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

Throughout these ten days before the first real action Davout performed extremely well. His tactical acumen was obvious. At all times Davout knew the enemy's location and, more important, their intentions. He maintained his intelligence gathering network and interpreted the facts correctly. His initial observations were both accurate and tactically sound. Davout maintained that he should be concentrated at Ingolstadt rather than separated at Ratisbon, and made numerous attempts to convince Berthier that this was the correct disposition. When he finally realized that Berthier could not be convinced he dutifully obeyed his orders and moved on to Ratisbon. Unfortunately this could not be fixed until the Emperor arrived. Davout continued to remain abreast of the operational and tactical situation before committing his forces to the movement southward. He employed thorough reconnaissance then made his plan. He understood the importance of joining forces with Lefebvre and therefore moved with speed and audacity to effect this linkup. Davout not only saw the situation he envisioned the outcome. Then he had the faith in himself to act according to his vision. All of this foresight, knowledge, and tactical savvy are part of Davout's art of command. Davout's decision regarding the Ratisbon bridge