[New] York. Sept 22 1917

Dear mother just a few lines to let you know that we have started across. We are now lying at anchor off Staten Island waiting for the rest of the fleet. It may be two months before we get back to the States[.]

We [can't] give you any address but will write when we get a chance[.] [W]e each got one liberty in New [York][.] Al. is sending a picture and card am sorry now I did not get some but will send one from the other side[.]

You folks need not worry as we

are [going] with a fleet of first class vessels and have some French [?] chasers[.]

The Paducah is our flagship and we are going over in fleet formation[.]

The chief engines said we would be back in the states [in] [two] months and [maybe] less[.]

If you write me send it to the address on the card and if there is any [chance] of [?] us the post master of N.Y[.] will forward it[.] I will close with lots of love from Arthur.

P.S. [Don't] worry about us we are not in any more danger than you are and not as much as

you were in last [time] I saw you[.]

A. R.