Jas. H. Steger to Colonel Cloud, January 13, 1863

Colonel Cloud, with Second Kansas, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and Rabb’s battery, arrived at 8 a. m. to-day. Dispatch from Lebanon, dated January 12, states that Colonel Merrill, on his way to re-enforce this post, had fought two battles with the combined forces of Marmaduke and Porter, and Colonel Merrill had retired to Lebanon, the enemy retiring at the same time. Latest information is that Marmaduke is in the vicinity of Hartville. Colonel Cloud proposes to move on them, forming a junction with force at Lebanon.

Respectfully, &c.,