I started a new character, and skipped talking to Hadvar about joining the imperial legion. I traveled to Dawnstar, and as im approaching the docks, the Stormcloak-loyal guards start shooting their bows at something directly behind me. I turn to look, and theres a dead soldier named "Imperial Courier". Id never seen one before so I looked it up on UESP and it turns out this couriers purpose is to give me the journal entry to go join the legion in solitude since i didnt get that entry from Hadvar. Well it looks like the Stormcloaks will be having none of that nonsense! lol