Napoleon did not stay still. The French Emperor decided to set a psychological trap to lure the Allies out. Days before any fighting, Napoleon had been giving the impression that his army was weak and desired a negotiated peace. About 53,000 French troops—including Soult, Lannes, and Murat's forces—were assigned to take Austerlitz and the Olmütz road, occupying the enemy's attention. The Allied forces, numbering about 89,000, seemed far superior and would be tempted to attack the outnumbered French army. However, the Allies did not know that Bernadotte, Mortier and Davout were already within supporting distance and could be called in by forced marches -- Bernadotte from Iglau, and Mortier and Davout from Vienna -- which would raise the French number to 75,000 troops.
napoleon did not stay still the french emperor decided to set a psychological trap to lure the allies out days before any fighting napoleon had been giving the impression that his army was weak and desired a negotiated peace about 53000 french troops—including soult lannes and murat's forces—were assigned to take austerlitz and the olmütz road occupying the enemy's attention the allied forces numbering about 89000 seemed far superior and would be tempted to attack the outnumbered french army however the allies did not know that bernadotte mortier and davout were already within supporting distance and could be called in by forced marches -- bernadotte from iglau and mortier and davout from vienna -- which would raise the french number to 75000 troops