The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the petitions of George Smith and John Robertson, who prayed for a repayment of the money which they had themselves paid for their ransom from Algerine slavery, reported that the ransom of George Smith cost $2,426, of which Colonel Humphreys had paid $1,526, and George Smith the remainder; that by the late return of our citizens from Algiers, the expense attending the redemption of each man was ascertained to be $2,396, independent of the expense of the general negotiation, and allowing for small inaccuracies on account of some expenses which could not at present be ascertained. He recommends, therefore, that George Smith have paid him $873, which, with the sum paid by Colonel Humphreys, would make about $2,400. John Robinson paid for his own ransom $1,518, the interest upon which came to $516; the Secretary therefore recommends that $2,034 be paid to him. On motion of Mr. SWANWICK, this report was referred to a select committee, viz: Messrs. SWANWICK, BLOUNT, COIT, SEWALL, and PARKER. _General Appropriation Bill._ The amendments from the Senate to the bill making appropriations for the support of Government for the year 1797, were taken up and agreed to, as also those to the bill laying additional duties on sundry articles of impost. The amendments which were agreed to were to add to white cotton goods, "velvets and velverets, whether printed, stained, colored, or otherwise, and all muslins and muslinets, two and a half per cent." And also a new section, enacting that an addition of 10 per cent. should be laid upon these articles when imported in ships or vessels not of the United States. The duties are to take place after the 31st of December next. _Military and Naval Appropriations._ The House again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the Military and Naval Appropriations; when, the pay and subsistence of three captains in the Naval department being under consideration-- Mr. SWANWICK thought it would be necessary to have a laborer or two employed to take care of the vessels and materials. Mr. W. SMITH said, the estimate for the captains was $4,200; if the sum was made $5,000, there would be sufficient for the payment of any laborers which might be necessary. Agreed to. The blank for the payment of Military Pensions was agreed to be filled with $96,350. And for making good the deficiencies of the Military Establishment of 1796, $76,312. Also, for the payment of the expedition of General Sevier into the Cherokee nation, $22,816. The committee now rose, and had leave to sit again. _Executive Veto on the Army Bill._ The following Message, in writing, was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, containing his objections to the bill for fixing the Military Establishment: _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: