Chapters 1-3 Summary

Chapter 1:

The story begins with a dream being experienced by Bushrod Carter, a 26 year old soldier currently in Tennessee. Bushrod dreams that it is snowing and the ground is covered with hoe cakes covered in molasses. Bushrod pulls away from the ranks to pick up the hoe cakes and eat them. Bushrod speaks to General Patrick Cleburne. Bushrod's cousin Remy arrives with a large plate of ham. Just as Bushrod is prepared to eat the ham he wakes up. Bushrod realizes that he had fallen asleep on his musket. At least it isn't snowing. Bushrod realizes that he should not have listened to orders and left his bedroll behind. He would be forced to steal another one from one of the Strangers. Bushrod attempts to remember what day it is and realizes that it doesn't really matter.

"Last night was worse...