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

Corps. He received no reply from the Emperor. As darkness approached Davout shifted his forces anchoring his northern flank on the heavy woods. He set his southern flank along the Laber River. These movements proved beneficial and set up the fight that was to occur on the following morning (see Appendix A, Figure 6). Charles had again missed his opportunity to destroy Davout. One may argue that it was Charles' fault that this did not happen. However, Davout actions throughout the day certainly limited what actions Charles could take. Davout again played the critical role in the activities for the day. Although Napoleon's attack at Landshut was successful it does not even compare to what Davout accomplished during the day. Napoleon had attacked a defeated Corps with superior numbers while Davout attacked a force far superior to his own. It was also a force that was still capable of offensive actions and success. The Austrians' actions around Unter-Laichling and in the woods to the north demonstrated that they were still capable of offensive action. Not only could they fight they were prepared to resume the offense in the morning. This reasoning prompted Davout to write Napoleon during the night stating "If I do not receive any troops and the enemy should march on me, I will do what I can to resist the numbers.1120 He went on to explain that the