The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-17

Hook, at eleven O'Clock last night. bound In. bu'
has not reached the city at the time Of our gong
to press.
The steamship Ariel. from Aspinwall, n. o.,
passed Sandy Hook about twelve O'Clock last
night. bound up. She has not arrived at her dock
at the time we 60 to press.
| We are in possession of large number OF
| Mexican papers. containing varied. though not
very important news, from the republic OF Mexico.
| According to these accounts the French invading
forces have not accomplished very important re-
sults They have burnt few towns, captured
some prisoners and killed some Mexicans, but
their road to empire is still as difficult as ii has
ever been. The soldiers of France in Mexico
we're beginning to be weared of this fruitless
campaign. La Question Estrangero Ia paper
published in San Luis PotosD, gives all the
latest news, most of which has been antic
pated by telegraphic intelligence previously re-
ceived. The next arrival from Vera Cruz at
Havana will doubtless bring us very interesting
news concerning the progress of the French and
Mexican arms in this struggle of Mexico for life
or death.
A very destructive fire occurred last night at
No. l46 Duane street. The end wall fell, crushing
to death two firemen. One was a member of No.
AZ (steam engine), named George w. Burridge:
the other, Thomas Moran, one Of the insurance
patrol. The bodies were conveyed to the New
York Hospital. The premises burned were occu-
pied on the upper stories by Aufmordt, Hessen.
burg & Co., importers Of cloths The first floor
was occupied by Fairchild 4 Fsnshawe, importers
of British goods. The total loss is estimated at
about $3.50 ,oO0-no doubt covered by insurance.
The cause Of the fire is not known; we give an
account of it elsewhere.
The hearing of the Olmstead case was resumed
yesterday, and the developments made are of a
highly interesting character. We refer to another
part of the paper for verbatim report of the pro-
ceedings.
An interesting case, involving the custody of q
child, has just been decided by Judge Barnard, Of
the Supreme Court. BY a.singular coincidence, it
appears that while the claimant is cousin OF the
rebel General Robert E. Lee, the respondent is o
cousin Of the Union General Mcclellan and that
at the identical time the Generals were fighting at
Antietam the cousins were holly engaged in suit
at law for the custody of their offspring.
1t was Humphrey Ayres, an employee in the Post
Office, who was arrested on q charge Of embezzle.
ment, and not James Gayler, as was enormously
reported. Mr.. Gayler is the acting special agent
Of the Post Office Department, and it was through
him that the fraud was detected and Ayres brought
to justice.
The share market continued strong yesterday with
tendency 70 further advance in prices. The gold
change in state of ferment-and the premium was
pushed up TO 5S-an advance Of ga the highest
price obtained on Friasyand large sales made.
Government securities steady at previous prices
the seven and threetenhs Treasury notes standing at
106k 1o7. Money was comparatively easy; but in
some cases usurous interest demanded and OBJ
tanned.
There was very little change in the general aspect OF
affairs Saturday. AS usual, comparative
y little business done, 10 few leading
u merchandise The trac in goods dealt Change
fair the favorable influence by the Scotia
Jews being still fet. Some articles rather lower
tut the business in the aggregate pretty large Gro
;eres steady Cotton without decided change.
Petroleum more active and hrmer. Freights we're
lctive and very GRIN.