I cannot follow your logic - in what way would you define the wrong decision Bernadotte committed? In hindsight - what both Davout and Bernadotte should have done - right decission - is to form a defensive stance at Naumburg. The real unforseen action was Davout's fight - on his own against the Prussian main army.

Hans-Karl:

Alright. Here is what I see, based on what Bernadotte knew at the time and his decision:

1. Bernadotte's Corps was ordered to Dornburg and was on the road to Dornburg the evening of the 13th. Agreed?
2. He stopped the march when Davout received further orders. Right?
3. Davout asked Bernadotte what he was going to do, given the orders Davout received. No controversy there.
4 Bernadotte decided to continue his march to Dornburg. True.
5. My assumption is that the goal of marching to Dornburg was A. to carry out his last orders, and B. Participate in the coming battles.

Based on those factors, as Bernadotte did not achieve either A or B parts of the reason for marching to Dornburg in time to by of any use, I concluded that he made the wrong decision. Whether that was the best Bernadotte could do, or anyone is not the question in that conclusion. Even if getting to Dornburg by late afternoon was the best anyone could do, it still would be the wrong decision, and if true even more in error.

This is not to hold Bernadotte 'guilty', stupid, a rogue and retrobate or treasoneous or anything else. Regardless of his motives, his character, his options and his uncle's gout. It was obviously the wrong decision if he didn't achieve what he was meant to...

Best Regards,
Bill H.