Harlow, who was born in Maine, lived in Boston and was both an etcher and painter. His subjects (unlike the present series) were usually landscapes, and he provided the color lithographer Louis Prang with a stream of watercolor views of New England that were used in his illustrated works. The present series demonstrate Koch's mastery of both the technical aspects of printing as well as the aesthetic problems presented in the design of the book. The subjects include generic views of army life as well as portraits of specific individuals: Grant at Vicksburg with Generals Sherman, Logan and McPherson; and a second portrait of General Sherman on horseback at the outset of his armies' march to the sea.

This copy the deluxe issue, one of an unspecified but limited number, with each plate signed by Harlow.