This collection contains three letters written by O. Waldo West, lieutenant in the 1st New York Dragoons during the American Civil War. Dated between January and March, 1864, the letters are written to Sarah L. Stilson of Corning, New York, whom West addresses as Lyra. The letters are signed "Waldo" or "W." The letters focus largely on personal matters. On January 24, West writes from Dansville and describes his great joy at being home on 10 days' leave and the possibility of seeing Stilson. West writes from camp at Washington, D. C. [postmark] on February 9, apologizing for not having visited while on leave, then noting that he had been placed in command of his company and that his division had recently gone on reconnaissance across the Robertson River. In his letter of March 5, West mentions having served on General Pleasanton's staff and the prospect of his becoming company commander before veering into chatty news of mutual acquaintances, then mentions visitors to camp, including a woman with whom he played chess.