Measuring 4 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide, the cardstock backing for the photo bears the address of Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown of Philadelphia, in addition to their logo and the identification number of "62818". The photo itself measures 2 1/4 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches tall, depicting the General in civilian clothing with an impressive beard, signed "Geo. G. Meade/Maj. Gen." on the bottom. Born in Spain in 1815, Meade spent his pre-Civil War career as an artillery officer and topologist, fighting in the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars, and performing a detailed survey of the Great Lakes. During the War he would rise higher in the ranks, eventually taking command of the Army of the Potomac just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg, leading them to victory. He would continue in that post through the rest of the war, becoming a Major General in the regular Army.