MARSHAL LOUIS N. DAVOUT AND THE ART OF COMMAND A ...

across the Danube. The Austrians also hoped that by crossing into Bavaria and attacking the French, the independent German states would rally to their cause and repatriate their allegiance. However, this only happened in the Tyrol. The actions in the Tyrol were only peripheral and in no way affected Charlesf operations in Bavaria. The week of 10-17 April was marked by French confusion and the slow movement of the Austrians. The Austrians were only able to move at a plodding pace of a mere six to ten miles per day. This slow rate of advance negated the Austrian initiative. The French confusion was the result of conflicting orders from Napoleon and the actions of Berthier. These orders, explained in detail later, caused Berthier to direct the movement and subsequent counter-movement of Davout's Corps between Donauwoerth and Ratisbon. Even given the slow rate of advance by the Austrians, Charles had many opportunities to destroy the French in detail. Fortunately for the French, Davout was the commander on the ground. He knew the Austrian dispositions and was prepared to meet their onslaught even before Charles crossed the border. This was evident in Davout's southerly movement prior to the Austrian violation of Bavarian territory. However, on the tenth of April Davout was still precariously perched astride the