This turned out really good and the backing is perfect.
Are you planning on handquilting or machine? Either way I would opt to do SID or better yet 1/4" from the ditch with, perhaps, a decorative design around the dresdin plate, maybe a ribbon and bow or something like that. IMHO meander is too "modern" a look for such a traditional pattern and you did say your DH is a civil war buff, this would be more in keeping with the era. I think you will be very pleased with the results if you do 1/4" stitching from the ditch inside each piece of patchwork. Very traditional.