.MTM3MA.MTE2NDI4

11 This place boasts of a University, and a very respectable female Academy both being well attended. [crossed out: by the youth of both sexes.]

 Five miles from Rutaville is La Grange on the Colorado; the descent to it is enlivening & it appeared a busy place. Canvassing for the Representatives was going on, a large keel boat was building to take some 2 to 300 Bales of Cotton down to the 'Raft' & from thence it would be carted or hauled to Matagorda;    The stores had a gay appearance & there was an air of comfort about [crossed out: the look of]  the place; but, the removal of the seat of government from Austin, & the inroads of the Mexicans had almost put a stop to improvements.
 I [crossed out:  accompanied] was invited by my companion Mr. Senator ___ to remain at his residence which was on the other side of the river at Colorado, this town only comprising three or four houses, & moreover to attend a Barbecue or public dinner to be given to

12

[separate piece of paper]

12 Barbecue in [?Virginia?] is a frolic of all the Neighbors for miles around, they go fishing in the Rivers or bays & cook the fish upon the spot - this is called a chowder party in Texas. An ox Roasted whole is said to be Barbecued.