** The date of this letter is an estimate based on the unclear stamp on the envelope and Ford Lucas's timeline and naval duties***

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August 31, 1918

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Dear Mama,

How is everyone at home these days. Suppose its about time for the children to be starting to their various schools is it not? We are having beautiful weather around here at present. But the air is beginning to feel frosty, are about two thousand five hundred miles farther north then where I was in June. We have had some quite thrilling times since I was at home; will tell you about them some time;

Enclosed find a check for one hundred and sixty dollars. Tell papa to finish paying that note I owe Mr. Mosly and you Take the rest on the note I owe you. Think you should get about $40 on your note. Would send more, but I have to keep a little in reserve for my own use. However will pay you the rest of your note in the next few weeks. Well mama I am in the regular navy now, and no longer in the U.S. N.R.F. Don't know whether or not I have made a mistake. But I will be able to get out, if I wait to at the end of the war. I wear a silver foiled anchor on my collar now instead of one of those fried eggs looking decorations I used to wear.

Well I must close for this time, write real soon and tell me all w/ the news. Also let me know about the note, tell papa to be sure and make Mr. Mosly then over the note.

With much love to all at home I am, heartly

Ford