What is the main character dreaming about in Chapter One?

The story begins with a dream being experienced by Bushrod Carter, a 26 year old soldier currently in Tennessee. He dreams that it is snowing, and the ground is covered with hoe cakes covered in molasses. As he pulls away from the ranks to pick up the hoe cakes and eat them, Bushrod speaks to General Patrick Cleburne, and his cousin Remy arrives with a large plate of ham. When Bushrod prepares to eat the ham, he awakens from his dream.