of Sandwich immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than
shares held in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with debts previously
contracted) shall, at the Effective Time, cease to exist, and the certificates
for such shares shall, as promptly as practicable thereafter, be cancelled and
no payment or distribution shall be made in consideration therefor.

     3.1.6 Each share of the common stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged
for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of the common stock
of the Surviving Corporation.

     3.2 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS.  Prior to the Effective Time, Sandwich shall,
in accordance with the terms of the Sandwich Option Plans, provide written
notice to each holder of a then outstanding Sandwich Option (whether or not such
stock option is then vested or exercisable), that such Sandwich Option shall be,
as at the date of such notice, exercisable in full and that, if such Sandwich
Option is not exercised or otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms
before the Effective Time, such Sandwich Option shall, at the Effective Time, be
automatically converted into a number of shares of 1855 Common Stock determined
by application of the following formula, subject to any required withholding of
taxes:

                        [(MCV - EP) (divide)  TP] x OS

where:
  MCV =  Merger Consideration Value per share, determined by multiplying the
         Exchange Ratio by the 1855 Trading Price
  EP  =  Exercise Price per share as stated in such Sandwich Option
  TP  =  1855 Trading Price, as determined in accordance with Section 3.1.2
  OS  =  Number of Option Shares covered by such Sandwich Option


Subject to the foregoing, the Sandwich Option Plans and all options issued
thereunder shall terminate at the Effective Time.  Sandwich hereby represents
and warrants to 1855 Bancorp that the maximum number of Shares subject to
issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options issued and outstanding under
the Sandwich Option Plans is not and shall not be at or prior to the Effective
Time more than 143,778.

     3.3 DISSENTING SHARES.

     3.3.1 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary and unless
otherwise provided by applicable law, Shares that are issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time and that are owned by stockholders who
have properly perfected their rights of appraisal within the meaning of Section
85 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws (the "Dissenting Shares"),
                                                           -----------------
shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration,
unless and until such stockholders shall have failed to perfect or shall have
effectively withdrawn or lost their right of payment under applicable law, but,
instead, the holders thereof shall be entitled to payment of the appraised value
of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Massachusetts
General Laws, Chapter 156B (S) 85 et seq.  If any such holder shall have failed
                                  -- ----
to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such right of appraisal,
each Share held by such stockholder shall thereupon be deemed to have been
converted into the right to receive and become


                                       8
<PAGE>

exchangeable for, at the Effective Time, the Merger Consideration in the manner
provided in Section 3.1 hereof.

     3.3.2 Sandwich shall give 1855 Bancorp (i) prompt notice of any objections
filed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 156B, (S) 85 et seq.,
                                                                   ------
received by Sandwich, withdrawals of such objections, and any other instruments
served in connection with such objections pursuant to the Massachusetts General
Laws and received by Sandwich and (ii) the opportunity to direct all
negotiations and proceedings with respect to objections under the Massachusetts
General Laws consistent with the obligations of Sandwich thereunder.  Sandwich
shall not, except with the prior written consent of 1855 Bancorp, (x) make any
payment with respect to any such objection, (y) offer to settle or settle any
such objections or (z) waive any failure to timely deliver a written objection
in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws.

     3.4 PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK.

     3.4.1 1855 BANCORP TO MAKE SHARES AVAILABLE.  Prior to the Effective Time,
1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank shall designate a bank or trust company, reasonably
acceptable to Sandwich, to act as agent (the "Exchange Agent") for the holders
                                              --------------
of Shares in connection with the Merger to receive the Merger Consideration to
which holders of Shares shall become entitled pursuant to Section 3.1.  1855
Bancorp shall take all steps necessary on and as of the Effective Time to
deliver to the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of certificates
evidencing Shares ("Certificates"), for exchange in accordance with this Section
                    ------------
3.4, certificates representing shares of 1855 Common Stock and the cash in lieu
of fractional shares to be paid pursuant to this Section 3.4 (such cash and
certificates for shares of 1855 Common Stock, together with any dividends or
distributions with respect thereto being hereinafter referred to as the

"Exchange Fund") to be issued and paid in exchange for outstanding Sandwich
--------------
Common Stock in accordance with this Agreement.  The Exchange Agent shall act as
agent on behalf of record holders (individually, a "Record Holder") of Sandwich
                                                    -------------
Common Stock at the Effective Time, other than Sandwich, any Sandwich
Subsidiary, 1855 Bancorp, or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary (in each case other
than in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with debts previously contracted),
or any Person holding Dissenting Shares.

     3.4.2 EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.  Within three business days after the
Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall take all steps necessary to cause the
Exchange Agent to mail to each Record Holder of a Certificate or Certificates,
a form letter of transmittal for return to the Exchange Agent and instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates for certificates
representing the 1855 Common Stock and the cash in lieu of fractional shares
into which the Sandwich Common Stock represented by such Certificates shall have
been converted as a result of the Merger. The form letter (which shall be
subject to the reasonable approval of Sandwich) shall specify that delivery
shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass,
only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent. Upon surrender of
a Certificate for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with
such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (x) a certificate for the number of
whole shares of 1855 Common Stock to which such holder of Sandwich Common Stock
shall have become entitled pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.4 and
(y) a check representing the amount of cash in lieu of the fractional shares, if
any, which such holder has the right to receive in respect of Certifi cates
surrendered pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.4, and the Certificates
so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. Certificates surrendered for


                                       9
<PAGE>

exchange by any person who is an "affiliate" of Sandwich for purposes of Rule
145(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
                                                          --------------
shall not exchanged for certificates representing shares of 1855
Common Stock until Buyer has received the written agreement of such person
contemplated by Section 8.5 hereof.

     3.4.3 RIGHTS OF CERTIFICATE HOLDERS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME.  The holder
of a Certificate that prior to the Merger represented issued and outstanding
Sandwich Common Stock shall have no rights, after the Effective Time, with
respect to such Sandwich Common Stock except to surrender the Certificate in
exchange for the Merger Consideration as provided in this Agreement or to
perfect the rights of appraisal as a holder of Dissenting Shares that such
holder may have pursuant to the applicable provisions of Massachusetts law. No
dividends or other distributions declared after the Effective Time with respect
to 1855 Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered
Certificate until the holder thereof shall surrender such Certificate in
accordance with this Section 3.4. After the surrender of a Certificate in
accordance with this Section 3.4, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to
receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon,
which theretofore had become payable with respect to shares of 1855 Common
Stock represented by such Certificate.

     3.4.4 FRACTIONAL SHARES.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, no certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of
1855 Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates, no dividend or distribution with respect to 1855 Common Stock
shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share, and such fractional
share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other
rights of a stockholder of 1855 Bancorp. In lieu of the issuance of any such
fractional share, 1855 Bancorp shall pay to each former holder of Sandwich
Common Stock who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share of
1855 Common Stock, an amount in cash determined by multiplying the closing sale
price of 1855 Common Stock on the Stock Exchange as reported by The Wall Street
Journal for the trading day immediately preceding the date of the Effective Time
(the "Last Closing Price") by the fraction of a share of 1855 Common Stock
      ------------------
which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to
Section 3.4.2 hereof. No interest will be paid on the cash which the holders of
such fractional shares shall be entitled to receive upon such delivery. For
purposes of determining any fractional share interest, all shares of Sandwich
Common Stock owned by a Sandwich shareholder shall be combined so as to
calculate the maximum number of whole shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock
issuable to such Sandwich shareholder.

     3.4.5 SURRENDER BY PERSONS OTHER THAN RECORD HOLDERS.  If the Person
surrendering a Certificate and signing the accompanying letter of transmittal is
not the Record Holder thereof, then it shall be a condition of the payment of
the Merger Consideration that such Certificate is properly endorsed to such
Person or is accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed
exactly as the name of the Record Holder appears on such Certificate, and is
otherwise in proper form for transfer, or is accompanied by appropriate evidence
of the authority of the Person surrendering such Certificate and signing the
letter of transmittal to do so on behalf of the Record Holder and that the
person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent in advance any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than
the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or required for any other
reason, or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such
tax has been paid or is not payable.

     3.4.6 CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS.  From and after the Effective Time, there
shall be

                                       10
<PAGE>

no transfers on the stock transfer books of Sandwich of the Sandwich Common
Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after
the Effective Time, Certificates representing such shares are presented for
transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be exchanged for the Merger
Consideration and cancelled as provided in this Section 3.4.

     3.4.7 RETURN OF EXCHANGE FUND.  At any time following the 12-month period
after the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall be entitled to require the Exchange
Agent to deliver to it any portions of the Exchange Fund which had been made
available to the Exchange Agent and not disbursed to holders of Certificates
(including, without limitation, all interest and other income received by the
Exchange Agent in respect of all funds made available to it), and thereafter
such holders shall be entitled to look to 1855 Bancorp (subject to abandoned
property, escheat and other similar laws) with respect to any Merger
Consideration that may be payable upon due surrender of the Certificates held by
them. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither 1855 Bancorp nor the Exchange Agent
shall be liable to any holder of a Certificate for any Merger Consideration
delivered in respect of such Certificate to a public official pursuant to any
abandoned property, escheat or other similar law.

     3.4.8 LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.  In the event any Certificate
shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or
destroyed and, if required by 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank, the posting by such
person of a bond in such amount as 1855 Bancorp may direct as indemnity against
any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the
Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
Certificate the Merger Consideration deliverable in respect thereof.

     3.5 RESERVATION OF SHARES.  1855 Bancorp shall reserve for issuance a
sufficient number of shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock for the purpose of
issuing shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock to the Sandwich shareholders and
optionholders in accordance with this Article III.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SANDWICH

     Sandwich hereby represents and warrants to 1855 Bancorp as follows:

     4.1 CAPITAL STRUCTURE.

     4.1.1 The authorized capital stock of Sandwich consists of 15,000,000
shares of Sandwich Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Sandwich Preferred
Stock. As of the date of this Agreement, 1,945,260 shares of Sandwich Common
Stock are issued and outstanding, no shares of Sandwich Common Stock are
directly or indirectly held by Sandwich as treasury stock and no shares of
Sandwich Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. All outstanding shares of
Sandwich Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully
paid and nonassessable, and none of the outstanding shares of Sandwich Common
Stock has been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any person, firm
or entity. Except for the Sandwich Option Agreement and for Sandwich Options to
acquire not more than 143,778 shares of Sandwich Common Stock, a schedule of
which has been Previously Disclosed, there are no Rights authorized, issued or
outstanding with respect to or relating to the capital stock of Sandwich.

                                       11
<PAGE>

     4.2 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH.   Sandwich is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts with full corporate power and authority to
own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as
now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of property or
the conduct of its business requires such licensing or qualification, except
where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.  Sandwich is duly registered as a
bank holding company under the BHCA.  Sandwich has heretofore delivered to 1855
Bancorp true and complete copies of the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of
Sandwich as in effect as of the date hereof.

     4.3 OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES.  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed
the name, jurisdiction of incorporation and percentage ownership of each direct
or indirect Sandwich Subsidiary. Except for (x) capital stock of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries, (y) securities and other interests held in a fiduciary capacity
and beneficially owned by third parties or taken in consideration of debts
previously contracted, and (z) securities and other interests which are
Previously Disclosed, Sandwich does not own or have the right or obligation to
acquire, directly or indirectly, any outstanding capital stock or other voting
securities or ownership interests of any corporation, bank, savings association,
partnership, joint venture or other organization, other than investment
securities representing not more than 1% of any entity.  The outstanding shares
of capital stock or other ownership interests of each Sandwich Subsidiary have
been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, and
are directly or indirectly owned by Sandwich free and clear of all liens,
claims, encumbrances, charges, pledges, restrictions or rights of third parties
of any kind whatsoever. No Rights are authorized, issued or outstanding with
respect to the capital stock or other ownership interests of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries and there are no agreements, understandings or commitments relating
to the right of Sandwich to vote or to dispose of such capital stock or other
ownership interests.

     4.4 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF SANDWICH SUBSIDIARIES.  Each
of the Sandwich Subsidiaries is a bank, corporation or partnership duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized. Each of the Sandwich Subsidiaries (i) has
full power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to
carry on its business as now conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or qualified
to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which its
ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good
standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich. The deposit
accounts of Sandwich Bank are insured by the BIF or, in the case of certain
deposits, the SAIF, to the maximum extent permitted by the FDIA, and by the
Share Insurance Fund for amounts in excess of FDIC limits. Sandwich Bank has
paid all deposit insurance premiums and assessments required by the FDIC and the
Share Insurance Fund. Sandwich has heretofore delivered or made available to
1855 Bancorp true and complete copies of the Charter and Bylaws of Sandwich Bank
as in effect as of the date hereof.

     4.5 AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.

     4.5.1 Sandwich has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and the Sandwich Option Agreement and (subject to receipt of
all necessary governmental approvals and the approval of Sandwich's shareholders
of this Agreement) to

                                       12
<PAGE>

perform all of its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the Sandwich Option Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of
Sandwich, except for the approval of this Agreement by Sandwich's shareholders.
This Agreement and the Sandwich Option Agreement have been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Sandwich and constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of Sandwich, enforceable against Sandwich in accordance with their
respective terms, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency and
other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights
and to general equity principles.

     4.5.2 Except as Previously Disclosed, neither the execution and delivery
of this Agreement or the Sandwich Option Agreement, nor consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by Sandwich with any
of the provisions hereof or thereof (i) does or will conflict with or result in
a breach of any provisions of the Articles of Organization or Bylaws of Sandwich
or the equivalent documents of any Sandwich Subsidiary, (ii) violate, conflict
with or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision of, or constitute
a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default) under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or asset of Sandwich or any
Sandwich Subsidiary pursuant to, any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary is a party, or by which any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, or (iii) subject to
receipt of all required governmental and shareholder approvals, violate any
order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary.

     4.5.3 Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices with, and the
consents and approvals of, as applicable, the FRB, the FDIC, the Massachusetts
Board, the MHPF, the Co-operative Central Bank and the Bank Commissioner, (ii)
the filing of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus with the SEC, (iii) the approval of
this Agreement by the requisite vote of the shareholders of Sandwich, (iv) the
filing of Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts pursuant to the MBCL in connection with the Merger, and (v) review
of the Merger by the DOJ under federal antitrust laws, and except for such
filings, registrations, consents or approvals which are Previously Disclosed, no
consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental
Entity or with any third party are necessary on the part of Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank in connection with the execution and delivery by Sandwich of this Agreement
or the Sandwich Option Agreement and the consummation by Sandwich of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

     4.5.4 As of the date hereof, neither Sandwich nor Sandwich Bank is aware
of any reasons relating to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank (including without
limitation Community Reinvestment Act compliance) why all consents and approvals
shall not be procured from all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as shall be necessary for (i)
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the
continuation by 1855 Bancorp after the Effective Time of the business of each of
1855 Bancorp and Sandwich as such business is carried on immediately prior to
the Effective Time, free of any conditions or requirements which, in the
reasonable opinion of Sandwich, could have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich or materially impair the value of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
to 1855 Bancorp.

                                       13
<PAGE>

     4.6 SECURITIES DOCUMENTS AND REGULATORY REPORTS

     4.6.1 Since January 1, 1993, Sandwich has timely filed with the SEC or
the FDIC (as applicable) and the NASD all Securities Documents required by the
Securities Laws and such Securities Documents complied in all material respects
with the Securities Laws and did not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.

     4.6.2 Since January 1, 1993, each of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank has duly
filed with the FRB, the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC and any other applicable
federal or state banking authority, as the case may be, in correct form the
reports required to be filed under applicable laws and regulations and such
reports were in all material respects complete and accurate and in compliance
with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. Except as Previously
Disclosed, in connection with the most recent examinations of Sandwich and
Sandwich Bank by the FRB, the Bank Commissioner and the FDIC, neither Sandwich
nor Sandwich Bank was required to correct or change any action, procedure or
proceeding which Sandwich or Sandwich Bank believes has not been corrected or
changed as required as of the date hereof in all material respects.

     4.7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     4.7.1 Sandwich has previously delivered or made available to 1855 Bancorp
accurate and complete copies of the Sandwich Financial Statements, which are
accompanied by the audit reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent public
accountants with respect to Sandwich. The Sandwich Financial Statements referred
to herein, as well as the Sandwich Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant
to Section 6.2 hereof, fairly present or will fairly present, as the case may
be, the consolidated financial condition of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank, as the
case may be, as of the respective dates set forth therein, and the consolidated
results of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Sandwich for the
respective periods or as of the respective dates set forth therein.

     4.7.2 Each of the Sandwich Financial Statements referred to in Section
4.7.1 has been or will be, as the case may be, prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the periods
involved, except as stated therein. The audits of Sandwich and the Sandwich
Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards. The books and records of Sandwich and the
Sandwich Subsidiaries are being maintained in material compliance with
applicable legal and accounting requirements, and such books and records
accurately reflect in all material respects all dealings and transactions in
respect of the business, assets, liabilities and affairs of Sandwich and its
Subsidiaries. The minute books of Sandwich and each of its Subsidiaries contain
complete and accurate records of all meetings and other corporate actions
authorized at such meetings held or taken since January 1, 1993 to date of its
stockholders and Board of Directors.

     4.7.3 Except and to the extent (i) reflected, disclosed or provided for
in the consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of December
31, 1997 (including related notes) and (ii) of liabilities incurred since
December 31, 1997 in the ordinary course of business, neither Sandwich nor any
Sandwich Subsidiary has any liabilities, whether absolute, accrued, contingent
or otherwise, material to the financial condition, results of operations or
business of Sandwich on a consolidated basis.

                                       14
<PAGE>

     4.8 MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  Since December 31, 1997 (i) Sandwich and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary and
usual course (excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection with this
Agreement, and excluding the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) no event
has occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.

     4.9 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  Except as Previously Disclosed:

     4.9.1 To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, Sandwich and its Subsidiaries
are in material compliance with all Environmental Laws. Neither Sandwich nor any
Sandwich Subsidiary has received any communication alleging that Sandwich or any
Sandwich Subsidiary is not in such compliance and, to the best knowledge of
Sandwich, there are no present circumstances that would prevent or interfere
with the continuation of such compliance.

     4.9.2 To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, none of the properties
presently or formerly owned, leased or operated by Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary, or in which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary has a lien or other
security interest, has been or is in material violation of or materially liable
under any Environmental Law.

     4.9.3 To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, there are no past or present
actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents that could
reasonably form the basis of any material Environmental Claim or other claim or
action or governmental investigation that could result in the imposition of any
material liability arising under any Environmental Law against Sandwich or a
Sandwich Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose liability for any
Environmental Claim Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary has or may have retained
or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

     4.9.4 Sandwich has not conducted any environmental studies during the past
five years with respect to any properties owned by it or a Sandwich Subsidiary
as of the date hereof.

     4.10 TAX MATTERS

     4.10.1 Sandwich and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all federal, state
and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income, franchise, bank, excise, real
property, personal property and other tax returns required by applicable law to
be filed by them (including, without limitation, estimated tax returns, income
tax returns, information returns and withholding and employment tax returns) and
have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all material taxes required to
be paid in respect of the periods covered by such returns and, as of the
Effective Time, will have paid, or where payment is not required to have been
made, will have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all
material taxes for any subsequent periods ending on or prior to the Effective
Time.  Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary will have any material
liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or reserves or
accruals so established.

     4.10.2 All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income,
franchise, bank, excise, real property, personal property and other tax returns
filed by Sandwich and its Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material
respects.  Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is delinquent in the
payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge or, except as Previously
Disclosed, has requested any extension of time within which to file any tax
returns in respect of any fiscal year or portion thereof which have not since
been filed.  Except as Previously


                                       15
<PAGE>

Disclosed, the federal, state and local income tax returns of Sandwich and its
Subsidiaries have been examined by the applicable tax authorities (or are closed
to examination due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations)
and no deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been
proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or otherwise) against Sandwich or a
Sandwich Subsidiary as a result of such examinations or otherwise which have not
been settled and paid. There are currently no agreements in effect with respect
to Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary to extend the period of limitations for the
assessment or collection of any tax. As of the date hereof, no audit,
examination or deficiency or refund litigation with respect to such return is
pending or, to the best of Sandwich's knowledge, threatened.

     4.10.3 Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich
Subsidiary (i) is a party to any agreement providing for the allocation or
sharing of taxes, (ii) is required to include in income any adjustment pursuant
to Section 481(a) of the Code by reason of a voluntary change in accounting
method initiated by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary (nor does Sandwich have
any knowledge that the Internal Revenue Service has proposed any such adjustment
or change of accounting method) or (iii) has filed a consent pursuant to Section
341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply.

     4.11 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.   Except as Previously Disclosed, there are no
actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or proceedings instituted,
pending or, to the best knowledge of the senior officers and directors of
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary, threatened against Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary or against any asset, interest or right of Sandwich or a Sandwich
Subsidiary, or against any officer, director or employee of any of them, and
neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is a party to any order, judgment or
decree.

     4.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

     4.12.1 Each of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries has all permits,
licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals of, and has made all
filings, applications and registrations with, federal, state, local and foreign
governmental or regulatory bodies that are required in order to permit it to
carry on its business as it is presently being conducted and the absence of
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Sandwich; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and
approvals are in full force and effect; and to the best knowledge of Sandwich,
no suspension or cancellation of any of the same is threatened.

     4.12.2 Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is in violation of its
respective Articles of Organization, Charter or Bylaws, or of any applicable
federal, state or local law or ordinance or any order, rule or regulation of any
federal, state, local or other governmental agency or body (including, without
limitation, all banking (including without limitation all regulatory capital
requirements), securities, municipal securities, safety, health, environmental,
zoning, anti-discrimination, antitrust, and wage and hour laws, ordinances,
orders, rules and regulations), or in default with respect to any order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court, or in default under any order, license,
regulation or demand of any governmental agency, any of which violations or
defaults could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Sandwich; and neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary has received any notice
or communication from any federal, state or local governmental authority
asserting that Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is in violation of any of the
foregoing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on Sandwich.  Neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is currently subject to


                                       16
<PAGE>

any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, written
directive, memorandum of understanding or written commitment (other than those
of general applicability to all banks and holding companies thereof), and
neither of them has received any written communication requesting that it enter
into any of the foregoing.  No regulatory agency has initiated any proceeding
or, to the best knowledge of Sandwich, investigation into the business or
operations of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries since prior to
December 31, 1992.  Sandwich has not received any objection from any regulatory
agency to Sandwich's response to any violation, criticism or exception with
respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of Sandwich or
any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries.

     4.13 CERTAIN INFORMATION.  None of the information relating to Sandwich
and its Subsidiaries supplied or to be supplied for inclusion or incorporation
by reference in (i) the Conversion Prospectus will, at the time such
prospectus is mailed to subscribers (and at the time the related Form S-1 and
any amendments thereto become effective under the Securities Act), contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement-Prospectus, as of the
date(s) such Proxy Statement-Prospectus is mailed to shareholders of Sandwich
(and at the time the related Form S-4 and any amendments thereto become
effective under the Securities Act), and up to and including the date of the
meeting of shareholders to which such Proxy Statement-Prospectus relates, will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, provided that information as of a later
date shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. The Proxy
Statement-Prospectus mailed by Sandwich to its shareholders in connection with
the meeting of shareholders at which this Agreement will be considered by such
shareholders will comply as to form in all material respects with the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     4.14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     4.14.1 Sandwich has Previously Disclosed all stock option, employee stock
purchase and stock bonus plans, qualified pension or profit-sharing plans, any
deferred compensation, consultant, bonus or group insurance contract or any
other incentive, health and welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement
maintained for the benefit of employees or former employees of Sandwich or any
Sandwich Subsidiary (the "Sandwich Employee Plans"), whether written or oral,
and Sandwich has previously furnished or made available to 1855 Bancorp accurate
and complete copies of the same together with (i) the most recent actuarial and
financial reports prepared with respect to any qualified plans, (ii) the most
recent annual reports filed with any governmental agency, and (iii) all rulings
and determination letters and any open requests for rulings or letters that
pertain to any qualified plan.

     4.14.2  None of Sandwich, any Sandwich Subsidiary, any pension plan
maintained by either of them and qualified under Section 401 of the Code or, to
the best of Sandwich's knowledge, any fiduciary of such plan has incurred any
material liability to the PBGC or the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
any employees of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary. To the best of Sandwich's
knowledge, no reportable event under Section 4043(b) of ERISA has occurred with
respect to any such pension plan.

     4.14.3 Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary participates in or has
incurred any liability under Section 4201 of ERISA for a complete or partial
withdrawal from a multi-employer plan (as such term is defined in ERISA).


                                       17
<PAGE>


     4.14.4 A favorable determination letter has been issued by the Internal
Revenue Service with respect to each Sandwich Employee Plan which is an
"employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (a
"Sandwich Pension Plan") which is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the
Code to the effect that such plan is qualified under Section 401 of the Code and
the trust associated with such employee pension plan is tax exempt under Section
501 of the Code. No such letter has been revoked or, to the best of Sandwich's
knowledge, is threatened to be revoked and Sandwich does not know of any ground
on which such revocation may be based. Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich
Subsidiary has any liability under any such plan that is not reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich at December 31, 1997
included in the Sandwich Financial Statements, other than liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business in connection therewith subsequent to the
date thereof.

     4.14.5 To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, no prohibited transaction
(which shall mean any transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA and not
exempt under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) has occurred with
respect to any Sandwich Employee Plan which would result in the imposition,
directly or indirectly, of a material excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code
or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich.

     4.14.6 Full payment has been made (or proper accruals have been
established) of all contributions which are required for periods prior to the
date hereof, and full payment will be so made (or proper accruals will be so
established) of all contributions which are required for periods after the date
hereof and prior to the Effective Time, under the terms of each Sandwich
Employee Plan or ERISA; to the best of Sandwich's knowledge, no accumulated
funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Sandwich Pension Plan,
and there is no "unfunded current liability" (as defined in Section 412 of the
Code) with respect to any Sandwich Pension Plan.

     4.14.7 To the best of Sandwich's knowledge, the Sandwich Employee Plans
have been operated in compliance in all material respects with the applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Code, all regulations, rulings and announcements
promulgated or issued thereunder and all other applicable governmental laws and
regulations.

     4.14.8 There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of Sandwich,
threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or
against any of the Sandwich Employee Plans or any trust related thereto or any
fiduciary thereof.

     4.14.9 Neither Sandwich nor 1855 Bancorp will be required to make a Pension
Payment as a result of the Merger.  The term "Pension Payment" shall mean the
                                              ---------------
amount, if any, for which Sandwich or its successor is or would be liable to the
Co-operative Banks Employees Retirement Association in connection with the
cessation of Sandwich's participation in said Association's pension plan and its
complete withdrawal from said pension plan.

     4.15 CERTAIN CONTRACTS

     4.15.1 Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Sandwich nor a Sandwich
Subsidiary is a party to, is bound or affected by, receives, or is obligated to
pay, benefits under

       (a)  any agreement, arrangement or commitment, including without
   limitation any agreement, indenture or other instrument, relating to the
   borrowing of money by Sandwich

                                       18
<PAGE>


   or a Sandwich Subsidiary (other than in the case of Sandwich Bank deposits,
   FHLB advances, federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
   to repurchase in the ordinary course of business) or the guarantee by
   Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary of any obligation, other than by Sandwich
   Bank in the ordinary course of its banking business,

       (b)  any agreement or commitment relating to the employment of a
   consultant or the employment, election or retention in office of any present
   or former director, officer or employee of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary,

       (c)  any agreement, arrangement or understanding pursuant to which any
   payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) became or may become due to
   any director, officer or employee of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary upon
   execution of this Agreement or upon or following consummation of the
   transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or in connection
   with the occurrence of any additional acts or events);

       (d)  any agreement, arrangement or understanding pursuant to which
   Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is obligated to indemnify any director,
   officer, employee or agent of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary;

       (e)  any agreement, arrangement or understanding to which Sandwich or a
   Sandwich Subsidiary is a party or by which any of the same is bound which
   limits the freedom of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary to compete in any
   line of business or with any person,

       (f)  any assistance agreement, supervisory agreement, memorandum of
   understanding, consent order, cease and desist order or condition of any
   regulatory order or decree with or by the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC, the
   FRB or any other regulatory agency,

       (g)  any agreement (other than any agreement with a banking customer for
   the provision of banking services entered into by any Sandwich Subsidiary in
   the ordinary course of business) that involves a payment or series of
   payments of more than $50,000 in any one year from or to Sandwich or any
   Sandwich Subsidiary (unless such agreement is cancellable by Sandwich upon
   payment of a termination fee of not more than $40,000), or

        (h)  any other agreement, arrangement or understanding which would be
   required to be filed as an exhibit to the Sandwich's Annual Report on Form
   10-K under the Exchange Act and which has not been so filed.

     4.15.2 Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary is in material default
or non-compliance under any contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease,
insurance policy or other instrument to which it is a party or by which its
assets, business or operations may be bound or affected, whether entered into in
the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and
there has not occurred any event that with the lapse of time or the giving of
notice, or both, would constitute such a material default or non-compliance.

     4.16 BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither
Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary nor any of their respective directors,
officers or employees, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any broker or finder fees or commissions in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.


                                       19
<PAGE>


     4.17 INSURANCE.  Each of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries is insured for
reasonable amounts with financially sound and reputable insurance companies
against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured and has
maintained all insurance required by applicable laws and regulations. Sandwich
has Previously Disclosed all policies of insurance maintained by it or a
Sandwich Subsidiary as of the date hereof and any claims thereunder in excess of
$50,000 since January 1, 1995. Neither Sandwich nor any Sandwich Subsidiary has
received any notice of termination of any such insurance coverage or material
increase in the premiums therefor or has any reason to believe that any such
insurance coverage will be terminated or the premiums therefor materially
increased.

     4.18 LOAN PORTFOLIO.  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed all of the loans in
original principal amount in excess of $200,000 of Sandwich or any Sandwich
Subsidiary that as of the date of this Agreement are classified by Sandwich or
any Bank Regulator as "Special Mention", "Substandard", "Doubtful", "Loss" or
"Classified," together with the aggregate principal amount of and accrued and
unpaid interest on such all loans by category, it being understood that no
representation is being made that the FDIC, the Bank Commissioner or any other
Bank Regulator would agree with the loan classifications of Sandwich.

     4.19 PROPERTIES.  All real and personal property owned by Sandwich or its
Subsidiaries or presently used by any of them in its respective business is in
an adequate condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is sufficient to
carry on the business of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business consistent with their past practices.  Sandwich has good and marketable
title free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, defaults or equities
(other than equities of redemption under applicable foreclosure laws) to all of
the material properties and assets, real and personal, reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of December 31,
1997 included in the Sandwich Financial Statements or acquired after such date,
except (i) liens for current taxes not yet due or payable (ii) pledges to secure
deposits and other liens incurred in the ordinary course of its banking
business, (iii) such imperfections of title, easements and encumbrances, if any,
as are not material in character, amount or extent and (iv) as reflected on the
consolidated statement of financial condition of Sandwich as of December 31,
1997 included in the Sandwich Financial Statements.  All real and personal
property which is material to Sandwich's business on a consolidated basis and
leased or licensed by Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary is held pursuant to
leases or licenses which are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms and no such real property lease will terminate or lapse prior
to the Effective Time.

     4.20 LABOR.  No work stoppage involving Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary
is pending or, to the best knowledge of Sandwich, threatened. Neither Sandwich
nor a Sandwich Subsidiary is involved in, or threatened with or affected by, any
labor dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or administrative proceeding involving the
employees of Sandwich or a Sandwich Subsidiary which could have a Material
Adverse Effect on Sandwich.  Employees of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries
are not represented by any labor union nor are any collective bargaining
agreements otherwise in effect with respect to such employees, and to the best
of Sandwich's knowledge, there have been no efforts to unionize or organize any
employees of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries during the past five
years.

     4.21 REQUIRED VOTE; INAPPLICABILITY OF ANTITAKOVER STATUTES

     4.21.1 The affirmative vote of the holders of two thirds of the issued and
outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock is necessary to approve this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby on behalf of Sandwich.

                                       20
<PAGE>


     4.21.2 Assuming the accuracy of the representation and warranty of 1855
Bancorp contained in Section 5.2.0 hereof, no "fair price," "moratorium,"
control share acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation,
including without limitation Chapters 110D and 110F of the MBCL, is applicable
to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     4.22 MATERIAL INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS.  Except as Previously
Disclosed, to the knowledge of Sandwich, no officer or director of Sandwich, or
any "associate" (as such term is defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act)
of any such officer or director, (i) has any material interest in any material
contract or property (real or personal), tangible or intangible, used in or
pertaining to the business of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries or
(ii) is indebted to, or has the right under a line of credit to borrow from,
Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary in an amount exceeding $50,000.

     4.23 CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.  Since December 31, 1996, neither Sandwich nor
any Sandwich Subsidiary has been a party to any material off-balance-sheet
transactions involving interest rate and currency swaps, options and futures
contracts, or any other similar derivative transactions, except as Previously
Disclosed.

     4.24 DISCLOSURES.  None of the representations and warranties of Sandwich
or any of the written information or documents furnished or to be furnished by
Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, when considered as a
whole, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
omits or will omit to state any material fact required to be stated or necessary
to make any such information or document, in light of the circumstances, not
misleading.

     4.25 STANDSTILL AGREEMENTS.  Sandwich has Previously Disclosed, and has
provided Compass with true and correct copies of, all standstill agreements (the
"Standstill Agreements") it has entered into pursuant to which any other person
has agreed (i) not to acquire for a period of time any assets or voting
securities of Sandwich, (ii) not to announce or publicly propose any
extraordinary transaction involving Sandwich or its assets or voting securities
or (iii) not to make any solicitation of proxies involving Sandwich's voting
securities. Except as Previously Disclosed, all of such Previously Disclosed
Standstill Agreements remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof,
such Standstill Agreements have not been amended or waived, Sandwich has not
granted any consents thereunder, and, to Sandwich's knowledge, such Standstill
Agreements are enforceable in accordance with their terms. To Sandwich's
knowledge, no party (other than 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank) to a Standstill
Agreement with Sandwich owns, directly or indirectly, any shares of Sandwich
Common Stock.

     4.26 DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE.  The Sandwich Disclosure Schedule sets forth,
among other things, disclosures with respect to or exceptions to Sandwich's
representations and warranties in this Article IV.  The mere inclusion of an
exception in the Sandwich Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed an admission
by Sandwich that such exception represents a material fact, event or
circumstance.

     4.27 POOLING OF INTERESTS.  Sandwich knows of no reason relating to it why
the Merger would not qualify as a "pooling of interests" for accounting purposes
or a tax free reorganization under Section 368 of the Code. Except as Previously
Disclosed, since January 1, 1996, neither Sandwich nor Sandwich Bank has (A)
issued or permitted to be issued any shares of capital stock,


                                       21
<PAGE>


or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock, of
Sandwich, Sandwich Bank or any Sandwich Subsidiaries, other than pursuant to and
as required by the terms of any Sandwich Options that were issued and
outstanding on such date; (B) repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired,
directly or indirectly through one or more of its Subsidiaries, any shares of
capital stock of Sandwich, Sandwich Bank or any Sandwich Subsidiary, other than
open market purchases in the ordinary course by Sandwich's Employee Stock
Ownership Plan and its Dividend Reinvestment Plan, none of which purchases would
cause the Merger not to qualify as a pooling of interests; or (C) declared, set
aside, made or paid to the stockholders of Sandwich or Sandwich Bank dividends
or other distributions on the outstanding shares of capital stock of Sandwich or
Sandwich Bank. For purposes of clause (B) above, Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
shall be deemed to include any person that Sandwich or Sandwich Bank has caused
to purchase such shares.

                                   ARTICLE V
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF 1855 BANCORP

     1855 Bancorp hereby represents and warrants to Sandwich as follows:

     5.1 CAPITAL STRUCTURE.  1855 Bancorp has no capital stock issued and
outstanding as of the date hereof. As of the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp will
have outstanding such number of shares of Common Stock as are issued and sold in
the Conversion and will not have outstanding any other classes of capital stock.
All shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock to be issued in exchange for Shares upon
consummation of the Merger, when issued in accordance with this Agreement, will
be, and the shares of 1855 Bancorp to be issued in connection with the
Conversion will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     5.2 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF 1855 BANCORP.  1855 Bancorp
is a mutual holding company, and will be at the Effective Time a corporation,
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts with full corporate power and authority to own or
lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now
conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of property or
the conduct of its business requires such licensing or qualification, except
where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.  1855 Bancorp is duly
registered as a bank holding company under the BHCA and the regulations of the
FRB thereunder. 1855 Bancorp has heretofore delivered to Sandwich true and
complete copies of the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of 1855 Bancorp as in
effect as of the date hereof.

     5.3 OWNERSHIP OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES.  1855 Bancorp has
Previously Disclosed each direct or indirect 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary. The
outstanding shares of capital stock of each 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary have been
duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are
directly or indirectly owned by 1855 Bancorp free and clear of all liens,
claims, encumbrances, charges, pledges, restrictions or rights of third parties
of any kind whatsoever. No Rights are authorized, issued or outstanding with
respect to the capital stock or other ownership interests of any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary and there are no agreements, understandings or commitments relating
to the right of 1855 Bancorp to vote or to dispose of said shares or other
ownership interests.

     5.4 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND AUTHORITY OF THE 1855 BANCORP SUBSIDIARIES.
Each of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good


                                       22
<PAGE>


standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized. Each of
the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries (i) has full power and authority to own or lease
all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted,
and (ii) is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct
of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
licensed, qualified or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on 1855 Bancorp. The deposit accounts of Compass Bank are insured by the BIF or,
in the case of certain deposits, the SAIF, to the maximum extent permitted by
the FDIA, and by the Depositors Insurance Fund for amounts in excess of FDIC
limits. Compass Bank has paid all premiums and assessments required by the FDIC
and the Depositors Insurance Fund.

    5.5 AUTHORIZED AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT.

    5.5.1  1855 Bancorp has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and (subject to receipt of all necessary governmental
approvals and 1855 Bancorp's Corporators' approval of the Conversion) to perform
all of its obligations under this Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof
on the part of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank, except for the approval of the
Conversion by 1855 Bancorp's Corporators and the approval of a specific plan of
Conversion by 1855 Bancorp's Board of Trustees (the Board of Trustees has
already approved the Conversion).  This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by 1855 Bancorp and, assuming due authorization,
execution and delivery by Sandwich, constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of 1855 Bancorp which is enforceable against 1855 Bancorp in
accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and to general equity principles.

     5.52 Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Conversion)
nor compliance by 1855 Bancorp with any of the provisions hereof (i) does or
will conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of the Articles of
Organization or Bylaws of 1855 Bancorp or the equivalent documents of any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary, (ii) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any
term, condition or provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which,
with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or
give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration with respect
to, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any
property or asset of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary pursuant to,
any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which 1855 Bancorp or any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary is a party, or by which any of their respective properties or
assets may be bound or affected, or (iii) subject to receipt of all required
governmental, corporator and shareholder approvals, violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary.

     5.5.3 Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices with, and the
consents and approvals of, as applicable, the FRB, the FDIC, the Massachusetts
Board, the MHPF, the Depositors Insurance Fund, and the Bank Commissioner, (ii)
the filing and effectiveness of a Form S-1 Registration Statement with the SEC
in connection with the Conversion, (iii) the filing and effectiveness of a Form
S-4 Registration Statement with the SEC in connection with the Merger, (iii)
compliance with applicable state securities or "blue sky" laws, (iv) the
approval of the

                                       23
<PAGE>


Conversion by the requisite vote of the Corporators of 1855 Bancorp, (v) the
filing of Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts pursuant to the MBCL in connection with the Merger and (vi) review
of the Merger by the DOJ under federal antitrust laws, and except for such
filings, registrations, consents or approvals as are Previously Disclosed, no
consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental
Entity or with any third party are necessary on the part of 1855 Bancorp or any
1855 Bancorp Subsidiary in connection with the execution and delivery by 1855
Bancorp of this Agreement and the consummation by 1855 Bancorp of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

     5.5.4 As of the date hereof, 1855 Bancorp is not aware of any reasons
relating to 1855 Bancorp or any of its Subsidiaries (including without
limitation Community Reinvestment Act compliance) why all consents and approvals
shall not be procured from all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as shall be necessary for (i)
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the
continuation by 1855 Bancorp after the Effective Time of the business of each of
1855 Bancorp and Sandwich as such business is carried on immediately prior to
the Effective Time, free of any conditions or requirements which, in the
reasonable opinion of 1855 Bancorp, could have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich or materially impair the value of Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
to 1855 Bancorp.

     5.6 REGULATORY REPORTS

     5.6.1 1855 Bancorp is not currently required to file any Securities
Documents with the SEC.

     5.6.2 Since January 1, 1993, each of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank has duly
filed with the FRB, the FDIC, and the Bank Commissioner, as the case may be, in
correct form the reports required to be filed under applicable laws and
regulations and such reports were in all material respects complete and accurate
and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations.  In
connection with the most recent examinations of 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank by
the FRB, the FDIC or the Bank Commissioner, neither 1855 Bancorp nor Compass
Bank was required to correct or change any action, procedure or proceeding which
1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank believes has not been corrected or changed as
required as of the date hereof in all material respects.

     5.7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     5.7.1 1855 Bancorp has previously delivered or made available to Sandwich
accurate and complete copies of the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements which, in
the case of the consolidated statements of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp
as of October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years
ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are accompanied by the audit reports of
Arthur Andersen, independent public accountants with respect to 1855 Bancorp.
The 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements referred to herein, as well as the 1855
Bancorp Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.2 hereof,
fairly present or will fairly present, as the case may be, the consolidated
financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of the respective dates set forth
therein, and the consolidated results of operations, shareholders' equity and
cash flows of 1855 Bancorp for the respective periods or as of the respective
dates set forth therein.

                                       24
<PAGE>


     5.7.2 Each of the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements referred to in
Section 5.7.1 has been or will be, as the case may be, prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the
periods involved, except as stated therein. The audits of 1855 Bancorp and the
1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The books and records
of 1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries are being maintained in
material compliance with applicable legal and accounting requirements, and all
such books and records accurately reflect in all material respects all dealings
and transactions in respect of the business, assets, liabilities and affairs of
1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries. The minute books of 1855 Bancorp
and each of its subsidiaries contain complete and accurate records of all
meetings and other corporate actions authorized at such meetings held or taken
since January 1, 1993 to date of its stockholders and Board of Directors.

     5.7.3 Except and to the extent (i) reflected, disclosed or provided for
in the consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp as of
October 31, 1997 (including related notes) and (ii) of liabilities incurred
since October 31, 1997 in the ordinary course of business, neither 1855 Bancorp
nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has any liabilities, whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise, material to the financial condition, results of
operations or business of 1855 Bancorp on a consolidated basis.

     5.8 MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  Since October 31, 1997, (i) 1855 Bancorp and
its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary and
usual course (excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection with this
Agreement, and excluding the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) no event
has occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.

     5.9 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as Previously Disclosed:

     5.9.1 To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, 1855 Bancorp and the 1855
Bancorp Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Environmental Laws.
Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has received any
communication alleging that 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is not
in such compliance and, to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, there are no
present circumstances that would prevent or interfere with the continuation of
such compliance.

     5.9.2 To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, none of the properties
owned, leased or operated by 1855 Bancorp or the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries, or
in which Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary has a lien or other security
interest, has been or is in violation of or liable under any Environmental Law.

     5.9.3 To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, there are no past or present
actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents that could
reasonably form the basis of any material Environmental Claim or other claim or
action or governmental investigation that could result in the imposition of any
liability arising under any Environmental Law against 1855 Bancorp or any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose liability for any
Environmental Claim 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has or may have
retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

     5.10 TAX MATTERS.  1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries have
timely filed all federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) income,
franchise, bank, excise, real property, personal property and other tax returns
required by applicable law to be filed by them (including,

                                       25
<PAGE>


without limitation, estimated tax returns, income tax returns, information
returns and withholding and employment tax returns) and have paid, or where
payment is not required to have been made, have set up an adequate reserve or
accrual for the payment of, all material taxes required to be paid in respect of
the periods covered by such returns and, as of the Effective Time, will have
paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, will have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all material taxes for any
subsequent periods ending on or prior to the Effective Time. Neither 1855
Bancorp nor any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries will have any material
liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or reserves or
accruals so established. As of the date hereof, no audit, examination or
deficiency or refund litigation with respect to any federal, state and local
(and, if applicable, foreign) income, franchise, bank, excise, real property,
personal property and other tax returns filed by 1855 Bancorp and the 1855
Bancorp Subsidiaries is pending or, to the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge,
threatened.

     5.11 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  Except as Previously Disclosed, there are no
actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or proceedings instituted,
pending or, to the best knowledge of the senior officers and directors of 1855
Bancorp or any 1855 Subsidiary, threatened against 1855 Bancorp or any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary or against any asset, interest or right of 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, or against any officer, director or employee of any
of them, and neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is a party to
any order, judgment or decree.

     5.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

     5.12.1 Each of 1855 Bancorp and each of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries has
all permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals of, and
has made all filings, applications and registrations with, federal, state, local
and foreign governmental or regulatory bodies that are required in order to
permit it to carry on its business as it is presently being conducted and the
absence of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on 1855 Bancorp; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders
and approvals are in full force and effect; and to the best knowledge of 1855
Bancorp, no suspension or cancellation of any of the same is threatened.

     5.12.2 Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries is in
violation of its respective Articles of Organization, Charter or other
chartering instrument or Bylaws, or of any applicable federal, state or local
law or ordinance or any order, rule or regulation of any federal, state, local
or other governmental agency or body (including, without limitation, all banking
(including without limitation all regulatory capital requirements), securities,
municipal securities, safety, health, environmental, zoning, anti-
discrimination, antitrust, and wage and hour laws, ordinances, orders, rules and
regulations), or in default with respect to any order, writ, injunction or
decree of any court, or in default under any order, license, regulation or
demand of any governmental agency, any of which violations or defaults could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp; and
neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has received any notice or
communication from any federal, state or local governmental authority asserting
that 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is in violation of any of the
foregoing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on 1855 Bancorp. Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is subject
to any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, written
directive, memorandum of understanding or written commitment (other than those
of general applicability to all banks or holding companies thereof),

                                       26
<PAGE>


and none of them has received any written communication requesting that it enter
into any of the foregoing. No regulatory agency has initiated any proceeding or,
to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, investigation into the business or
operations of 1855 Bancorp or any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries since prior
to December 31, 1992. 1855 Bancorp has not received any objection from any
regulatory agency to 1855 Bancorp's response to any violation, criticism or
exception with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations
of 1855 Bancorp or any of the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries.

     5.13 CERTAIN INFORMATION.  None of the information relating to 1855
Bancorp and its Subsidiaries to be included or incorporated by reference in (i)
the Conversion Prospectus will, at the time such prospectus is mailed to
subscribers (and at the time the related Form S-1 and any amendments thereto
become effective under the Securities Act), contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement-Prospectus, as of the date(s) such
Proxy Statement-Prospectus is mailed to shareholders of Sandwich (and at the
time the related Form S-4 and any amendments thereto become effective under the
Securities Act), and up to and including the date of the meeting of shareholders
to which such Proxy Statement-Prospectus relates, will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, provided that information as of a later date shall be
deemed to modify information as of an earlier date.

     5.14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     5.14.1 1855 Bancorp has Previously Disclosed all stock option, employee
stock purchase and stock bonus plans, qualified pension or profit-sharing plans,
any deferred compensation, bonus or group insurance contract or any other
incentive, health and welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement maintained
for the benefit of employees or former employees of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855
Bancorp Subsidiary (the "1855 Bancorp Employee Plans"), whether written or oral.
                         ---------------------------

     5.14.2 None of 1855 Bancorp, any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, any pension plan
maintained by any of them and qualified under Section 401 of the Code or, to the
best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, any fiduciary of such plan has incurred any
material liability to the PBGC or the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
any employees of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary.  To the best of
1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no reportable event under Section 4043(b) of ERISA has
occurred with respect to any such pension plan.

     5.14.3 Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary participates
in or has incurred any liability under Section 4201 of ERISA for a complete or
partial withdrawal from a multi-employer plan (as such term is defined in
ERISA).

     5.13.4 A favorable determination letter has been issued by the Internal
Revenue Service with respect to each 1855 Bancorp Employee Plan which is an
"employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) (an "1855
Bancorp Pension Plan") which is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the
Code to the effect that such plan is qualified under Section 401 of the Code and
the trust associated with such employee pension plan is tax exempt under Section
501 of the Code. No such letter has been revoked or, to the best of 1855
Bancorp's knowledge, is threatened to be revoked and 1855 Bancorp does not know
of any ground on which such revocation

                                       27
<PAGE>


may be based. Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has any
liability under any such plan that is not reflected on the consolidated
statement of financial condition of 1855 Bancorp at October 31, 1997 included in
the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements, other than liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business in connection therewith subsequent to the date
thereof.

     5.14.5 To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no prohibited transaction
(which shall mean any transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA and not
exempt under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) has occurred with
respect to any 1855 Bancorp Employee Plan which would result in the imposition,
directly or indirectly, of a material excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code
or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.

     5.14.6 Full payment has been made (or proper accruals have been
established) of all contributions which are required for periods prior to the
date hereof, and full payment will be so made (or proper accruals will be so
established) of all contributions which are required for periods after the date
hereof and prior to the Effective Time, under the terms of each 1855 Bancorp
Employee Plan or ERISA; to the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, no accumulated
funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any 1855 Bancorp Pension
Plan, and there is no "unfunded current liability" (as defined in Section 412 of
the Code) with respect to any 1855 Bancorp Pension Plan.

     5.14.7 To the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, 1855 Bancorp Employee
Plans have been operated in compliance in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, all regulations, rulings and
announcements promulgated or issued thereunder and all other applicable
governmental laws and regulations.

     5.14.8 There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp,
threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or
against any of the 1855 Bancorp Employee Plans or any trust related thereto or
any fiduciary thereof.

     5.15 CERTAIN CONTRACTS.  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary is in material default or in non-compliance under any contract,
agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument
to which it is a party or by which its assets, business or operations may be
bound or affected, whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or
otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not occurred any event that
with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute such a
default or non-compliance.

     5.16 BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Except as Previously Disclosed, neither 1855
Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, nor any of their respective directors,
officers or employees, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any broker or finder fees or commissions in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.

     5.17 INSURANCE.  1855 Bancorp and each 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is insured
for reasonable amounts with financially sound and reputable insurance companies
against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured and has
maintained all insurance required by applicable laws and regulations.

     5.18 PROPERTIES.  All real and personal property owned by 1855 Bancorp or
any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary or presently used by any of them in its respective
business is in an adequate condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is
sufficient to carry on its business in the ordinary

                                       28
<PAGE>


course of business consistent with their past practices. 1855 Bancorp has good
and marketable title free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges,
defaults or equities (other than equities of redemption under applicable
foreclosure laws) to all of the material properties and assets, real and
personal, reflected on the consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855
Bancorp as of October 31, 1997 included in the 1855 Bancorp Financial Statements
or acquired after such date, except (i) liens for current taxes not yet due or
payable (ii) pledges to secure deposits and other liens incurred in the ordinary
course of its banking business, (iii) such imperfections of title, easements and
encumbrances, if any, as are not material in character, amount or extent and
(iv) as reflected on the consolidated statement of financial condition of 1855
Bancorp as of October 31, 1997 included in the 1855 Bancorp Financial
Statements. All real and personal property which is material to 1855 Bancorp's
business on a consolidated basis and leased or licensed by 1855 Bancorp or an
1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is held pursuant to leases or licenses which are valid
and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms and no such real
property lease will terminate or lapse prior to the Effective Time.

     5.19 LABOR.  No work stoppage involving 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary is pending or, to the best knowledge of 1855 Bancorp, threatened.
Neither 1855 Bancorp nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary is involved in, or
threatened with or affected by, any labor dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or
administrative proceeding involving its employees which could have a Material
Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp.  Employees of 1855 Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiaries are not represented by any labor union nor are any collective
bargaining agreements otherwise in effect with respect to such employees, and to
the best of 1855 Bancorp's knowledge, there have been no efforts to unionize or
organize any employees of 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary during the
past five years.

    5.20 OWNERSHIP OF SANDWICH COMMON STOCK.  As of the date hereof, neither
1855 Bancorp nor, to its best knowledge, any of its affiliates or associates (as
such terms are defined under the Exchange Act), (i) beneficially own, directly
or indirectly, or (ii) are parties to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in
each case, shares of Sandwich Common Stock which in the aggregate represent 5%
or more of the outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock (other than shares
held in a fiduciary capacity and beneficially owned by third parties, shares
taken in consideration of debts previously contracted or in the case of 1855
Bancorp shares which may be acquired pursuant to the Sandwich Option Agreement).

     5.21 CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.  Since December 31, 1996, neither 1855 Bancorp
nor any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary has been a party to any material off-balance-
sheet transactions involving interest rate and currency swaps, options and
futures contracts, or any other similar derivative transactions, except as
Previously Disclosed.

     5.22 DISCLOSURES. None of the representations and warranties of 1855
Bancorp or any of the written information or documents furnished or to be
furnished by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich in connection with or pursuant to this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, when
considered as a whole, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact, or omits or will omit to state any material fact required to be
stated or necessary to make any such information or document, in light of the
circumstances, not misleading.

     5.23 DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE.  The 1855 Bancorp Disclosure Schedule sets
forth, among other things, disclosures with respect to or exceptions to 1855
Bancorp's representations and

                                       29
<PAGE>


warranties in this Article V. The mere inclusion of an exception in the 1855
Bancorp Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed an admission by 1855 Bancorp
that such exception represents a material fact, event or circumstance.

     5.24 POOLING OF INTERESTS.  Neither 1855 Bancorp nor Compass Bank knows
of any reason relating to it why the Merger would not qualify as a "pooling of
interests" for accounting purposes or a tax free reorganization under Section
368 of the Code.

     5.25 MERGER SUB.  Upon its formation, Merger Sub will be a corporation,
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Massachusetts, all of the outstanding capital stock of which is, or will be
prior to the Effective Time, owned directly or indirectly by 1855 Bancorp free
and clear of any lien, charge or other encumbrance. From and after its
incorporation, Merger Sub has not and will not engage in any activities other
than in connection with or as contemplated by this Agreement.

     5.25.1 Merger Sub has, or will have prior to the Effective Time, all
corporate power and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereunder and carry out all of its obliga tions with respect to such
transactions. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby has been,
or will have been prior to the Closing, duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Merger Sub.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                             COVENANTS OF SANDWICH

     6.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.

     6.1.1 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except with the written consent of 1855
Bancorp, Sandwich will operate its business, and it will cause each of the
Sandwich Subsidiaries to operate its business, only in the usual, regular and
ordinary course of business; use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its
business organization and assets and maintain its rights and franchises; and
take no action which would (i) materially adversely affect the ability of 1855
Bancorp or Sandwich to obtain any necessary approvals of governmental
authorities required for the transactions contemplated hereby or materially
increase the period of time necessary to obtain such approvals, or (ii)
materially adversely affect its ability to perform its covenants and agreements
under this Agreement.

     6.1.2 NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  Sandwich agrees that from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except as otherwise specifically permitted or
required by this Agreement, or consented to by 1855 Bancorp in writing (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), Sandwich will not, and will cause
each of the Sandwich Subsidiaries not to:

       (a)   change or waive any provision of its Charter or By-laws;

       (b)   change the number of shares of its authorized or issued capital
   stock (except for the issuance of Sandwich Common Stock pursuant to the
   Sandwich Option Agreement or upon the exercise of outstanding Sandwich
   Options under the Sandwich Stock Option Plans, as contemplated by
   Section 4.1 hereof);

       (c)  issue or grant any option, warrant, call, commitment, subscription,
   right to purchase or agreement of any character relating to the authorized or
   issued capital stock of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich Subsidiaries, or any
   securities convertible into shares of

                                       30
<PAGE>


   such stock; except that (i) Sandwich may issue shares of Sandwich Common
   Stock or permit treasury shares to become outstanding to satisfy presently
   outstanding options under and in accordance with the terms of the Sandwich
   Stock Option Plans and (ii) Sandwich may issue shares of Sandwich Common
   Stock to 1855 Bancorp in accordance with the terms of the Sandwich Option
   Agreement;

       (d)  effect any recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock
   split or like change in capitalization, or redeem, repurchase or otherwise
   acquire any shares of its capital stock;

       (e)  declare or pay any dividends or other distributions with respect to
   its capital stock except for a quarterly cash dividend not in excess of $0.35
   per share, declared and paid in accordance with applicable law, regulation
   and contractual and regulatory commitments and for dividends paid by any
   Sandwich Subsidiary to Sandwich;

       (f)  enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate any contract
   or agreement (including without limitation any settlement agreement with
   respect to litigation) except in the ordinary course of business consistent
   with past practice; provided, however, that Sandwich shall have the right, on
   or before the Effective Time, to amend (i) its Supplemental Retirement Plans
   to nullify section 10.01(b) thereof, (ii) its defined benefit Pension Plan to
   ensure that any excess funding projected as of the Effective Time inures
   solely to the benefit of Sandwich's employees who are plan participants (but
   only to the extent that 1855 Bancorp receives confirmation from CBERA, or
   otherwise receives confirmation, in each case reasonably satisfactory to it,
   that such amendment will not result in any liability, contingent or
   otherwise, to 1855 Bancorp or its Subsidiaries), and (iii) each employment
   agreement to permit the employee who is party to the agreement to elect, more
   than 90 days before the Effective Time, to receive severance benefits in
   designated annual installments over a future period of up to two years after
   the Effective Time, with interest accruing at the prevailing one-year
   constant maturity treasury rate;

       (g)  amend (either orally or in writing), terminate, waive or provide
   consent under any Standstill Agreement in a manner that permits any party
   thereto to purchase any Sandwich Common Stock, or, except as the fiduciary
   duties of the Sandwich Board of Directors require and after giving prior
   written notice to 1855 Bancorp, otherwise amend (either orally or in
   writing), terminate, waive or provide consent under any Standstill Agreement;

       (h)  except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
   practice, incur any material liabilities or material obligations, whether
   directly or by way of guaranty, including any obligation for borrowed money
   whether or not evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument
   (other than FHLB advances not exceeding 110% of the December 31, 1997 level),
   or acquire any equity, debt, or other investment securities;

       (i)  make any capital expenditures in excess of $25,000 individually or
   $100,000 in the aggregate, other than pursuant to Previously Disclosed
   binding commitments existing on the date hereof;

       (j)  make or commit to make any commercial or commercial real estate loan
   or loans to one borrower (including such borrower's related interests) in an
   aggregate principal balance (or with an aggregate commitment) of $1,000,000
   or more;

                                       31
<PAGE>


       (k)  grant any increase in rates of compensation to its employees, except
   merit increases in accordance with past practices and general increases to
   employees as a class in accordance with past practice or as required by law;
   grant any increase in rates of compensation to, or pay or agree to pay any
   bonus or severance to, or provide any other new employee benefit or incentive
   to its directors or to its officers who are currently covered by employment
   or severance agreements with Sandwich except for nondiscretionary payments
   required by such agreements and except for increases in officer compensation
   rates by no more than 4.5% on an aggregate basis; enter into any employment,
   severance or similar agreements or arrangements with any director or
   employee; adopt or amend in any material respect or terminate any employee
   benefit plan, pension plan or incentive plan except as required by law or the
   terms of such plan or as provided in Section 6.1.2, or permit the vesting of
   any material amount of benefits under any such plan other than pursuant to
   the provisions thereof as in effect on the date of this Agreement; or make
   any contributions to Sandwich's deferred compensation plans, supplemental
   executive retirement plans, grantor trust, defined benefit Pension Plan or
   401(k) Plan not in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
   practice; or make any contributions to Sandwich's Employee Stock Ownership
   Plan, other than contributions, based on Sandwich's accrual levels in effect
   for 1998 on the date of this Agreement, for the period ending on the
   Effective Time; or make any cash bonus payments pursuant to Sandwich's
   Management Incentive Compensation Plan, other than (i) accrued but unpaid
   amounts from March through December 1997 and amounts to be accrued in January
   and February 1998 equal to $24,167 per month, and (ii) the budgeted amount
   accruing from March 1, 1998 through the earlier to occur of December 31, 1998
   or the Effective Time (it being understood that the monthly budgeted amount
   is equal to $24,167 and that such amount will be paid prior to the Effective
   Time to then-current employees of Sandwich or any Subsidiary); or make any
   contributions to Sandwich's Grantor Trust other than nondiscretionary
   contributions required by the terms of the applicable Benefit Plan;

       (l)  make application for the opening or closing of any, or open or close
   any, branch or automated banking facility;

       (m)  make any equity investment or commitment to make such an investment
   in real estate or in any real estate development project, other than in
   connection with foreclosures, settlements in lieu of foreclosure or
   troubled loan or debt restructurings in the ordinary course of business
   consistent with customary banking practices;

       (n)  except as the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors otherwise
   requires (as determined in good faith upon the advice of legal counsel),
   merge into, consolidate with, affiliate with, or be purchased or acquired by,
   any other Person, or permit any other to be merged, consolidated or
   affiliated with it or be purchased or acquired by it, or, except to realize
   upon collateral in the ordinary course of its business, acquire a significant
   portion of the assets of any other Person, or sell a significant portion of
   its assets;

       (o)  make any material change in its accounting methods or practices,
   except changes as may be required by GAAP or by regulatory requirements;

       (p)  enter into any off-balance sheet transaction involving interest rate
   and currency swaps, options and futures contracts, or any other similar
   derivative transactions;

                                       32
<PAGE>


       (q)  knowingly take any action that would result in the representations
   and warranties of Sandwich contained in this Agreement not being true and
   correct on the date of this Agreement or at any future date on or prior to
   the Closing Date;

       (r)  take or cause to be taken any action which would disqualify the
   Merger as a "pooling of interests" for accounting purposes or a tax free
   reorganization under Section 368 of the Code, including, without limitation,
   cashing out or accelerating any Sandwich Options, except for automatic
   acceleration in accordance with the terms of such Sandwich Options; or

       (s)  agree to do any of the foregoing.

     6.2 CURRENT INFORMATION.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, Sandwich will cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with representatives of 1855 Bancorp and report the
general status of its ongoing operations at such times as 1855 Bancorp may
reasonably request. Sandwich will promptly notify 1855 Bancorp of any material
change in the normal course of its business or in the operation of its
properties and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the
same may be contemplated), or the institution or the threat of material
litigation involving Sandwich. Sandwich will also provide 1855 Bancorp such
information with respect to such events as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request
from time to time. As soon as reasonably available, but in no event more than 45
days after the end of each calendar quarter ending after the date of this
Agreement (other than the last quarter of each fiscal year ending December 31),
the Sandwich will deliver to 1855 Bancorp its quarterly report on Form 10-Q
under the Exchange Act, and, as soon as reasonably available, but in no event
more than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, Sandwich will deliver to
1855 Bancorp its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Within 25 days after the end of
each month, Sandwich will deliver to 1855 Bancorp a consolidated balance sheet
and a consolidated statement of operations, without related notes, for such
month.

     6.3 ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.  Sandwich shall permit 1855 Bancorp
reasonable access upon reasonable notice to its properties and those of the
Sandwich Subsidiaries, and shall disclose and make available to 1855 Bancorp
during normal business hours all of its books, papers and records relating to
the assets, stock ownership, properties, operations, obligations and
liabilities, including, but not limited to, all books of account (including the
general ledger), tax records, minute books of directors' and stockholders'
meetings, organizational documents, by-laws, material contracts and agreements,
filings with any regulatory authority, litigation files, plans affecting
employees, and any other business activities or prospects in which 1855 Bancorp
may have a reasonable interest; provided, however, that Sandwich shall not be
required to take any action that would provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the
rights or business interests or confidences of any customer or other person or
would result in the waiver by it of the privilege protecting communications
between it and any of its counsel.  Sandwich shall provide and shall request its
auditors to provide 1855 Bancorp with such historical financial information
regarding it (and related audit reports and consents) as 1855 Bancorp may
reasonably request for securities disclosure purposes.

     6.4 FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS.

     6.4.1 Promptly upon receipt thereof, Sandwich will furnish to 1855 Bancorp
copies of each annual, interim or special audit of the books of Sandwich and the
Sandwich Subsidiaries made

                                       33
<PAGE>


by its independent accountants and copies of all internal control reports
submitted to Sandwich by such accountants in connection with each annual,
interim or special audit of the books of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries
made by such accountants.

     6.4.2 As soon as practicable, Sandwich will furnish to 1855 Bancorp copies
of all such financial statements and reports as it or any Subsidiary shall send
to its stockholders, the SEC, the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC or any other
regulatory authority, except as legally prohibited thereby.

     6.4.3 Sandwich will advise 1855 Bancorp promptly of the receipt of any
examination report of any federal or state regulatory or examination authority
with respect to the condition or activities of Sandwich or any of the Sandwich
Subsidiaries.

     6.4.4 With reasonable promptness, Sandwich will furnish to 1855 Bancorp
such additional financial data as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request, including
without limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan reports.

     6.5 DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.  From time to time prior to the Effective Time,
Sandwich will promptly supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules delivered in
connection herewith pursuant to Article IV with respect to any material matter
hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this
Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in such
Disclosure Schedules or which is necessary to correct any information in such
Schedules which has been rendered inaccurate thereby.  No supplement or
amendment to such Schedules shall have any effect for the purpose of determining
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article IX.

     6.6 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES.  Sandwich shall use all
reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and approvals
of any other Persons necessary or desirable for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, Sandwich shall utilize the services of a professional proxy
soliciting firm to help obtain the shareholder vote required to be obtained by
it hereunder.

     6.7 ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions herein
provided, Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all corporate or other action and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Sandwich agrees to take all
such actions as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request in order to enforce its
rights under, and hereby grants 1855 Bancorp the irrevocable right and authority
to act as Sandwich's agent for purposes of enforcing its rights under, all
Standstill Agreements to the extent that any other party to any Standstill
Agreement purchases or attempts to purchase any shares of Sandwich Common Stock
in violation thereof.

     6.8 FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.  In the event that Sandwich determines
that a condition to its obligation to complete the Merger cannot be fulfilled
and that it will not waive that condition, it will promptly notify 1855 Bancorp.

     6.9 NO SOLICITATION.  Unless and until this Agreement shall have been
properly terminated by either party pursuant to Section 111 hereof, neither
Sandwich nor any of its subsidiaries shall (and Sandwich and Sandwich Bank shall
use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause its

                                       34
<PAGE>


representatives, including, but not limited to, investment bankers, attorneys
and accountants, not to), directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, initiate
or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or, provide any
information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group
(other than 1855 Bancorp and its affiliates or Representatives) concerning any
merger, tender offer, sale of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital
stock or debt securities or similar transaction involving Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank (an "Acquisition Transaction"); provided, however that Sandwich and its
          -----------------------
representatives shall be permitted to participate in discussions or negotiations
with, or provide information to, any other corporation, partnership, person or
other entity or group with respect to an Acquisition Transaction if the Board of
Directors of Sandwich determines (in good faith upon the advice of outside
counsel) that their fiduciary duties require them to do so.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 6.9 shall prohibit Sandwich or its
Board of Directors from taking and disclosing to Sandwich's stockholders a
position with respect to a tender offer by a third party pursuant to Rules 14d-9
and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or from making such disclosure
to Sandwich's stockholders which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors
(upon the advice of counsel), may be required under applicable law or is
necessary in order to comply with its fiduciary obligations.  Sandwich will
immediately communicate to 1855 Bancorp the terms of any proposal, discussion,
negotiation or inquiry relating to an Acquisition Transaction and the identity
of the party making such proposal or inquiry which it may receive in respect of
any such transaction (which shall mean that any such communication shall be
delivered no less promptly than by telephone within 24 hours of Sandwich's
receipt of any such proposal or inquiry) or its receipt of any request for
information from the FRB, the DOJ, or any other governmental agency or authority
with respect to a proposed Acquisition Transaction.  Sandwich shall continue to
consult with 1855 Bancorp after receipt of such proposal or commencement of such
discussion or negotiation relating to an Acquisition Transaction, and will not
take any action with respect to such proposed Acquisition Transaction except
after reasonable consultation with 1855 Bancorp.

     6.10 CEASE NEGOTIATIONS.  Sandwich hereby agrees to cease all pending
discussions or negotiations with other interested persons relating to a possible
merger with or acquisition of Sandwich, and to instruct all such persons to
immediately return to Sandwich all copies of the evaluation materials provided
to such persons by Sandwich, without retaining any copy thereof, and to destroy
any notes such persons or their representatives may have prepared relating to a
possible combination with Sandwich, as required by the terms of the Standstill
Agreements between such parties and Sandwich; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not be deemed to prevent Sandwich from acting in the future in
the manner permitted by Section 6.9.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                           COVENANTS OF 1855 BANCORP

     7.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except with the written consent of Sandwich and
except as provided below, 1855 Bancorp will take no action which would (i)
materially adversely affect the ability of 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich to obtain
any necessary approvals of governmental authorities required for the transac
tions contemplated hereby or materially increase the period of time necessary to
obtain such approvals, or (ii) materially adversely affect its ability to
perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement, (iii) disqualify the
Merger as a "pooling of interests" for accounting purposes or a tax free
reorganization under Section 3.6.8 of the Code; or (iv) result in the

                                       35
<PAGE>


representations and warranties of 1855 Bancorp contained in this Agreement not
being true and correct on the date of this Agreement or at any future date on or
prior to the Closing Date; provided that nothing herein contained shall preclude
1855 Bancorp from exercising its rights under the Sandwich Option Agreement or
taking any action Previously Disclosed, and provided further, that nothing
herein shall preclude 1855 Bancorp from electing to convert its charter to a
federal mutual holding company charter, subject to applicable law and
regulation.

     7.2 CURRENT INFORMATION.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp will cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with represen tatives of Sandwich and report the
general status of its ongoing operations at such times as Sandwich may
reasonably request. 1855 Bancorp will promptly notify Sandwich of any material
change in the normal course of its business or in the operation of its
properties and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the
same may be contemplated), or the institution or the threat of material
litigation involving 1855 Bancorp. 1855 Bancorp will also provide Sandwich such
information with respect to such events as Sandwich may reasonably request from
time to time. As soon as reasonably available, but in no event more than 45 days
after the end of each calendar quarter ending after the date of this Agreement
(other than the last quarter of each fiscal year ending October 31), the 1855
Bancorp will deliver to Sandwich a consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated
statement of operations, without related notes, for such quarter prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and within 25 days
after the end of each month, 1855 Bancorp will deliver to Sandwich a
consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated statement of operations, without
related notes, for such month prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.

     7.3 ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS.  1855 Bancorp shall permit Sandwich
reasonable access upon reasonable notice to its properties and those of its
subsidiaries, and shall disclose and make available to Sandwich during normal
business hours all of its books, papers and records relating to the assets,
stock ownership, properties, operations, obligations and liabilities, including,
but not limited to, all books of account (including the general ledger), tax
records, minute books of directors' and stockholders' meetings, organizational
documents, by-laws, material contracts and agreements, filings with any
regulatory authority, litigation files, plans affecting employees, and any other
business activities or prospects in which Sandwich may have a reasonable
interest; provided, however, that 1855 Bancorp shall not be required to take any
action that would provide access to or to disclose information where such access
or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights or business interests or
confidences of any customer or other person or would result in the waiver by it
of the privilege protecting communications between it and any of its counsel.

     7.4 FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATEMENTS.

     7.4.1 Promptly upon receipt thereof, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to Sandwich
copies of each annual, interim or special audit of the books of 1855 Bancorp and
its subsidiaries made by its independent accountants and copies of all internal
control reports submitted to 1855 Bancorp by such accountants in connection with
each annual, interim or special audit of the books of 1855 Bancorp and its
subsidiaries made by such accountants.

     7.4.2 As soon as practicable, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to Sandwich copies
of all such financial statements and reports as it or any Subsidiary shall send
to the Bank Commissioner, the FDIC, the FRB or any other regulatory authority,
except as legally prohibited thereby.

                                       36
<PAGE>


     7.4.3 1855 Bancorp will advise Sandwich promptly of the receipt of any
examination report of any federal or state regulatory or examination authority
with respect to the condition or activities of 1855 Bancorp or any of its
subsidiaries.

     7.4.4 With reasonable promptness, 1855 Bancorp will furnish to Sandwich
such additional financial data as Sandwich may reasonably request, including
without limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan reports.

     7.5 DISCLOSURE SUPPLEMENTS.  From time to time prior to the Effective
Time, 1855 Bancorp will promptly supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules
delivered in connection herewith pursuant to Article V with respect to any
material matter hereafter arising which, if existing, occur ring or known at the
date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in
such Disclosure Schedules or which is necessary to correct any information in
such Schedules which has been rendered inaccurate thereby. No supplement or
amendment to such Schedules shall have any effect for the purpose of determining
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article IX.

     7.6 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES.  1855 Bancorp shall use all
reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and approvals
of any other Persons necessary or desirable for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the
approval of its Corporators of the Conversion.

    7.7 ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions herein
provided, 1855 Bancorp agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to
be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,
proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     7.8 FAILURE TO FULFILL CONDITIONS.  In the event that 1855 Bancorp
determines that a condition to its obligation to complete the Merger cannot be
fulfilled and that it will not waive that condition, it will promptly notify
Sandwich.

     7.9 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

     7.9.1 All employees of Sandwich and its Subsidiaries as of the Effective
Time shall become employees of 1855 Bancorp or an 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary as of
the Effective Time. Nothing in this Agreement shall give any employee of
Sandwich or its Subsidiaries a right to continuing employment with 1855 Bancorp
or any Subsidiary thereof after the Effective Time. Any employee of Sandwich or
any Sandwich Subsidiary whose employment with 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiary is terminated by 1855 Bancorp within one year after the Effective
Time shall be entitled to receive (i) a lump-sum severance benefit in an amount
equal to two-weeks' pay for each year of employment (with partial years of
service included in the calculation on a pro-rated basis), up to a maximum of 26
weeks' pay, and (ii) continuation of health benefits, on the same terms and
conditions applicable to 1855 Bancorp's active employees, for the same number of
weeks factored into the calculation of severance payments, and thereafter COBRA
benefits for an additional period of time determined as though the Sandwich
employee terminates employment upon expiration of the period covered by said
continued health benefits.

     7.9.2 As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall
provide or cause to be provided to all employees of Sandwich and any Sandwich
Subsidiary who remain employed by 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary
after the Effective Time with

                                       37
<PAGE>


employee benefits which, in the aggregate, are no less favorable than those
generally afforded to other em ployees of 1855 Bancorp or the 1855 Bancorp
Subsidiaries holding similar positions, subject to the terms and conditions
under which those employee benefits are made available to such employees,
provided, however, that (i) for purposes of determining eligibility for and
vesting of such employee benefits only (and not for pension benefit accrual
purposes), service with Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary prior to the
Effective Time shall be treated as service with an "employer" as if such persons
had been employees of 1855 Bancorp, to the extent permissible under the terms of
1855 Bancorp's Employee Plans, (ii) this Section 7.9 shall not be construed to
limit the ability of 1855 Bancorp and its Subsidiaries to terminate the
employment of any employee or to review employee benefits programs from time to
time and to make such changes as they deem appropriate, and (iii) 1855 Bancorp
or a Subsidiary shall continue to provide post-retirement medical benefits to
former employees of Sandwich who as of the Effective Time are receiving post-
retirement medical benefits in accordance with Sandwich's Previously Disclosed
retiree health care Plans I, II, and III, (iv) 1855 Bancorp shall honor any and
all vacation leave (but not sick leave) accrued by Sandwich's employees, except
to the extent of any duplication of benefits, and (v) no preexisting condition
exclusion that is currently inapplicable to a Sandwich employee and/or the
employee's covered dependents shall affect their rights to health benefits or
coverage under 1855 Bancorp's plans, to the extent permissible under such plans.

     7.9.3 Sandwich has Previously Disclosed to 1855 Bancorp certain employment
and change of control agreements, deferred compensation plans, Grantor Trust
Agreement, Supplemental Retirement Plans and Split Dollar Insurance Agreements
(collectively, "Benefit Agreements") and the Sandwich Employee Stock Ownership
Plan (the "ESOP"). Following the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall honor or
cause its Subsidiaries to honor in accordance with their terms all such
Previously Disclosed Benefit Agreements and the ESOP and assume or cause its
Subsidiaries to assume all duties, liabilities and obligations under such
agreements and arrangements. 1855 Bancorp agrees that (i) the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby constitutes a "Change in Control" as
defined in the Benefit Agreements, and (ii) each of Sandwich's officers who is
party to an employment agreement with Sandwich will be deemed to have suffered a
material change in their responsibilities and supervision as of the Effective
Time, it being understood that the President of Sandwich shall terminate
employment as of the Effective Time and receive payments under Section 11(a) of
his Employment at such time.

     7.10 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.

     7.10.1 1855 Bancorp shall maintain, or shall cause Compass Bank to
maintain, in effect for six years from the Effective Time, if available, the
current directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by
Sandwich (provided, that 1855 Bancorp may substitute therefor policies of at
least the same coverage containing terms and conditions which are not materially
less favorable) with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that in no event shall 1855 Bancorp be required to expend
pursuant to this Section 7.10.1 more than $60,000 in the aggregate. In
connection with the foregoing, Sandwich agrees to provide such insurer or
substitute insurer with such representations as such insurer may request with
respect to the reporting of any prior claims.

     7.10.2 From and after the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp shall, or shall
cause Compass Bank to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each person who is
now, or who has been at any time before the date hereof or who becomes before
the Effective Time, an officer or director

                                       38
<PAGE>


of Sandwich or the Sandwich Subsidiaries or any of their respective subsidiaries
(the "Indemnified Parties") against all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses
(including attorney's fees), liabilities or judgments or amounts that are paid
in settlement (which settlement shall require the prior written consent of 1855
Bancorp, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) of or in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal, or administrative (each a "Claim"), in which an Indemnified Party is,
or is threatened to be made, a party or witness in whole or in part on or
arising in whole or in part out of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer or employee of Sandwich or any of its subsidiaries if such
Claim pertains to any matter of fact arising, existing or occurring before the
Effective Time (including, without limitation, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby), regardless of whether such Claim is asserted
or claimed before, or at or after, the Effective Time (the "Indemnified
Liabilities"), to the fullest extent permitted under applicable state or federal
law in effect as of the date hereof or as amended applicable to a time before
the Effective Time and under Sandwich's and Sandwich Bank's Articles of
Organization or Charter and By-Laws. 1855 Bancorp shall pay expenses in advance
of the final disposition of any such action or proceeding to each Indemnified
Party to the full extent permitted by applicable state or federal law in effect
as of the date hereof or as amended applicable to a time before the Effective
Time upon receipt of an undertaking to repay such advance payments if he shall
be adjudicated or determined to be not entitled to indemnification in the manner
set forth below. Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under
this Section 7.10.2 upon learning of any Claim, shall notify 1855 Bancorp (but
the failure so to notify 1855 Bancorp shall not relieve it from any liability
which it may have under this Section 7.10.2, except to the extent such failure
materially prejudices 1855 Bancorp) and shall deliver to 1855 Bancorp the
undertaking referred to in the previous sentence. In the event of any such Claim
(whether arising before or after the Effective Time) (1) 1855 Bancorp shall have
the right to assume the defense thereof (in which event the Indemnified Parties
will cooperate in the defense of any such matter) and upon such assumption 1855
Bancorp shall not be liable to any Indemnified Party for any legal expenses of
other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by any Indemnified
Party in connection with the defense thereof, except that if 1855 Bancorp elects
not to assume such defense, or counsel for the Indemnified Parties reasonably
advises the Indemnified Parties that there are or may be (whether or not any
have yet actually arisen) issues which raise conflicts of interest between 1855
Bancorp and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel
reasonably satisfactory to them, and 1855 Bancorp shall pay the reasonable fees
and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties, (2) 1855 Bancorp shall
be obligated pursuant to this paragraph to pay for only one firm of counsel for
all Indemnified Parties whose reasonable fees and expenses shall be paid
promptly as statements are received, (3) 1855 Bancorp shall not be liable for
any settlement effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld) and (4) no Indemnified Party shall be entitled to
indemnification hereunder with respect to a matter as to which (x) he shall have
been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of Sandwich or any
Subsidiary, or (y) in the event that a proceeding is compromised or settled so
as to impose any liability or obligation upon an Indemnified Party, if there is
a determination that with respect to said matter said Indemnified Party did not
act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best
interests of Sandwich or any Subsidiary. The determination shall be made by a
majority vote of the Directors of 1855 Bancorp who were formerly directors of
Sandwich and who are not involved in such proceeding (the "Former Sandwich
Directors"), or, if a majority of the Former Sandwich Directors are involved in
the proceeding, by a committee of three

                                       39
<PAGE>


disinterested Former Sandwich Directors chosen by all of the Former Sandwich
Directors for the purpose of making such determination.

     7.10.3 In the event that either 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank or any of its
successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and
shall not be the continuing or surviving bank or entity of such consolidation or
merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets
to any person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so
that the successors and assigns of 1855 Bancorp shall assume the obligations set
forth in this Section 7.10.

     7.10.4 The obligations of 1855 Bancorp provided under this Section 7.10 are
intended to be enforceable against 1855 Bancorp directly by the Indemnified
Parties and shall be binding on all respective successors and permitted assigns
of 1855 Bancorp.

     7.11 MERGER SUB.  Prior to the Effective Time, 1855 Bancorp will take any
and all necessary action to cause (i) Merger Sub to be organized, (ii) Merger
Sub to become a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp,
(iii) the directors and stockholder or stock holders of Merger Sub to approve
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iv) Merger Sub to execute
one or more counterparts of this Agreement and to deliver at least one such
counterpart so executed to Sandwich, whereupon Merger Sub shall become a party
to and be bound by this Agreement.

     7.12 STOCK LISTING.  1855 Bancorp agrees to list on the Stock Exchange
(or such other national securities exchange on which the shares of 1855 Bancorp
Common Stock shall be listed as of the date of consummation of the Merger),
subject to official notice of issuance, the shares of 1855 Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                         REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS

     8.1 SANDWICH SPECIAL MEETING.  Sandwich will (i) as promptly as practicable
after the Merger Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, take
all steps necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of
its stockholders (the "Sandwich Stockholders Meeting") for the purpose of
approving this Agreement and the Merger, and for such other purposes as may be,
in Sandwich's reasonable judgment, necessary or desirable, (ii) subject to the
fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Directors of Sandwich as advised by
counsel, recommend to its stockholders the approval of the aforementioned
matters to be submitted by it to its stockholders, and (iii) cooperate and
consult with 1855 Bancorp with respect to each of the foregoing matters.

     8.2 PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.

     8.2.1 For the purposes (x) of registering 1855 Bancorp's Common Stock to be
issued to holders of Sandwich Common Stock in connection with the Merger with
the SEC under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and (y) of
holding the Sandwich shareholders' meeting, 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich shall
cooperate in the preparation of a registration statement (such registration
statement, together with all and any amendments and supplements thereto, being
herein referred to as the "Merger Registration Statement"), including a proxy
                           -----------------------------
statement/prospectus or statements satisfying all applicable requirements of
applicable state securities and banking laws, and of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder (such

                                       40
<PAGE>


proxy statement/prospectus in the form mailed by Sandwich to the Sandwich
shareholders, together with any and all amendments or supplements thereto, being
herein referred to as the "Proxy Statement-Prospectus").   1855 Bancorp shall
                           --------------------------
file the Merger Registration Statement with the SEC.  Each of 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich shall use their best efforts to have the Merger Registration Statement
declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after
such filing, and Sandwich shall thereafter promptly mail the Proxy Statement-
Prospectus to its stockholders.  1855 Bancorp shall also use its best efforts to
obtain all necessary state securities law or "Blue Sky" permits and approvals
required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
Sandwich shall furnish all information concerning Sandwich and the holders of
Sandwich Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such
action.

     8.2.2 The parties shall provide each other with any information concerning
itself that the other party may reasonably request in connection with the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus and 1855 Bancorp shall notify Sandwich promptly of the
receipt of any comments of the SEC with respect to the Proxy Statement-
Prospectus and of any requests by the SEC for any amendment or supplement
thereto or for additional information and shall provide to Sandwich promptly
copies of all correspondence between 1855 Bancorp or any representative of 1855
Bancorp and the SEC. 1855 Bancorp shall give Sandwich and its counsel the
opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy Statement -Prospectus prior to
its being filed with the SEC and shall give Sandwich and its counsel the
opportunity to review and comment on all amendments and supplements to the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus and all responses to requests for additional information
and replies to comments prior to their being filed with, or sent to, the SEC.
Each of 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts, after
consultation with the other party hereto, to respond promptly to all such
comments of and requests by the SEC and to cause the Proxy Statement-Prospectus
and all required amendments and supplements thereto to be mailed to the holders
of Sandwich Common Stock entitled to vote at the Sandwich Stockholders Meeting
referred to in Section 81 hereof at the earliest practicable time.

     8.2.3 Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall promptly notify the other party if
at any time it becomes aware that the Proxy Statement-Prospectus or the Merger
Registration Statement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.  In such event, Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall
cooperate in the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such Proxy
Statement-Prospectus which corrects such misstatement or omission, and shall
cause an amended Merger Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC and an
amended Proxy Statement-Prospectus to be mailed to Sandwich's stockholders.
Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall each provide to the other a "comfort" letter
from its independent certified public accountant, dated as of the date of the
Proxy Statement-Prospectus and updated as of the date of consummation of the
Merger, with respect to certain financial information regarding Sandwich and
1855 Bancorp, respectively, each in form and substance which is customary in
transactions such as the Merger.

     8.3 1855 BANCORP CONVERSION FROM MUTUAL TO STOCK FORM.  Commencing
promptly after the date of this Agreement, 1855 Bancorp and Compass Bank will
take all reasonable steps neces sary to effect the Conversion and 1855 Bancorp
shall use its best efforts to satisfy the conditions to closing set forth in
Section 9.2.5. In addition, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
1855 Bancorp shall cause the following to be done:

                                       41
<PAGE>


     8.3.1 1855 Bancorp shall duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a
special meeting of its Board of Corporators as soon as practicable for the
purpose of approving the Conversion. The Board of Trustees of 1855 Bancorp will
recommend to the Corporators the approval of the Conversion.

     8.3.2 1855 Bancorp will use all reasonable efforts to prepare and file all
required regulatory applications required in connection with the Conversion,
including, without limitation, filing applications with the Bank Commissioner,
the FDIC and the FRB.

     8.3.3 1855 Bancorp shall prepare as promptly as practicable, and Sandwich
shall co-operate in the preparation of, a prospectus (the "Conversion
Prospectus") meeting all requirements of applicable federal and state securities
and banking laws and regulations. Such Conversion Prospectus shall be
incorporated into a Form S-1 Registration Statement (the "Form S-1") satisfying
all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder. 1855 Bancorp shall file the Form S-1 with the SEC. Each of 1855
Bancorp and Sandwich shall use their reasonable best efforts to have the Form S-
1 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after
such filing, and 1855 Bancorp shall thereafter promptly mail the Conversion
Prospectus to its qualified depositors.

     8.3.4 Sandwich shall provide 1855 Bancorp with any information concerning
it that 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request in connection with the Conversion
Prospectus, and 1855 Bancorp shall notify Sandwich promptly of the receipt of
any comments of the SEC, the FDIC or the Bank Commissioner with respect to the
Conversion Prospectus and of any requests by the SEC, the FDIC or the Bank
Commissioner for any amendment or supplement thereto or for additional
information, and shall provide to Sandwich promptly copies of all correspondence
between 1855 Bancorp or any representative of 1855 Bancorp and the SEC, the FDIC
or the Bank Commissioner.  1855 Bancorp shall give Sandwich and its counsel the
opportunity to review and comment on the Conversion Prospectus prior to its
being filed with the SEC, the Bank Commissioner and the FDIC and shall give
Sandwich and its counsel the opportunity to review and comment on all amendments
and supplements to the Conversion Prospectus and all responses to requests for
additional information and replies to comments prior to their being filed with,
or sent to, the SEC, the Bank Commissioner, and the FDIC. Each of 1855 Bancorp
and Sandwich agrees to use all reasonable efforts, after consultation with the
other party hereto, to respond promptly to all such comments of and requests by
the Bank Commissioner, FDIC and the SEC and to cause the Conversion Prospectus
and all required amendments and supplements thereto to be mailed to the
qualified depositors of Compass Bank at the earliest practicable time.

     8.3.5 Sandwich shall promptly notify 1855 Bancorp if at any time it becomes
aware that the Conversion Prospectus or the Form S-1 contains any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  In such event,
Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall cooperate in the preparation of a supplement or
amendment to such Conversion Prospectus, which corrects such misstatement or
omission, and shall cause an amended Form S-1 to be filed with the SEC.
Sandwich shall provide to 1855 Bancorp a "comfort" letter from the independent
certified public accountants for Sandwich, dated as of the date of the
Conversion Prospectus and updated as of the date of consummation of the
Conversion, with respect to certain financial information regarding Sandwich,
each in form and substance which is customary in transactions such as the
Conversion, and shall cause its counsel to

                                       42
<PAGE>


deliver to the placement agent for the Conversion such opinions as 1855 Bancorp
may reasonably request.

     8.4 REGULATORY APPROVALS.  Each of Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp will
cooperate with the other and use all reasonable efforts to promptly prepare all
necessary documentation, to effect all necessary filings and to obtain all
necessary permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties
and governmental bodies necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including without limitation the Merger, the Bank Merger and the
Conversion. Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp will furnish each other and each other's
counsel with all information concerning themselves, their subsidiaries,
directors, officers and stockholders and such other matters as may be necessary
or advisable in connection with the Conversion Prospectus, the Proxy Statement-
Prospectus and any application, petition or any other statement or application
made by or on behalf of Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp to any governmental body in
connection with the Conversion, the Merger, the Bank Merger, and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agree ment. Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall
have the right to review and approve in advance all charac terizations of the
information relating to 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich, as the case may be, and any of
their respective subsidiaries, which appear in any filing made in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any governmental body.
In addition, Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall each furnish to the other for
review a copy of each such filing made in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement with any governmental body prior to its filing.

     8.5 AFFILIATES; PUBLICATION OF COMBINED FINANCIAL RESULTS.

     8.5.1 Sandwich shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each director,
executive officer and other person who is an "affiliate" (for purposes of Rule
145 under the Securities Act and for purposes of qualifying the Merger for
"pooling of interests" accounting treatment) of Sandwich to deliver to 1855
Bancorp, as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and prior to
the date of the shareholders meeting called by Sandwich to approve this
Agreement, a written agreement, in the form of Exhibit C hereto, providing that
                                               ---------
such person will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares
of 1855 Common Stock or Sandwich Common Stock now or hereafter held by such
"affiliate", including, without limitation, the shares of 1855 Common Stock to
be received by such "affiliate" in the Merger: (1) otherwise than in compliance
with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder or (2) during the period commencing 30 days prior to the
consummation of the Merger and ending at the time of the publication of
financial results covering at least 30 days of combined operations of 1855
Bancorp and Sandwich.

     8.5.2 1855 Bancorp shall use its best efforts to publish no later than
thirty (30) days after the end of the first month after the Effective Time in
which there are at least thirty (30) days of post-Merger combined operations
(which month may be the month in which the Effective Time occurs), combined
sales and net income figures as contemplated by and in accordance with the terms
of SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                               CLOSING CONDITIONS

     9.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  The
respective obligations of each party under this Agreement shall be subject to
the fulfillment at or prior to the

                                       43
<PAGE>

Pre-Closing Date of the following conditions, none of which may be waived:

     9.1.1 STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.  This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been approved in accordance with applicable law,
Articles of Organization, By-laws and NASD policy by the requisite vote of the
stockholders of Sandwich.

     9.1.2 INJUNCTIONS.  None of the parties hereto shall be subject to any
order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which
enjoins or prohibits the consum mation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     9.1.3 REGULATORY APPROVALS.  All necessary approvals, authorizations and
consents of all governmental bodies required to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained and shall remain in full
force and effect and all waiting periods relating to such approvals,
authorizations or consents shall have expired; and no such approval,
authorization or consent shall include any condition or requirement, not
reasonably foreseen as of the date of this Agreement, that would, in the good
faith reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors of 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich, materially and adversely affect the business, operations, financial
condition, property or assets of the combined enterprise or of Sandwich or
Sandwich Bank or otherwise materially impair the value of Sandwich or Sandwich
Bank to 1855 Bancorp.

     9.1.4 EFFECTIVENESS OF MERGER REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  The Merger
Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and
no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Merger Registration Statement
shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been
initiated or threatened by the SEC and, if the offer and sale of 1855 Common
Stock in the Merger is subject to the blue sky laws of any state, shall not be
subject to a stop order of any state securities commissioner.

     9.1.5 STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING.  The shares of 1855 Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger shall have been authorized for listing on the Stock
Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.

     9.1.6 TAX OPINION.  On the basis of facts, representations and assumptions
which shall be consistent with the state of facts existing at the Pre-Closing
Date, each of 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich shall have received an opinion of
counsel reasonably acceptable in form and substance to 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich
dated as of the Pre-Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, for federal
income tax purposes:

       (a)  The Merger and the Bank Merger, when consummated in accordance with
   the terms hereof, either will constitute a reorganization within the meaning
   of Section 368(a) of the Code or will be treated as part of a reorganization
   within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,

       (b)  No gain or loss will be recognized by 1855 Bancorp, Compass,
   Sandwich or Sandwich Bank by reason of the Merger or the Bank Merger,

       (c)  The exchange of Sandwich Common Stock to the extent exchanged for
   1855 Common Stock will not give rise to recognition of gain or loss for
   federal income tax purposes to the shareholders of Sandwich,

       (d)  The basis of the Sandwich Common Stock to be received (including any
   fractional shares deemed received for tax purposes) by a Sandwich shareholder
   will be the

                                       44
<PAGE>

   same as the basis of the Sandwich Common Stock surrendered pursuant to the
   Merger in exchange therefor, and

       (e)  The holding period of the shares of 1855 Bancorp Sandwich Common
   Stock to be received by a shareholder of Sandwich will include the period
   during which the shareholder held the shares of Sandwich Common Stock
   surrendered in exchange therefor, provided the Sandwich Common Stock
   surrendered is held as a capital asset at the Effective Time.

Each of 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich shall provide a letter setting forth the
facts, assumptions and representations on which such counsel may rely in
rendering its opinion.

     9.1.7 CONVERSION.  1855 Bancorp shall have consummated the Conversion,
and such Conversion shall have resulted in net proceeds sufficient to enable
Compass Bank to remain "well-capitalized" under applicable federal banking law
and otherwise to meet regulatory capital requirements, in each case after giving
effect to the Merger.

     9.2 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF 1855 BANCORP UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
The obligations of 1855 Bancorp under this Agreement shall be further subject to
the satisfaction, at or prior to the Pre-Closing, of the following conditions:

     9.2.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and warranties
of Sandwich set forth in Article IV hereof shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Pre-Closing
Date as though made on and as of the Pre-Closing Date (or on the date when made
in the case of any representation and warranty which specifically relates to
an earlier date), except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or
consented to in writing by 1855 Bancorp; provided, however, that (i) in
determining whether or not the condition contained in this Section 9.2.1 shall
be satisfied, no effect shall be given to any exceptions in such representations
and warranties relating to materiality or Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the
condition contained in this Section 9.2.1 shall be deemed to be satisfied unless
the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct
constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and Sandwich shall
have delivered to 1855 Bancorp a certificate of Sandwich to such effect signed
by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Sandwich as of
the Effective Time.

     9.2.2 AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS.  As of the Pre-Closing Date, Sandwich shall
have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied in all
material respects with all agreements or covenants of Sandwich to be performed
or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Date under this Agreement,
except to the extent that any failure to perform or comply shall not
individually, or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Sandwich
and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially adversely affect
consummation of the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby, and 1855
Bancorp shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Sandwich by the
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Sandwich to such effect
dated as of the Effective Time.

     9.2.3 PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC.  Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries
shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
waivers, clearances or approv  als required for the lawful consummation of the
Merger by Sandwich, the failure to obtain which would have a Material Adverse
Effect on Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                                       45
<PAGE>


     9.2.4 LEGAL OPINION.  1855 Bancorp shall have received an opinion, dated
the Pre-Closing Date, from Housley Kantarian and Bronstein P.C., counsel to
Sandwich, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.

     9.2.5 POOLING OF INTERESTS.  1855 Bancorp shall have received a letter from
Arthur Andersen LLP, addressed to 1855 Bancorp, to the effect that the Merger
will qualify for "pooling of interests" accounting treatment.

     9.2.6 ACCOUNTANTS' LETTER.  1855 Bancorp shall have received a "comfort"
letter from the independent certified public accountants for Sandwich, dated (i)
the effective date of the Merger Registration Statement and (ii) the Pre-Closing
Date, with respect to certain financial information regarding Sandwich, each in
form and substance which is customary in transactions of the nature contemplated
by this Agreement.

  Sandwich will furnish 1855 Bancorp with such certificates of its officers or
others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set
forth in this Section 9.2 as 1855 Bancorp may reasonably request.

     9.3 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SANDWICH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  The
obligations of Sandwich under this Agreement shall be further subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.3.1 through 9.3.5 at or
prior to the Pre-Closing and the satisfaction of the condition set forth in
Section 9.3.6 at or prior to the Closing:

     9.3.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and warranties
of 1855 Bancorp set forth in Article V hereof shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Pre-Closing
Date as though made on and as of the Pre-Closing Date (or on the date when
made in the case of any representation and warranty which specifically relates
to an earlier date), except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or
consented to in writing by Sandwich; provided, however, that (i) in determining
whether or not the condition contained in this Section 9.3.1 shall be satisfied,
no effect shall be given to any exceptions in such representations and
warranties relating to materiality or Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the
condition contained in this Section 9.3.1 shall be deemed to be satisfied unless
the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct
constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp; and 1855 Bancorp shall have delivered to Sandwich a certificate of 1855
Bancorp to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer of 1855 Bancorp as of the Effective Time;

     9.3.2 AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS.  As of the Pre-Closing Date, 1855 Bancorp
shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied in
all material respects with all agreements or covenants of 1855 Bancorp to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Date under this
Agreement except to the extent that any failure to perform or comply shall not
individually, or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855
Bancorp and the 1855 Bancorp Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially
adversely affect consummation of the Merger and other transactions contemplated
hereby, and Sandwich shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of 1855
Bancorp by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 1855
Bancorp to such effect dated as of the Effective Time.

     9.3.3 PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC.  1855 Bancorp and its subsidiaries
shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
waivers, clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of the
Merger by 1855 Bancorp, the failure to obtain which

                                       46
<PAGE>


would have a Material Adverse Effect on 1855 Bancorp and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole.

     9.3.4 ACCOUNTANTS' LETTER.  Sandwich shall have received a "comfort" letter
from the independent certified public accountants for 1855 Bancorp, dated (i)
the effective date of the Merger Registration Statement and (ii) the Pre-Closing
Date, with respect to certain financial information regarding 1855 Bancorp, each
in form and substance which is customary in transactions of the nature
contemplated by this Agreement.

     9.3.5 LEGAL OPINION.  Sandwich shall have received an opinion from Foley,
Hoag & Eliot LLP, counsel to 1855 Bancorp, dated the Pre-Closing Date, in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit E.

     9.3.6 PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION.  1855 Bancorp shall have delivered
the Exchange Fund to the Exchange Agent on or before the Closing Date and the
Exchange Agent shall provide Sandwich with a certificate evidencing such
delivery.

     1855 Bancorp will furnish Sandwich with such certificates of its officers
or others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set
forth in this Section 9.3 as Sandwich may reasonably request.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                  THE CLOSING

     10.1 TIME AND PLACE.  Subject to the provisions of Articles IX and XI
hereof, the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby shall take place at
the offices of Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP, One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts at 10:00 a.m. on the tenth trading day following consummation of
the Conversion, or at such other place, date or time as 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich may mutually agree upon.  A pre-closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the "Pre-Closing") shall take place at the offices of
Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP, One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts at 10:00
a.m. on the date of consummation of the Conversion.

     10.2 DELIVERIES AT THE PRE-CLOSING AND THE CLOSING.  At the Pre-Closing
there shall be delivered to 1855 Bancorp and Sandwich the opinions,
certificates, and other documents and instruments required to be delivered at
the Pre-Closing under Article IX hereof. At the Closing there shall be delivered
to Sandwich the Merger Consideration required to be delivered at the Closing
under Section 9.3.6 hereof.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     11.1 TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Pre-Closing Date, whether before or after approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of Sandwich:

     11.1.1 At any time by the mutual written agreement of 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich;

     11.1.2 By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (provided, that the terminating
                                                --------
party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a material breach
of any of the representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement on the
part of the other party, which breach by its nature cannot be cured prior to the
Pre-Closing Date or shall not have been cured within 30 business days after
written notic eby 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich (or by Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp) of
such breach (for


                                       47
<PAGE>


purposes of this Section 11.1.2 a material breach shall be deemed to be a breach
which has, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect
on the party making such representations or warranties (provided, that no
                                                        --------
effect shall be given to any qualification relating to materiality or a
Material Adverse Effect in such representations and warranties) or a Material
Adverse Effect on the business, operations, financial condition, property or
assets of the combined enterprise or which materially adversely affects
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Conversion);

     11.1.3 By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (provided, that the terminating
                                                --------
party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a material failure
to perform or comply with any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement on the part of the other party, which failure by its nature cannot be
cured prior to the Pre-Closing Date or shall not have been cured within 30
business days after written notice by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich (or by Sandwich
to 1855 Bancorp) of such failure (for purposes of this Section 11.1.3 a material
failure to perform or comply shall be deemed to be a failure which has, either
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the party so
failing or on the business, operations, financial condition, property or assets
of the combined enterprise or which materially adversely affects consummation of
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Conversion);

     11.1.4 At the election of either 1855 Bancorp or Sandwich, if the Closing
shall not have occurred on or before February 20, 1999 (the "Termination Date"),
                                                             ----------------
or such later date as shall have been agreed to in writing by 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich; provided, that no party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 11.1.4 if the failure of the Closing to have occurred on or before said
date was due to such party's breach of any of its obligations under this
Agreement, and provided, further, that the Termination Date may be extended for
an additional one-month period by either party by written notice to the other
party (given not later than one week prior to the Termination Date) if the
Closing shall not have occurred because of failure to have obtained approval
from one or more regulatory authorities whose approval is required in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, in connection with the Conversion) under circumstances in which
neither party has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section
11.1.6 hereof;

     11.1.5 By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp if the stockholders of Sandwich
shall have voted at the Sandwich stockholders meeting on the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and such vote shall not have been sufficient to
approve such transactions;

     11.1.6 By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (i) if final action has been
taken by a regulatory authority whose approval is required in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the
Conversion), which final action (x) has become unappealable and (y) does not
approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or (ii) if any
court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority shall have
issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining
or otherwise prohibiting the Merger or the Bank Merger and such order, decree,
ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;

     11.1.7 By either Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp (i) if final action has been
taken by a regulatory authority whose approval is required in connection with
the Conversion, which final action (x) has become unappealable and (y) does not
approve the Conversion, or (ii) if any court of

                                       48

<PAGE>


competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority shall have issued an
order, decree, ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Conversion and such order, decree, ruling or other
action shall have become final and nonappealable;

     11.1.8 By Sandwich or 1855 Bancorp if a Payment Event occurs; or

     11.1.9 By the Board of Directors of either party (provided, that the
                                                       --------
terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) in the event that any
of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such party to consummate the
Merger cannot be satisfied or fulfilled by the date specified in Section 11.1.4
of this Agreement.

It is the intention of the parties that following completion of the Pre-Closing,
which completion will be acknowledged in writing by the parties at such time,
neither party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time
thereafter.  If, after the Pre-Closing Date, any party hereto shall attempt to
terminate this Agreement or shall fail to take any action necessary to effect
the consummation of the Merger (including, without limitation, 1855 Bancorp's
obligation to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 9.3.6), the other party
shall be entitled to injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, and the first
party hereby agrees not to contest any judicial proceeding seeking the granting
of such an injunction.

     11.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

     11.2.1 In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to any
provision of Section 11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have
no further force, except that (i) the provisions of Sections 1.1, 11.3, 11.4,
12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.9, 12.10, this Section 11.2, and any other Section which,
by its terms, relates to post-termination rights or obligations, shall survive
such termination of this Agreement and remain in full force and effect.

     11.2.2 If this Agreement is terminated, expenses and damages of the parties
hereto shall be determined as follows:

       (a)  Subject to Sections 11.3 and 11.4, termination of this Agreement
   pursuant to Section 11.1 (other than termination pursuant to Sections 11.1.2
   and 11.1.3 as a result of a willful breach or gross negligence by a party
   hereto) shall be without liability, cost or expense on the part of any
   party to the other.

       (b)  In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section
   11.1.2 or 11.1.3 hereof resulting from the willful conduct or gross
   negligence of a party, such party shall be obligated to reimburse the other
   party for up to $1,000,000 of out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including,
   without limitation, reasonable legal, accounting and investment banking fees
   and expenses, incurred by such other party in connection with the entering
   into of this Agreement and the carrying out of any and all acts contemplated
   hereunder (collectively referred to as "Costs").  The payment of Costs is
                                           -----
   not an exclusive remedy, but is in addition to any other rights or remedies
   available to the parties hereto at law or in equity or as is contemplated
   herein.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if (i) Sandwich
   makes the payment contemplated in Section 11.4 of this Agreement or (ii) if
   1855 Bancorp makes the payment contemplated in Section 11.3 of this
   Agreement, such party shall not have any further liability to the other
   party (or its Subsidiaries), whether for Costs, breach or otherwise.

                                       49
<PAGE>


     11.2.3 Except as provided in Sections 11.2.2, 11.3 and 11.4, whether or
not the Merger is consummated, all Costs incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne by the party
incurring such costs and expenses.

     11.2.4 In no event shall any officer, agent or director of Sandwich, any
Sandwich Subsidiary, 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary, be personally
liable thereunder for any default by any party in any of its obligations
hereunder unless any such default was intentionally caused by such officer,
agent or director.

     11.3 1855 BANCORP SPECIAL PAYMENT.  As a condition of Sandwich's
willingness to, and in order to induce Sandwich to, enter into this Agreement,
and to reimburse Sandwich for incurring the damages, costs and expenses related
to entering into this Agreement and consummating the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, 1855 Bancorp hereby agrees to pay to Sandwich, as liquidated
damages and in lieu of any other rights or remedies under this Agreement, a
payment in the amount of $6,000,000 (the "Special Payment") if and only if (i)
                                          ---------------
the Merger is not consummated and the Agreement is terminated in accordance
with its terms due to the failure of the condition set forth in Section 9.1.7 of
this Agreement, or (ii) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 11.1.7
or (iii) 1855 Bancorp otherwise does not consummate the Conversion by no later
than February 20, 1999 (subject to the one month extension contemplated in
Section 11.1.4 herein), or (iv) Sandwich has terminated this Agreement in
accordance with Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 because 1855 Bancorp has intentionally
or willfully breached any of its representations or warranties herein or
intentionally and willfully failed to perform or comply with any of its
covenants or agreements herein, to such extent as to permit such termination
(such reasons for termination being hereinafter referred to as the
"Special Payment Event"). It is understood and agreed that 1855 Bancorp does
 ---------------------
not intend to (and shall not be obligated to) consummate the Conversion unless
the conditions to its obligations to consummate the Merger have been satisfied
on or before the Pre-Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 1855 Bancorp
shall have no obligation to make any Special Payment to Sandwich if the Special
Payment Event is primarily due to a breach of a representation or warranty of
Sandwich (subject to the standard set forth in Section 9.2.1 of this Agreement)
or a breach by Sandwich of one or more covenants in this Agreement (subject to
the standard set forth in Section 9.2.2 of this Agreement), which breach of
representation, warranty or covenant directly or adversely affects 1855
Bancorp's ability to consummate the Merger or satisfy the condition set forth
in Section of this 9.1.7 Agreement.

     11.3.1 PAYMENTS REQUIRED.  Any payment required to be made under this
Section 11.3 shall be paid by 1855 Bancorp to Sandwich by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Sandwich within five
business days after demand by Sandwich.

     11.3.2 EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set
forth in this Agreement, if 1855 Bancorp pays or causes to be paid to Sandwich
the Special Payment, neither 1855 Bancorp nor Compass Bank will have any further
obligations or liabilities to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank with respect to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     11.4 SANDWICH CHANGE IN CONTROL EXPENSE FEE. As a condition of 1855
Bancorp's willingness to, and in order to induce 1855 Bancorp to, enter into
this Agreement, and to reimburse 1855 Bancorp for incurring the damages, costs
and expenses related to entering into this Agreement and consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Sandwich hereby agrees to pay to
1855 Bancorp, as liquidated damages, and in lieu of any other rights or remedies

                                       50
<PAGE>


under this Agreement, a payment in the amount of $6,000,000 (the "Expense Fee")
                                                                  -----------
if and only if a Payment Event (as hereinafter defined) shall have occurred
before the Expense Fee Termination Date (as hereinafter defined) determined in
accordance with Section 11.4.3.

     11.4.1 "PAYMENT EVENT" shall mean any of the following events:

       (a)  Without 1855 Bancorp's prior written consent, Sandwich shall have
   authorized, proposed, or entered into, or publicly announced an intention to
   authorize, propose, or enter into an agreement with any person (other than
   1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary) to effect (A) a merger,
   consolidation or similar transaction involving Sandwich or any Sandwich
   Subsidiary, (B) the disposition, by sale, lease, exchange or otherwise, of
   assets of Sandwich or any Sandwich Subsidiary representing in either case 15%
   or more of the consolidated assets of Sandwich and the Sandwich Subsidiaries,
   or (C) the issuance, sale or other disposition of (including by way of
   merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities
   representing 15% or more of the voting power of Sandwich or any Sandwich
   Subsidiary (any of the foregoing a "Change of Control Transaction"); or

       (b)  any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary)
   shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule
   13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of or the right to acquire
   beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined in Section
   13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall have been formed which beneficially owns
   or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 25% or more of the then
   outstanding shares of Sandwich Common Stock.

     11.4.2 A "TIME EXTENSION EVENT" means any of the following events:

       (a)  any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any 1855 Bancorp Subsidiary)
   shall have commenced (as such term is defined in Rule 14d-2 under the
   Exchange Act), or shall have filed a registration statement under the
   Securities Act with respect to, a tender offer or exchange offer to purchase
   any shares of Sandwich Common Stock such that, upon consummation of such
   offer, such person would own or control 10% or more of the then outstanding
   shares of Sandwich Common Stock (such an offer being referred to herein as
   a "Tender Offer" and an "Exchange Offer," respectively); or

       (b)  following the public announcement of an Acquisition Proposal (which
   the parties hereto acknowledge has already taken place), the holders of
   Sandwich Common Stock shall not have approved this Agreement at the meeting
   of such stockholders held for the purpose of voting on this Agreement (the
   term ""Acquisition Proposal" is defined to mean (x) a bona fide proposal by
          --------------------
   any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp) shall
   have been made to Sandwich or its stockholders to engage in a Change of
   Control Transaction, (y) any person (other than 1855 Bancorp or any
   subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp) shall have stated its intention to Sandwich or
   its stockholders to make a proposal to engage in a Change of Control
   Transaction if this Agreement terminates or (z) any person (other than 1855
   Bancorp or any subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp) shall have filed an application or
   notice with any Governmental Entity to engage in a Change of Control
   Transaction); or

       (c)  following the occurrence of an Acquisition Proposal (which the
   parties hereto acknowledge has already taken place):


                                       51
<PAGE>


            (i)   the meeting of Sandwich stockholders held for the purpose of
     voting on this Agreement shall not have been held or shall have been
     canceled prior to termination of this Agreement,

            (ii)  Sandwich's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or
     modified in a manner adverse to 1855 Bancorp the recommendation of
     Sandwich's Board of Directors with respect to this Agreement and the
     Merger;

            (iii)  Sandwich shall have willfully or intentionally breached
     any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation contained in this
     Agreement and such breach would entitle 1855 Bancorp to terminate this
     Agreement under Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 hereof (without regard to the
     cure period provided for therein unless such cure is promptly effected
     without jeopardizing consummation of the Merger pursuant to the terms of
     this Agreement); or

     (iv) The Merger shall not have been consummated by reason of failure
     of the pooling of interests condition, and such failure is the result
     of the actions of a party not affiliated with either 1855 Bancorp or
     Sandwich.

     11.4.3  DURATION OF 1855 BANCORP'S RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO EXPENSE FEE.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this
Section 11.4 shall remain in effect and shall be enforceable by 1855 Bancorp or
any successor in interest until the "Expense Fee Termination Date", which shall
                                     ----------------------------
be the earliest to occur of:

       (a)  The Effective Time of the Merger,

       (b)  The date that is 12 months after termination of this Agreement
   following the occurrence of a Time Extension Event;

       (c)  The date on which the Agreement is terminated in accordance with
   its terms, but only if such termination takes place prior to the occurrence
   of a Payment Event or a Time Extension Event.

     11.4.4 PAYMENTS REQUIRED.  Any payment required to be made under this
Section 11.4 shall be paid by Sandwich to 1855 Bancorp by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by 1855 Bancorp within
five business days after demand by 1855 Bancorp.  In the event of a termination
under circumstances that would trigger a payment under this Section 11.4, the
standstill provisions contained in the Confidentiality Agreement shall
terminate.

     11.4.5 EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set
forth in this Agreement, if Sandwich pays or causes to be paid to 1855 Bancorp
or to Compass Bank the Expense Fee, neither Sandwich nor Sandwich Bank will have
any further obligations or liabilities to 1855 Bancorp or Compass Bank with
respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     11.5 AMENDMENT, EXTENSION AND WAIVER.  Subject to applicable law, at any
time prior to the Effective Time (whether before or after approval thereof by
the stockholders of Sandwich), the parties hereto may (a) amend this Agreement,
(b) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts
of any other party hereto, (c) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, or (d)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein;
provided, however, that

                                       52
<PAGE>

after any approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by
the stockholders of Sandwich, there may not be, without further approval of such
stockholders, any amendment of this Agreement which reduces the amount or
changes the form of consideration to be delivered to Sandwich's stockholders
pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto. Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party, but such waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with such
obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of,
or estoppel with re spect to, any subsequent or other failure.

                                  ARTICLE XII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

    CONFIDENTIALITY.  Except as specifically set forth herein, 1855 Bancorp and
Sandwich mutually agree to be bound by the terms of the Confidentiality
Agreements, as amended, previously executed by the parties hereto, which
Agreements and any amendments thereto are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.  The parties hereto agree that such Confidentiality Agreements, as
amended, shall continue in accordance with their respective terms,
notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.

     12.1 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Sandwich and 1855 Bancorp shall cooperate
with each other in the development and distribution of all news releases and
other public information disclosures with respect to this Agreement, except as
may be otherwise required by law, and neither Sandwich nor 1855 Bancorp shall
issue any joint news releases with respect to this Agreement unless such news
releases have been mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, except as
required by law.

     12.3 SURVIVAL.  All representations, warranties and covenants in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall
expire on, and be terminated and extinguished at, the Effective Date other
than covenants that by their terms are to survive or be performed after the
Effective Date.

     12.4 NOTICES.  All notices or other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered by receipted hand delivery or
mailed by prepaid registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or by
cable, telegram, telex or fax addressed as follows:


  If to Sandwich or Sandwich Bank, to:

         100 Old King's Highway
         Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563
         Attention: President
         Fax: (508) 833-0005

  With required copes to each of :

         Harry K. Kantarian, Esq.
         Leonard S. Volin, Esq.
         Housley Kantarian & Bronstein, P.C.
         1220 19th Street, N.W.
         Suite 700
         Washington, D.C. 29936
         Fax: (202) 822-9611

                                       53

<PAGE>


  If to 1855 Bancorp or to Compass Bank, to:

         791 Purchase Street
         New Bedford, Massachusetts  02740-2101
         Attention: President
         Fax: (508) 984-6212

  With required copies to each of:

         Peter W. Coogan, Esq.
         Carol Hempfling Pratt, Esq.
         Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP
         One Post Office Square
         Boston, Massachusetts 02109
         Fax: (617) 832-7000

or such other address as shall be furnished in writing by any party, and any
such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date
so mailed.

     12.5 PARTIES IN INTEREST.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any party hereto without
the prior written consent of the other party, and that (except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Agreement or as is contemplated in Section 7.9 of
this Agreement) nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any other
Person any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

     12.6 COMPLETE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement, including the Exhibits and
Disclosure Schedules hereto and the documents and other writings referred to
herein or therein or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, together with the
Stock Option Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement, as amended, referred
to in Section 12.1, contains the entire agreement and understanding of the
parties with respect to its subject matter.  There are no restrictions,
agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties
other than those expressly set forth herein or therein.  This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (other than the
Confidentiality Agreements referred to in Section 12.1 hereof) between the
parties, both written and oral, with respect to its subject matter, including
without limitation the Original Agreement.

     12.7 COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
each of which shall be deemed an original.

     12.8 SEVERABILITY.  In the event that any one or more provisions of this
Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect, by any court of competent

                                       54
<PAGE>

jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall use their
reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and enforceable provision which,
insofar as practical, implements the purposes and intents of this Agreement.

     12.9 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
Massachusetts, without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.

     12.10 INTERPRETATION.  When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections or Exhibits, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit to this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The recitals hereto constitute an integral
part of this Agreement. References to Sections include subsections, which are
part of the related Section (e.g., a section numbered "Section 5.5.1" would be
part of "Section 5.5" and references to "Section 5.5" would also refer to
material contained in the subsection described as "Section 5.5.1"). The table of
contents, index and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement. Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are used
in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation". The phrases "the date of this Agreement", "the date hereof" and
terms of similar import, unless the context otherwise requires, shall be deemed
to refer to the date set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.

         THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

                                       55

<PAGE>

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1855 Bancorp, Compass Bank, Sandwich and Sandwich Bank
have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized
officers as of the date first set forth above.

                        THE 1855 BANCORP


[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Kevin G. Champagne
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              President and CEO

[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Francis S. Mascianica
                              -------------------------------------------------
                              Treasurer


                           COMPASS BANK FOR SAVINGS


[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Kevin G. Champagne
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              President and CEO

[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Francis S. Mascianica
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Treasurer


                           SANDWICH BANCORP, INC.


[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Frederic D. Legate
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              President and CEO

[SEAL]                     By: /s/ George L. Larson
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Treasurer

                        THE SANDWICH CO-OPERATIVE BANK


[SEAL]                     By: /s/ Frederic D. Legate
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              President and CEO

[SEAL]                     By: /s/ George L. Larson
                              --------------------------------------------------
                              Treasurer


                                       56
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A

        THE TRANSFER OF THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS
             CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO RESALE RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE
                      SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March __, 1998 (the "Agreement"),
                                                                   ---------
by and between Sandwich Bancorp, Inc. ("Issuer"), a Massachusetts corporation
                                        ------
and bank holding company and the parent of the Sandwich Co-operative Bank, a
Massachusetts co-operative bank ("Sandwich Bank"), and The 1855 Bancorp
                                  -------------
("Grantee"), a Massachusetts mutual holding company and the parent of Compass
---------
Bank For Savings, a Massachusetts savings bank ("Compass Bank").
                                                 ------------

                                  WITNESSETH:

          WHEREAS, Issuer, Grantee, Compass Bank and Sandwich Bank have entered
into an Amended and Restated Affiliation and Merger Agreement dated as of March
23, 1998 (the "Affiliation Agreement"), providing for, among other things, the
               ---------------------
merger of Issuer with Grantee or an Affiliate of Grantee (the "Merger"); and
                                                               ------

          WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's execution of the
Affiliation Agreement, Grantee has required that Issuer agree, and Issuer has
agreed, to grant to Grantee the Option (as hereinafter defined); and

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in
the Affiliation Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Issuer and
Grantee agree as follows:

          1  DEFINED TERMS.  Capitalized terms which are used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Affiliation
Agreement.

          2.  GRANT OF OPTION.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
herein, Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an irrevocable option (the "Option") to
                                                                    ------
purchase up to 387,107 shares (as adjusted as set forth herein, the "Option
                                                                     ------
Shares," which shall include the Option Shares before and after any transfer of
------
such Option Shares) of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Issuer Common
                                                                 -------------
Stock"), of Issuer at a purchase price per Option Share (the "Purchase Price")
-----                                                         --------------
of $57.00, provided, however, that in no event shall the number of Option Shares
for which the Option is exercisable exceed 19.9% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Issuer Common Stock without giving effect to any shares subject to or
issued pursuant to the Option. The number of shares of Issuer Common Stock that
may be received upon the exercise of the Option and the Purchase Price are
subject to adjustment as herein set forth.

               3.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.

          (a)  Grantee or Holder (as hereinafter defined) may exercise the
Option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time following the
occurrence of a Purchase Event (as hereinafter defined) and before an Exercise
Termination Event (as hereinafter defined).  Each of the following shall be an
"Exercise Termination Event":

   (i)  The Effective Time (as defined in the Affiliation Agreement) of the
   Merger,
   (ii)  The passage of 12 months after termination of the Affiliation Agreement
   following the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event;
<PAGE>

   (iii)  The date on which the Affiliation Agreement is terminated in
   accordance with its terms, but only if such termination takes place prior to
   the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event; and

   (iv)  The passage of 12 months after the Affiliation Agreement is terminated
   by Grantee pursuant to Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 of the Affiliation Agreement.

Any purchase of shares upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to
compliance with applicable laws, including without limitation the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"), and the Bank Merger Act, as
                                      -------
amended ("Bank Merger Act").  The term "Holder" shall mean the holder or holders
          ---------------               ------
of the Option from time to time (subject to the limitations contained in Section
12(h)). The Grantee is the initial Holder.  The rights set forth in Section 8
hereof shall terminate when the right to exercise the Option terminates (other
than as a result of a complete exercise of the Option) as set forth above.

   (b)  As used herein, a "Purchase Event" means any of the following events:
                           --------------

             (i)  Without Grantee's prior written consent, Issuer shall have
   authorized, recommended or publicly proposed, or publicly announced an
   intention to authorize, recommend or propose, or entered into an agreement
   with any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary of Grantee) to effect
   (A) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving Issuer or any of
   its subsidiaries, (B) the disposition, by sale, lease, exchange or otherwise,
   of assets of Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary representing in either case 15%
   or more of the consolidated assets of Issuer and the Issuer Subsidiaries, or
   (C) the issuance, sale or other disposition of (including by way of merger,
   consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities
   representing 15% or more of the voting power of Issuer or any of the Issuer
   Subsidiaries (any of the foregoing an "Acquisition Transaction"); or
                                          -----------------------

             (ii)  any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary of Grantee)
   shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule
   13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of or the right to acquire
   beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined in Section
                                    -----
   13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall have been formed which beneficially owns
   or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 25% or more of the then
   outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock.

               (c)  As used herein, a "Preliminary Purchase Event" means any of
                                       --------------------------
the following events:

             (i)  any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary of Grantee)
   shall have commenced (as such term is defined in Rule 14d-2 under the
   Exchange Act), or shall have filed a registration statement under the
   Securities Act with respect to, a tender offer or exchange offer to purchase
   any shares of Issuer Common Stock such that, upon consummation of such offer,
   such person would own or control 10% or more of the then outstanding shares
   of Issuer Common Stock (such an offer being referred to herein as a "Tender
                                                                        ------
   Offer" and an "Exchange Offer," respectively); or
   -----          --------------

             (ii) following the public announcement of an Acquisition Proposal
   (which the parties hereto acknowledge has already taken place), the holders
   of Issuer Common Stock shall not have approved the Affiliation Agreement at
   the meeting of such stockholders held for the purpose of voting on the
   Affiliation Agreement (the term ""Acquisition Proposal" is defined to mean
                                     --------------------
   (x) a bona fide proposal by any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary
   of Grantee) shall have been made to Issuer or its stockholders to engage in a
   Acquisition Transaction, (y) any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

   of Grantee) shall have stated its intention to Issuer or its stockholders to
   make a proposal to engage in a Acquisition Transaction if the Affiliation
   Agreement terminates or (z) any person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary
   of Grantee) shall have filed an application or notice with any Governmental
   Entity to engage in a Acquisition Transaction); or

             (iii)  following the occurrence of an Acquisition Proposal (which
   the parties hereto acknowledge has already taken place):

             (A) the meeting of Issuer stockholders held for the purpose of
   voting on the Affiliation Agreement shall not have been held or shall have
   been canceled prior to termination of the Affiliation Agreement,

             (B) Issuer's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified,
   or publicly announced its intention to withdraw or modify, in a manner
   adverse to Grantee the recommendation of Issuer's Board of Directors with
   respect to the Affiliation Agreement and the Merger;

             (C)  Issuer shall have breached any representation, warranty,
   covenant or obligation contained in the Affiliation Agreement and such breach
   would entitle Grantee to terminate the Affiliation Agreement under Section
   11.1.2 or 11.1.3 of the Affiliation Agreement (without regard to the cure
   period provided for therein unless such cure is promptly effected without
   jeopardizing consummation of the Merger pursuant to the terms of the
   Affiliation Agreement); or

             (D)  The Merger shall not have been consummated by reason of
      failure of the pooling of interests condition, and such failure is the
      result of the actions of a party not affiliated with either Grantee or
      Issuer; or

             (iv) any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary, other
   than in connection with a transaction to which Grantee has given its prior
   written consent, shall have (x) acquired beneficial ownership or the right to
   acquire beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of
   Issuer Common Stock or (y) filed an application or notice with the Federal
   Reserve Board, or other federal or state bank regulatory authority, which
   application or notice has been accepted for processing, for approval to
   acquire beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of
   Issuer Common Stock or otherwise to engage in an Acquisition Transaction.

          As used in this Agreement, "person" shall have the meaning specified
                                      ------
in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

          (d)  Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence
of any Preliminary Purchase Event or Purchase Event, it being understood that
the giving of such notice by Issuer shall not be a condition to the right of
Holder to exercise the Option.

          (e)  In the event Holder wishes to exercise the Option, it shall send
to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being herein referred to as the

"Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of Option Shares it intends to
------------
purchase pursuant to such exercise, and (ii) a place and date not earlier than
three business days nor later than 15 business days from the Notice Date for the
closing (the "Closing") of such purchase (the "Closing Date").  If prior
              -------                          ------------
notification to or approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the "Federal Reserve Board"), the
             ---------------------

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Massachusetts Division of Banks, or
any other Governmental Entity is required in connection with such purchase,
Issuer shall cooperate with Grantee in the filing of the required notice of
application for approval and the obtaining of such approval and the Closing
shall occur immediately following such regulatory approvals (and any mandatory
waiting periods). Any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to occur on the
Notice Date relating thereto.

          4.  PAYMENT AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES.

          (a)  On each Closing Date, Holder shall (i) pay to Issuer, in
immediately available funds by wire transfer to a bank account designated by
Issuer, an amount equal to the Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Option
Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date, and (ii) present and surrender this
Agreement to Issuer at the address of Issuer specified in Section 12(f) hereof.

          (b)  At each Closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds and surrender of this Agreement as provided in Section 4(a), (i)
Issuer shall deliver to Holder (A) a certificate or certificates representing
the Option Shares to be purchased at such Closing, which Option Shares shall be
free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind
whatsoever and subject to no preemptive rights, and (B) if the Option is
exercised in part only, an executed new agreement with the same terms as this
Agreement evidencing the right to purchase the balance of the shares of Issuer
Common Stock purchasable hereunder, and (ii) Holder shall deliver to Issuer a
letter agreeing that Holder shall not offer to sell or otherwise dispose of such
Option Shares in violation of applicable federal and state law or of the
provisions of this Agreement.

          (c)  In addition to any other legend that is required by applicable
law, certificates for the Option Shares delivered at each Closing shall be
endorsed with a restrictive legend which shall read substantially as follows:

               THE TRANSFER OF THE STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS
      SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
      AMENDED, AND PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF
      MARCH 23, 1998.  A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE HOLDER
      HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE UPON RECEIPT BY ISSUER OF A WRITTEN REQUEST
      THEREFOR.

It is understood and agreed that: (i) the reference to the resale restrictions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), in the above legend
shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference
if Holder shall have delivered to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff of
the SEC, or an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the
1933 Act; (ii) the reference to the provisions to this Agreement in the above
legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such
reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance with the
provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not require the
retention of such reference; and (iii) the legend shall be removed in its
entirety if the conditions in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both
satisfied. In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend as may be
required by law.

          (d)  Upon the giving by Holder to Issuer of the written notice of
exercise of the Option provided for under Section 3(e), the tender of the
applicable purchase price in immediately available funds and the tender of this
Agreement to Issuer, Holder shall be deemed to be the holder

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

of record of the shares of Issuer Common Stock issuable upon such exercise,
notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of Issuer shall then be closed or
that certificates representing such shares of Issuer Common Stock shall not then
be actually delivered to Holder.

          (e)  Issuer agrees (i) that it shall at all times maintain, free from
preemptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued or treasury shares of
Issuer Common Stock so that the Option may be exercised without additional
authorization of Issuer Common Stock so that the Option may be exercised without
requiring Issuer's stockholders to approve an increase in the number of
authorized shares of Issuer Common Stock after giving effect to all other
options, warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase Issuer
Common Stock, (ii) that it will not, by charter amendment or through
reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any
other voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed
hereunder by Issuer, (iii) promptly to take all action as may from time to time
be required (including (A) complying with all premerger notification, reporting
and waiting period requirements and (B) in the event prior approval of or notice
to any Governmental Entity is necessary before the Option may be exercised,
cooperating fully with Holder in preparing such applications or notices and
providing such information to such Governmental Entity as it may require) in
order to permit Holder to exercise the Option and Issuer duly and effectively to
issue shares of Issuer Common Stock pursuant hereto, and (iv) promptly to take
all action provided herein to protect the rights of Holder against dilution.

          5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ISSUER.  Issuer hereby
represents and warrants to Grantee (and Holder, if different than Grantee) as
follows:

          (a) CORPORATE POWER AND AUTHORITY.  Issuer has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and subject to any approvals
referred to herein, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Issuer, and this Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Issuer.

          (b)  NO VIOLATIONS.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance by Issuer
with any of the provisions hereof will not (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of its Articles of Organization or Bylaws or a default
(or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under
any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, debenture,
mortgage, indenture, license, material agreement or other material instrument or
obligation to which Issuer is a party, or by which it or any of its properties
or assets may be bound, or (ii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to Issuer or any of its properties or
assets.

          (c)  AUTHORIZED STOCK.  Issuer has taken all necessary corporate and
other action to authorize and reserve and to permit it to issue, and at all
times from the date hereof until the obligation to deliver Issuer Common Stock
upon the exercise of the Option terminates, will have reserved for issuance upon
exercise of the Option that number of shares of Issuer Common Stock equal to the
maximum number of shares of Issuer Common Stock at any time and from time to
time purchasable upon exercise of the Option, and all such shares, upon issuance
pursuant to the Option, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and will be delivered free and clear of all liens, claims,
charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever and not subject to any
preemptive rights.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

          6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GRANTEE.  Grantee hereby
represents and warrants to Issuer as follows:

          (a) CORPORATE POWER AND AUTHORITY.  Grantee has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to any
approvals or consents referred to herein, to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of Grantee, and this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Grantee.

          (b) The Option is not being, and any shares of Issuer Common Stock or
other securities acquired by Grantee upon exercise of the Option will not be,
acquired with a view to the public distribution thereof and will not be
transferred or otherwise disposed of except in a transaction registered or
exempt from registration under the 1933 Act.

          7.  ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN ISSUER CAPITALIZATION, ETC.

          (a)  In the event of any change in Issuer Common Stock by reason of a
stock dividend, stock split, split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange
of shares or similar transaction, the type and number of shares or securities
subject to the Option, and the Purchase Price therefor, shall be adjusted
appropriately, and proper provision shall be made in the agreements governing
such transactions so that Holder shall receive, upon exercise of the Option, the
number and class of shares or other securities or property that Holder would
have received in respect of Issuer Common Stock if the Option had been exercised
immediately prior to such event, or the record date therefor, as applicable.  If
any additional shares of Issuer Common Stock are issued after the date of this
Agreement (other than pursuant to an event described in the first sentence of
this Section 7(a)), the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock subject to the
Option shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance, it, together with any
shares of Issuer Common Stock previously issued pursuant hereto, equals 19.9% of
the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock then issued and outstanding, without
giving effect to any shares subject to or issued pursuant to the Option.

          (b)  In the event that Issuer shall enter into an agreement:  (i) to
consolidate with or merge into any person, other than Grantee or one of its
subsidiaries, and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of such
consolidation or merger, (ii) to permit any person, other than Grantee or one of
its subsidiaries, to merge into Issuer and Issuer shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then outstanding
shares of Issuer Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or
other securities of Issuer or any other person or cash or any other property or
the outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock immediately prior to such merger
shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the outstanding shares and
share equivalents of the merged company, or (iii) to sell or otherwise transfer
all or substantially all of its assets to any person, other than Grantee or one
of its subsidiaries, then, and in each such case, the agreement governing such
transaction shall make proper provisions so that the Option shall, upon the
consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms and conditions set forth
herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option (the "Substitute
                                                             ----------
Option"), at the election of Holder, of any of (x) the Acquiring Corporation (as
hereinafter defined), (y) any person that controls the Acquiring Corporation or
(z) in the case of a merger described in clause (ii), Issuer (such person being
referred to as "Substitute Option Issuer").
                ------------------------

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

          (c)  The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided that, if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal reasons,
be the same as the Option, such terms shall be as similar as possible and in no
event less advantageous to Holder.  Substitute Option Issuer also shall enter
into an agreement with Holder in substantially the same form as this Agreement,
which shall be applicable to the Substitute Option.

          (d)  The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of
shares of Substitute Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) as is equal to the
Assigned Value (as hereinafter defined) multiplied by the number of shares of
Issuer Common Stock for which the Option was theretofore exercisable, divided by
the Average Price (as hereinafter defined).  The exercise price of Substitute
Option per share of Substitute Common Stock (the "Substitute Option Price")
                                                  -----------------------
shall then be equal to the Purchase Price multiplied by a fraction in which the
numerator is the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock for which the Option
was theretofore exercisable and the denominator is the number of shares of the
Substitute Common Stock for which the Substitute Option is exercisable.

             (e)  The following terms have the meanings indicated:

             (1)  "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (i) the continuing or
                   ---------------------
   surviving corporation of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if other than
   Issuer), (ii) Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the continuing or
   surviving person, or (iii) the transferee of all or substantially all of
   Issuer's assets (or a substantial part of the assets of its subsidiaries
   taken as a whole).

             (2)  "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the shares of capital
                   -----------------------
   stock (or similar equity interest) with the greatest voting power in respect
   of the election of directors (or persons similarly responsible for the
   direction of the business and affairs) of the Substitute Option Issuer.

             (3)  "Assigned Value" shall mean the highest of (w) the price per
                   --------------
   share of Issuer Common Stock at which a Tender Offer or an Exchange Offer
   therefor has been made (other than by Holder), (x) the price per share of
   Issuer Common Stock to be paid by any third party pursuant to an agreement
   with Issuer, (y) the highest closing price for shares of Issuer Common Stock
   within the six-month period immediately preceding the consolidation, merger
   or sale in question and (z) in the event of a sale of all or substantially
   all of Issuer's assets or deposits, an amount equal to (i) the sum of the
   price paid in such sale for such assets (and/or deposits) and the current
   market value of the remaining assets of Issuer, as determined by a
   nationally-recognized investment banking firm selected by the Holder and
   reasonably acceptable to the Issuer, divided by (ii) the number of shares of
   Issuer Common Stock outstanding at such time.  In the event that a Tender
   Offer or an Exchange Offer is made for Issuer Common Stock or an agreement is
   entered into for a merger or consolidation involving consideration other than
   cash, the value of the securities or other property issuable or deliverable
   in exchange for Issuer Common Stock shall be determined by a nationally-
   recognized investment banking firm selected by Holder and reasonably
   acceptable to the Issuer.

             (4)  "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
                   -------------
   share of Substitute Common Stock for the one year immediately preceding the
   consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in no event higher than the
   closing price of the shares of Substitute Common Stock on the day preceding
   such consolidation, merger or sale; provided that if Issuer is the issuer of
   the Substitute Option, the Average Price shall be computed with respect to a
   share of common stock issued by Issuer, the person merging into Issuer or by
   any company which controls such person, as Holder may elect.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

          (f)  In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall
the Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the
shares of Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of the
Substitute Option.  In the event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable
for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the shares of Substitute Common Stock
but for the limitation in the first sentence of this Section 7(f), Substitute
Option Issuer shall make a cash payment to Holder equal to the excess of (i) the
value of the Substitute Option without giving effect to the limitation in the
first sentence of this Section 7(f) over (ii) the value of the Substitute Option
after giving effect to the limitation in the first sentence of this Section
7(f).  This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally-recognized
investment banking firm selected by Holder and reasonably acceptable to the
Issuer.

          (g)  Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in Section
7(b) unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person that controls the Acquiring
Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of Issuer hereunder and take
all other actions that may be necessary so that the provisions of this Section 7
are given full force and effect (including, without limitation, any action that
may be necessary so that the holders of the other shares of common stock issued
by Substitute Option Issuer are not entitled to exercise any rights by reason of
the issuance or exercise of the Substitute Option and the shares of Substitute
Common Stock are otherwise in no way distinguishable from or have lesser
economic value (other than any diminution in value resulting from the fact that
the shares of Substitute Common Stock are restricted securities, as defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provision) than other shares
of common stock issued by Substitute Option Issuer).

          8.  REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER.

          (a)  At the request of Holder at any time commencing upon the first
occurrence of a Repurchase Event (as defined in Section 8(d)) and ending 12
months immediately thereafter, Issuer shall repurchase from Holder (i) the
Option and (ii) all shares of Issuer Common Stock purchased by Holder pursuant
hereto with respect to which Holder then has beneficial ownership.  The date on
which Holder exercises its rights under this Section 8 is referred to as the

"Request Date."  Such repurchase shall be at an aggregate price (the "Section 8
-------------                                                         ---------
Repurchase Consideration") equal to the sum of:
------------------------

             (i)  the aggregate Purchase Price paid by Holder for any shares of
   Issuer Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Option with respect to which
   Holder then has beneficial ownership;

             (ii)  the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price (as defined
   below) for each share of Issuer Common Stock over (y) the Purchase Price
   (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7), multiplied by the number of
   shares of Issuer Common Stock with respect to which the Option has not been
   exercised; and

             (iii)  the excess, if any, of the Applicable Price over the
   Purchase Price (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7) paid (or, in the
   case of Option Shares with respect to which the Option has been exercised but
   the Closing Date has not occurred, payable) by Holder for each share of
   Issuer Common Stock with respect to which the Option has been exercised and
   with respect to which Holder then has beneficial ownership, multiplied by the
   number of such shares.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

          (b)  If Holder exercises its rights under this Section 8, Issuer
shall, within 10 business days after the Request Date, pay the Section 8
Repurchase Consideration to Holder in immediately available funds, and
contemporaneously with such payment Holder shall surrender to Issuer the Option
and the certificates evidencing the shares of Issuer Common Stock purchased
thereunder with respect to which Holder then has beneficial ownership, and shall
warrant that it has sole record and beneficial ownership of such shares and that
the same are then free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances
of any kind whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that prior
notification to or approval of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Massachusetts Division of Banks or any other
Governmental Entity is required in connection with the payment of all or any
portion of the Section 8 Repurchase Consideration, Holder shall have the ongoing
option to revoke its request for repurchase pursuant to Section 8, in whole or
in part, or to require that Issuer deliver from time to time that portion of the
Section 8 Repurchase Consideration that it is not then so prohibited from paying
and promptly file the required notice or application for approval and
expeditiously process the same (and each party shall cooperate with the
other in the filing of any such notice or application and the obtaining of any
such approval).  If the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Massachusetts Division of Banks or any other Governmental
Entity disapproves of any part of Issuer's proposed repurchase pursuant to this
Section 8, Issuer shall promptly give notice of such fact to Holder.  If the
Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Massachusetts Division of Banks or any other Governmental Entity prohibits the
repurchase in part but not in whole, then Holder shall have the right (i) to
revoke the repurchase request or (ii) to the extent permitted by the Federal
Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Massachusetts
Division of Banks or other Governmental Entity, determine whether the repurchase
should apply to the Option and/or Option Shares and to what extent to each, and
Holder shall thereupon have the right to exercise the Option as to the number of
Option Shares for which the Option was exercisable at the Request Date less the
sum of the number of shares covered by the Option in respect of which payment
has been made pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) and the number of shares covered by
the portion of the Option (if any) that has been repurchased.  Holder shall
notify Issuer of its determination under the preceding sentence within five
business days of receipt of notice of disapproval of the repurchase. The parties
hereto agree that Issuer's obligations to repurchase the Option or Option Shares
under this Section 8 shall terminate upon the occurrence of an Exercise
Termination Event unless a Purchase Event shall have occurred prior to the
occurrence of an Exercise Termination Event.

          (c)  For purposes of this Agreement, the "Applicable Price" means the
                                                    ----------------
highest of (i) the highest price per share of Issuer Common Stock paid for any
such share by the person or groups described in Section 8(d)(i), (ii) the price
per share of Issuer Common Stock received by holders of Issuer Common Stock in
connection with any merger or other business combination transaction described
in Section 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii) or 7(b)(iii), or (iii) the highest closing sales
price per share of Issuer Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market's
National Market ("NASDAQ/NMS") (or if Issuer Common Stock is not quoted on
                  ----------
NASDAQ/NMS, the highest bid price per share as quoted on the principal trading
market or securities exchange on which such shares are traded, as reported by a
recognized source chosen by Holder) during the 60 business days preceding the
Request Date; provided, however, that in the event of a sale of less than all of
Issuer's assets, the Applicable Price shall be the sum of the price paid in such
sale for such assets and the current market value of the remaining assets of
Issuer as determined by a nationally-recognized investment banking firm selected
by Holder and reasonably acceptable to the Issuer, divided by the number of
shares of Issuer Common Stock outstanding at the time of such sale.  If the

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

consideration to be offered, paid or received pursuant to either of the
foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) shall be other than in cash, the value of such
consideration shall be determined in good faith by an independent nationally-
recognized investment banking firm selected by Holder and reasonably acceptable
to Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes of this
Option.

          (d)  As used herein, a "Repurchase Event" shall occur if (i) any
                                  ----------------
person (other than Grantee or any subsidiary of Grantee) shall have acquired
beneficial ownership of (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under
the Exchange Act), or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, or any

"group" (as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall
------
have been formed which beneficially owns or has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of, 50% or more of the then outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock,
or (ii) any of the transactions described in Section 7(b)(i), Section 7(b)(ii)
or Section 7(b)(iii) shall be consummated.

          9.  REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

          (a)  DEMAND REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  Issuer shall, subject to the
conditions of Section 9(c), at the request of Grantee (whether on its own behalf
or on behalf of any subsequent Holder of this Option (or part thereof) or any
of the shares of Issuer Common Stock issued pursuant hereto), as expeditiously
as possible prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act
if such registration is necessary in order to permit the sale or other
disposition of any or all shares of Issuer Common Stock or other securities that
have been acquired by or are issuable to Holder upon exercise of the Option in
accordance with the intended method of sale or other disposition stated by
Holder in such request, including without limitation a "shelf" registration
                                                        -----
statement under Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor provision,
and Issuer shall use its best efforts to qualify such shares or other
securities for sale under any applicable state securities laws.

          (b)  ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  If Issuer at any time after the
exercise of the Option proposes to register any shares of Issuer Common Stock
under the Securities Act in connection with an underwritten public offering of
such Issuer Common Stock, Issuer will promptly give written notice to Holder of
its intention to do so and, upon the written request of Holder given within 30
days after receipt of any such notice (which request shall specify the number of
shares of Issuer Common Stock intended to be included in such underwritten
public offering by Holder), Issuer will cause all such shares for which a Holder
shall have requested participation in such registration to be so registered and
included in such underwritten public offering;  provided, however, that Issuer
may elect to not cause any such shares to be so registered (i) if the
underwriters in good faith object for valid business reasons, or (ii) in the
case of a registration solely to implement an employee benefit plan or a
registration filed on Form S-4 under the Securities Act or any successor form;
provided, further, however, that such election pursuant to clause (i) may only
be made one time.  If some but not all the shares of Issuer Common Stock with
respect to which Issuer shall have received requests for registration pursuant
to this Section 9(b) shall be excluded from such registration, Issuer shall make
appropriate allocation of shares to be registered among Holders permitted to
register their shares of Issuer Common Stock in connection with such
registration pro rata in the proportion that the number of shares requested to
be registered by each such Holder bears to the total number of shares requested
to be registered by all such Holders then desiring to have Issuer Common Stock
registered for sale.

          (c)  CONDITIONS TO REQUIRED REGISTRATION.  Issuer shall use all
reasonable efforts to cause each registration statement referred to in Section
9(a) to become effective and to obtain all consents or waivers of other parties
which are required therefor and to keep such registration statement

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

effective; provided, however, that Issuer may delay any registration of Option
Shares required pursuant to Section 9(a) for a period not exceeding 90 days if
Issuer shall in good faith determine that any such registration would adversely
affect an offering or contemplated offering of other securities by Issuer, and
Issuer shall not be required to register Option Shares under the Securities Act
pursuant to Section 9(a):

          (i)  prior to the earliest of (A) termination of the Affiliation
   Agreement pursuant to Article XI thereof, and (B) a Purchase Event or a
   Preliminary Purchase Event;
          (ii)  on more than one occasion during any calendar year and on
   more than two occasions in total;

          (iii)  within 90 days after the effective date of a registration
   referred to in Section 9(b) pursuant to which the Holder or Holders concerned
   were afforded the opportunity to register such shares under the Securities
   Act and such shares were registered as requested; and

          (iv)  unless a request therefor is made to Issuer by the Holder or
   Holders of at least 25% or more of the aggregate number of Option Shares
   (including shares of Issuer Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
   Option) then outstanding.

          In addition to the foregoing, Issuer shall not be required to maintain
the effectiveness of any registration statement after the expiration of nine
months from the effective date of such registration statement.  Issuer shall use
all reasonable efforts to make any filings, and take all steps, under all
applicable state securities laws to the extent necessary to permit the sale or
other disposition of the Option Shares so registered in accordance with the
intended method of distribution for such shares, provided, however, that Issuer
shall not be required to consent to general jurisdiction or to qualify to do
business in any state where it is not otherwise required to so consent to such
jurisdiction or to so qualify to do business. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, in no event shall Issuer be obligated to effect more
than two registrations pursuant to this Section 9 by reason of the fact that
there shall be more than one Holder as a result of any assignment or division of
this Agreement.

          (d)  EXPENSES.  Issuer will pay all expenses (including without
limitation registration fees, qualification fees, blue sky fees and expenses,
accounting expenses, legal expenses and printing expenses incurred by it) in
connection with the first registration pursuant to Section 9(a) or (b) and all
other qualifications, notifications or exemptions pursuant to Section 9(a) or
(b).  Underwriting discounts and commissions relating to Option Shares, fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Holder(s) of Option Shares being registered and
any other expenses incurred by such Holder(s) in connection with any such
registration shall be borne by such Holder(s).

          (e)  INDEMNIFICATION.  In connection with any registration under
Section 9(a) or (b), Issuer hereby indemnifies each Holder, and each underwriter
thereof, including each person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against all expenses,
losses, claims, damages and liabilities caused by any untrue, or alleged untrue,
statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement or
prospectus or notification or offering circular (including any amendments or
supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or caused by any omission,
or alleged omission, to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except
insofar as such expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities of such
indemnified party are caused by any

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

untrue statement or alleged untrue statement that was included by Issuer in any
such registration statement or prospectus or notification or offering circular
(including any amendments or supplements thereto) in reliance upon, and in
conformity with, information furnished in writing to Issuer by such indemnified
party expressly for use therein, and Issuer and each officer, director and
controlling person of Issuer shall be indemnified by such Holder, or by such
underwriter, as the case may be, for all such expenses, losses, claims, damages
and liabilities caused by any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement that was
included by Issuer in any such registration statement or prospectus or
notification or offering circular (including any amendments or supplements
thereto) in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished in
writing to Issuer by such Holder or such underwriter, as the case may be,
expressly for such use.

          Promptly upon receipt by a party indemnified under this Section 9(e)
of notice of the commencement of any action against such indemnified party in
respect of which indemnity or reimbursement may be sought against any
indemnifying party under this Section 9(e), such indemnified party shall notify
the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement of such action, but,
except to the extent of any actual prejudice to the indemnifying party, the
failure so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it of any
liability which it may otherwise have to any indemnified party under this
Section 9(e).  In case notice of commencement of any such action shall be given
to the indemnifying party as above provided, the indemnifying party shall be
entitled to participate in and, to the extent it may wish, jointly with any
other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of such
action at its own expense, with counsel chosen by it and reasonably
satisfactory to such indemnified party.  The indemnified party shall have the
right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the
defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel (other than
reasonable costs of investigation) shall be paid by the indemnified party unless
(i) the indemnifying party agrees to pay the same, (ii) the indemnifying party
fails to assume the defense of such action with counsel reasonably satisfactory
to the indemnified party, or (iii) the indemnified party has been advised by
counsel that one or more legal defenses may be available to the indemnifying
party that may be contrary to the interest of the indemnified party, in which
case the indemnifying party shall be entitled to assume the defense of such
action notwithstanding its obligation to bear fees and expenses of such counsel.
No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement entered into without
its consent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

          If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9(e) is
unavailable to a party otherwise entitled to be indemnified in respect of any
expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to herein, then the
indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such party otherwise entitled to be
indemnified, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such party to be
indemnified as a result of such expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received
by Issuer, the selling Holders and the underwriters from the offering of the
securities and also the relative fault of Issuer, the selling Holders and the
underwriters in connection with the statement or omissions which results in such
expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.  The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of
the expenses, losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to above shall be
deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by
such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim;
provided, however, that in no case shall the selling Holders be responsible, in
the aggregate, for any amount in excess of the net offering proceeds
attributable to its Option Shares included in the offering.  No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(g) of the

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  Any obligation by any Holder to
indemnify shall be several and not joint with other Holders.

          In connection with any registration pursuant to Section 9(a) or (b)
above, Issuer and each selling Holder (other than Grantee) shall enter into an
agreement containing the indemnification provisions of this Section 9(e).

          (f)  MISCELLANEOUS REPORTING.  Issuer shall comply with all reporting
requirements and will do all such other things as may be necessary to permit the
expeditious sale at any time of any Option Shares by the Holder(s) in accordance
with and to the extent permitted by any rule or regulation permitting
nonregistered sales of securities promulgated by the Commission from time to
time, including, without limitation, Rule 144A.  Issuer shall at its expense
provide the Holder with any information necessary in connection with the
completion and filing of any reports or forms required to be filed by them under
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, or required pursuant to any state
securities laws or the rules of any stock exchange.

          (g)  ISSUE TAXES.  Issuer will pay all stamp taxes in connection with
the issuance and the sale of the Option Shares and in connection with the
exercise of the Option, and will save any Holder harmless, without limitation as
to time, against any and all liabilities, with respect to all such taxes.

          10.  QUOTATION; LISTING.  If Issuer Common Stock or any other
securities to be acquired upon exercise of the Option are then authorized for
quotation or trading or listing on NASDAQ/NMS or any securities exchange,
Issuer, upon the request of Holder, will promptly file an application, if
required, to authorize for quotation or trading or listing the shares of Issuer
Common Stock or other securities to be acquired upon exercise of the Option on
NASDAQ/NMS or such other securities exchange and will use its best efforts to
obtain approval, if required, of such quotation or listing as soon as
practicable.

          11.  DIVISION OF OPTION.  Upon the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a
Preliminary Purchase Event, this Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) are
exchangeable, without expense, at the option of Holder, upon presentation and
surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of the Issuer for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the holder
thereof to purchase in the aggregate the same number of shares of Issuer Common
Stock purchasable hereunder.  The terms "Agreement" and "Option" as used herein
                                         ---------       ------
include any other Agreements and related Options for which this Agreement (and
the Option granted hereby) may be exchanged.  Upon receipt by Issuer of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably
satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this
Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will execute and deliver a new Agreement of like
tenor and date.  Any such new Agreement executed and delivered shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation on the part of Issuer, whether or not the
Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time be
enforceable by anyone.

          12.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  EXPENSES.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 9, each of the
parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on
its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

          (b)  WAIVER AND AMENDMENT.  Any provision of this Agreement may be
waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
provision.  This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented
except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the
parties hereto.

          (c)  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES; SEVERABILITY.
This Agreement, together with the Affiliation Agreement and the other documents
and instruments referred to herein and therein, between Grantee and Issuer (i)
constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and (ii) is not intended to confer upon any person other
than the parties hereto (other than the indemnified parties under Section 9(e)
and any transferee of the Option Shares or any permitted transferee of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 12(h)) any rights or remedies hereunder.  If any
term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of
competent jurisdiction or a federal or state regulatory agency to be invalid,
void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.  If for any reason such court or
regulatory agency determines that the Option does not permit Holder to acquire,
or does not require Issuer to repurchase, the full number of shares of Issuer
Common Stock as provided in Sections 3 and 8 (as adjusted pursuant to Section
7), it is the express intention of Issuer to allow Holder to acquire or to
require Issuer to repurchase such lesser number of shares as may be permissible
without any amendment or modification hereof.

          (d)  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to
any applicable conflicts of law rules.

          (e)  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings contained herein
are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          (f)  NOTICES.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
confirmation) or sent by overnight mail service or mailed by registered or
certified mail (return receipt requested) postage prepaid, to the parties at the
following address (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by
like notice):

     If to Grantee:
          100 Old King's Highway
          Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563
          Attention: President
          Fax: (508) 833-0005

     With required copes to each of :

          Harry K. Kantarian, Esq.
          Leonard S. Volin, Esq.
          Housley Kantarian & Bronstein, P.C.
          1220 19/th/ Street, N.W.
          Suite 700
          Washington, D.C. 29936
          Fax: (202) 822-9611

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

     If to Grantee, to:

          791 Purchase Street
          New Bedford, Massachusetts  02740-2101
          Attention: President
          Fax: (508) 984-6212

     With required copies to each of:

          Peter W. Coogan, Esq.
          Carol Hempfling Pratt, Esq.
          Foley, Hoag & Eliot LLP
          One Post Office Square
          Boston, Massachusetts 02109
          Fax: (617) 832-7000

or such other address as shall be furnished in writing by any party, and any
such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date
so mailed.

     (g)  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be
executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when both counterparts have been signed, it
being understood that both parties need not sign the same counterpart.

     (h)  ASSIGNMENT. Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its rights
or obligations under this Agreement or the Option created hereunder to any other
person, without the express written consent of the other party, except that in
the event a Purchase Event shall have occurred prior to an Exercise Termination
Event, Grantee, subject to the express provisions hereof, may assign in whole or
in part its rights and obligations hereunder;  provided, however, that until the
date 15 days following the date on which the Federal Reserve Board approves an
application by Grantee under the BHCA to acquire the shares of Issuer Common
Stock subject to the Option, Grantee may not assign its rights under the Option
except in (i) a widely dispersed public distribution, (ii) a private placement
in which no one party acquires the right to purchase in excess of 2% of the
voting shares of Issuer, (iii) an assignment to a single party (e.g., a broker
or investment banker) for the purpose of conducting a widely dispersed public
distribution on Grantee's behalf, or (iv) any other manner approved by the
Federal Reserve Board.

     (i)  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  In the event of any exercise of the Option by
Holder, Issuer and Holder shall execute and deliver all other documents and
instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably necessary in order
to consummate the transactions provided for by such exercise.

     (j)  SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  The parties hereto agree that this Agreement
may be enforced by either party through specific performance, injunctive relief
and other equitable relief.  Both parties further agree to waive any requirement
for the securing or posting of any bond in

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

connection with the obtaining of any such equitable relief and that this
provision is without prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto may
have for any failure to perform this Agreement.

     (k) EXTENSION OF EXERCISE TIME PERIODS FOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. The time
periods set forth in this Agreement for the exercise by Grantee or the Holder to
exercise its rights with respect to the Option or a Substitute Option or with
respect to repurchase of the Option shall be extended: (i) to the extent
necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the exercise of such rights and
for the expiration of all statutory waiting periods; and (ii) to the extent
necessary to avoid liability under Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act by reason of
such exercise.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Issuer and Grantee have caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the day and year first written above.

Attest:                                 SANDWICH BANCORP, INC.


                                        By:
--------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                            Name:  Frederic D. Legate
                                            Title: President and Chief
                                                   Executive Officer

                                       THE 1855 BANCORP
Attest:



                                        By:
--------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                            Name:  Kevin G. Champagne
                                            Title: President and Chief
                                                   Executive Officer

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B

                            FORM OF VOTING AGREEMENT



                                        March     , 1998


The 1855 Bancorp
791 Purchase Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02741-2101

Ladies and Gentlemen

     The undersigned is a director of Sandwich Bancorp ("Sandwich") and is the
beneficial holder of shares of common stock of Sandwich ("Sandwich Common
Stock").

     Sandwich and The 1855 Bancorp ("1855 Bancorp") are considering the
execution of an Amended and Restated Affiliation and Merger Agreement
("Agreement") contemplating the merger of a newly formed special-purpose
subsidiary of 1855 Bancorp with and into Sandwich, with Sandwich as the
surviving corporation of the merger (the "Merger"), such execution being subject
in the case of 1855 Bancorp to the execution and delivery of this letter
agreement ("letter agreement").  In consideration of the substantial expenses
that 1855 Bancorp will incur in connection with the transactions contemplated by
the Agreement and in order to induce 1855 Bancorp to execute the Agreement and
to proceed to incur such expenses, the undersigned agrees and undertakes, in his
capacity as a shareholder of Sandwich and not in his capacity as a director of
Sandwich, as follows:

     1. The undersigned, while this letter agreement is in effect, shall vote or
cause to be voted all of the Shares of Sandwich Common Stock that the
undersigned shall be entitled to so vote, whether such Shares are beneficially
owned by the undersigned on the date of this letter agreement or are
subsequently acquired, whether pursuant to the exercise of stock options or
otherwise, at the Special Meeting of Sandwich's stockholders to be called and
held following the date hereof, for the approval of the Agreement and the
Merger.

     2.  The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that any remedy at law for
breach of the foregoing provisions shall be inadequate and that, in addition to
any other relief which may be available, 1855 Bancorp shall be entitled to
temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving
actual damages.

     3.  The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to shares with respect to
which the undersigned may have voting power as a fiduciary for others.  In
addition, this letter agreement shall only apply to actions taken by the
undersigned in his capacity as a shareholder of Sandwich and shall not in any
way limit or affect actions the undersigned may take in his capacity as a
director of Sandwich.

     4.  This letter agreement shall automatically terminate upon termination of
the Agreement in accordance with its terms.
<PAGE>

     5.  This letter agreement shall supersede the letter agreement between the
undersigned and 1855 Bancorp dated February 2, 1998, which prior letter
agreement is hereby terminated.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                 Very truly yours,


                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                 Signature


                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name (please print)



Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:

THE 1855 BANCORP


By:
   ---------------------------------
     Its

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT C
                             AFFILIATES AGREEMENT




                                            March 23, 1998



The 1855 Bancorp
791 Purchase Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02741-2101

Gentlemen:


     I have been advised that I might be considered to be an "affiliate" of
Sandwich Bancorp, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company"), for
purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act")
and for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") as such
term relates to pooling of interests accounting treatment for certain business
combinations under GAAP and the interpretations of the SEC or its staff,
including, without limitation, Section 201.01 of the SEC's Codification of
Financial Reporting Policies ("Section 201.01") and the SEC's Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 65.

     The 1855 Bancorp ("1855 Bancorp") and the Company have entered into an
Amended and Restated Affiliation and Merger Agreement, dated as of March 23,
1998 (the "Merger Agreement").  Upon consummation of the merger contemplated by
the Merger Agreement (the "Merger"), I may receive shares of common stock of
1855 Bancorp ("1855 Bancorp Common Stock") in exchange for my shares of common
stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Common Stock").  This
agreement is hereinafter referred to as the "Letter Agreement."

     A.  I represent and warrant to, and agree with, 1855 Bancorp as follows:


        1.  I have read this Letter Agreement and the Merger Agreement and have
discussed their requirements and other applicable limitations upon my ability to
sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of share of 1855 Bancorp Common
Stock, and any other capital stock of 1855 Bancorp and Company Common Stock, to
the extent I felt necessary, with my counsel or counsel for the Company.

        2.  I shall not make any offer, sale, pledge, transfer or other
disposition in violation of the Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC
thereunder of the shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock I receive pursuant to the
Merger.


        3.  Notwithstanding the foregoing and any other agreements on my part in
connection with the 1855 Bancorp Common Stock, any other capital stock of 1855
Bancorp
<PAGE>

The 1855 Bancorp
Page 2


and Company Common Stock, I hereby agree that, without the consent of
1855 Bancorp, I will not sell or otherwise reduce my risk relative to any shares
of Company Common Stock, 1855 Bancorp Common Stock or any other capital stock of
1855 Bancorp during the period beginning thirty days prior to the effective date
of the Merger and continuing until financial results covering at least thirty
days of combined operations have been published following the effective date of
the Merger within the meaning of Section 201.01.


     B.  I understand and agree that:

        1.  I have been advised that any issuance of shares of 1855 Bancorp
Common Stock to me pursuant to the Merger will be registered with the SEC.  I
have also been advised, however, that, because I may be an "affiliate" of the
Company at the time the Merger will be submitted for a vote of the stockholders
of the Company and my disposition of such shares has not been registered under
the Act, I must hold such shares indefinitely unless (i) such disposition of
such shares is subject to an effective registration statement and to the
availability of a prospectus under the Act, (ii) a sale of such shares is made
in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145(d) under the Act, (iii) a sale of
such shares is made following expiration of the restrictive period set forth in
Rule 145(d) or (iv) in an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to 1855 Bancorp, some other exemption from registration is
available with respect to any such proposed disposition of such shares.

        2.  Stop transfer instructions will be given to the transfer agents of
the Company and 1855 Bancorp with respect to the shares of the Company Common
Stock and the shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock and any other capital stock in
connection with the restrictions set forth herein, and there will be placed on
the certificate representing shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock I receive
pursuant to the Merger, or any certificates delivered in substitution therefor,
a legend stating in substance:


           The shares represented by this certificate were issued in a
           transaction to which Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933
           applies.  The shares represented by this certificate may only be
           transferred in accordance with the terms of an agreement between the
           registered holder hereof and The 1855 Bancorp, a copy of which
           agreement is on file at the principal offices of The 1855 Bancorp.  A
           copy of such agreement shall be provided to the holder hereof without
           charge upon receipt by The 1855 Bancorp of a written request.


        3.  Unless a transfer of my shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock is a
sale made in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145(d), made following
expiration of the restrictive period set forth in Rule 145(d) or made pursuant
to any effective registration statement under the Act, 1855 Bancorp reserves the
right to put an appropriate legend on the certificate issued to my transferee.
<PAGE>

The 1855 Bancorp
Page 3

     It is understood and agreed that this Letter Agreement shall terminate and
be of no further force and effect if the Merger Agreement is terminated in
accordance with its terms.  It is also understood and agreed that this Letter
Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect and the stop
transfer instructions set forth in Paragraph B.2. above shall be lifted
forthwith upon the later of (i) such time as financial results covering at least
thirty days of combined operations following the effective date of the Merger
have been published within the meaning of Section 201.01 and (ii) delivery by
the undersigned to 1855 Bancorp of a copy of a letter from the staff of the SEC,
an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 1855
Bancorp, or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to 1855 Bancorp, to the
effect that a transfer of my shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock will not
violate the Act or any of the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.  In
addition, it is understood and agreed that the legend set forth in Paragraph
B.2. above shall be removed forthwith from the certificate or certificates
representing my shares of 1855 Bancorp Common Stock upon expiration of the
restrictive period set forth in Rule 145(d) or if I shall have delivered to 1855
Bancorp a copy of a letter from the staff of the SEC, an opinion of counsel in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 1855 Bancorp, or other evidence
satisfactory to 1855 Bancorp that a transfer of my shares of 1855 Bancorp Common
Stock represented by such certificate or certificates will be a sale made in
conformity with the provisions of Rule 145(d), or made pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Act.


        4.  I recognize and agree that the foregoing provisions also apply to
(i) my spouse, (ii) any relative of mine or my spouse=s occupying my home,
(iii), any trust or estate in which I, my spouse or any such relative owns at
least 10% beneficial interest or of which any of us serves as trustee, executor
or in any similar capacity and (iv) any corporation or other organization in
which I, my spouse or any such relative owns at least 10% of any class of equity
securities or of the equity interest.

        5.  I further recognize that in the event I become a director or officer
of 1855 Bancorp upon consummation of the Merger, any sale of 1855 Bancorp stock
by me may be subject to liability pursuant to Section 16 (b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        6.  Execution of this Letter Agreement should not be construed as an
admission on my part that I am an "affiliate" of the Company as described in the
first paragraph of this Letter Agreement or as a waiver of any rights I may have
to object to any claim that I am such an affiliate on or after the date of this
Letter Agreement.


                                 * * * * *
<PAGE>

The 1855 Bancorp
Page 4

     This Letter Agreement shall be binding on my heirs, legal representative
and successors.



                                    Very truly yours,



                                    ______________________________
                                    Signature



                                    ______________________________
                                    Name (Please Print)



Accepted as of the date first above
written

THE 1855 BANCORP


By:__________________________________
  Name:
  Title: