Finally the fatal day came. however. when Pulaski had to decide whether to make a final desperate. suicidal stand. and be slaughtered with the remaining forces. or go abroad to seek aid. He chose the latter course. dispersing his men to await help and another opportunity to resist. He first sought aid for his cause in Prussia. then in Turkey. By that time he was a penniless refugee since the family estates had been ravaged. His father and brother had been killed. and another was being held prisoner. Countless relatives and friends had died for Polands right to be free.