This an outdoor view of McDowell as a Brigadier General seated on a camp stool in front of his tent. The General wears a double breasted frock coat with velvet collar and dark blue trousers. He also wears a mustache and goatee which was kind of a trade mark for him. Back mark is "D. Appleton & CO. New York." Item is in good condition.

McDowell is well known for commanding the Union army at the 1st Battle of Bull Run. He was appointed to West Point from Ohio and graduated 23rd in his class in 1838. He served in the war with Mexico and on February 23, 1847 was breveted Captain for gallant and meritorious service in the battle of Buena Vista in Mexico. After the Union disaster at Bull Run McDowell served as a Division commander, fought in the Shenandoha Valley against Stonewall Jackson, won a second brevet promotion to Major General for his service at Cedar Mountain in August of 1862. He ended the war in obscurity and eventually retired from the army in October of 1882. He died on May 4, 1885.