Chapter 3 Summary

Luther Dade is a private in the Sixth Mississippi Rifle regiment. Luther is from Tennessee and has managed to fall asleep the night before the battle at Shiloh. He is dreaming about his family at home. He is the oldest child and remembers how they all gathered around him when it was time for him to leave to join his regiment. But his dream is interrupted by someone shaking him awake. He discovers that it's actually the day his group is supposed to fight against the Union Army that is camped between two small rivers with their back to the Tennessee River. Luther rises, somewhat fearful of what's to come but willing to do his duty, whatever that may be. He notes that others have a different look today as well, realizing what lies ahead. In his words, "The put-on had gone off...