17. A letter from the Secretary of State to the Spanish Minister, in answer to the above; in which he acknowledges that the treaty lately concluded between the two countries had proved satisfactory to the United States, as it put an end to a dispute which had existed for many years respecting the navigation of the Mississippi, and also as it afforded satisfaction to our mercantile citizens for the capture of our ships and cargoes. All these, he allowed, were acts of substantial justice; but all the other stipulations were wholly voluntary, and perfectly reciprocal. With respect to the three articles of complaint respecting the British Treaty, he justified the stipulations as being just and consistent, and such as this country had a right to enter into. 18. A letter from General Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Paris, February 1, stating that the day after the arrival of the news of Buonaparte's successes in Italy, he received a letter from M. Delacroix, directing him to leave Paris. General Pinckney concludes this letter with observing, that the French seem to speak of this country as if it were indebted to them for independence, and not to any exertions of our own. Our treaty with Great Britain is execrated; they wish us to have no connection with that country; they wish to destroy the trade of Great Britain, and they look upon us as her best customer. The whole of these documents having been read, on motion, they were committed to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, and 500 copies ordered to be printed. MONDAY, May 22. JAMES A. BAYARD, from Delaware, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat. _Answer to President's Speech._ On motion, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, Mr. DENT in the chair, on the Answer reported to the President's Speech, which was read by the Clerk, as follows: The committee to whom it was referred to prepare an Answer to the Speech of the President of the United States, communicated to both Houses of Congress, on Tuesday, the 16th May, 1797, report the following: _To the President of the United States_: SIR: The interesting detail of those events which have rendered the convention of Congress at this time indispensable, (communicated in your Speech to both Houses,) has excited in us the strongest emotions. Whilst we regret the occasion, we cannot omit to testify our approbation of the measure, and to pledge ourselves that no considerations of private inconvenience shall prevent, on our part, a faithful discharge of the duties to which we are called.