Prince Józef Poniatowski was stationed in the vicinity of Markuszów, when he learnt that King Stanisław August Poniatowski betrayed the country and acceded to the Targowica Confederation. Prince Józef could not believe in the veracity of the news and when the Cossacks, misinformed about the current political affairs, attacked, from the east, the rear guard of the Polish Army located in the vicinity of Markuszów, the Prince took up the fight. Devastated by his relative’s actions [King Stanisław August was his uncle], Prince Józef Poniatowski roused the army loyal to him (12 cavalry squadrons) to fight, leading it himself while displaying a remarkable daring. He was almost killed in the battle; he was saved by a loyal adjutant and a swift horse. If not for this narrow escape, Prince Józef Poniatowski would have died at the Kurówka River, flowing near Markuszów, instead in the waters of the Weisse Elster River. About 20 Poles were killed then, including General Inspector of the Cavalry, General Janusz Stanisław Iliński. Although the battle brought victory for the Poles and the defeated Cossacks had to retreat in the direction of Garbów, it did not change the fact that as a result of King’s betrayal, the entire war against Russia was lost.