S.. 534.
New-year's day was ushered in at Winter Quarters by
the firing of cannon.^^ There were frequent assem-
blies for dancing, and in February several picnics
were held. In inaugurating these festivities, Brig-
ham told the people he would show them how to go
forth in the dance in an acceptable manner before the
Lord,^ and to the sound of music led the dance. A
picnic lasting for three days was also given, at which
three hundred of the poor were feasted.^
'^ The thermometer was during that week from 2° to 8° below zero, later falling several degrees lower.
'* 'I then knelt down and prayed to God in behalf of the meeting, . . .and dedicated the meeting and house to the Lord, . . .and led forth in the dance.' Hist. B. Young, MS., 1847, 27. In an address Brigham said: 'For some weeks past I could not wake up at any time of the night but I heard the axe at work, . . . and now my feelings are, dance all night if you desire to do so. ' p. 48. 'The "Silver Greys " and epectacled dames, . . .some nearly a hundred years old, . . .dancing like ancient Israel.' p. 49.
'^ 'There were 117 poor adults,. . .divided into three wards. . . Shortly after noon I met with 66 of my family, including my adopted children.' Id., p. 53.
