Abrahams, a native of 's-Hertogenbosch, had first served the Dutch Republic, but being among the soldiers who delivered Geertruidenberg to Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma in 1589 he was declared an outlaw by the States.

He went over to the Army of Flanders and served as a lieutenant of cuirassiers under Anthonie Schetz, Baron of Grobbendonk, the governor of 's-Hertogenbosch.

In the winter of 1599–1600, a lull in the campaigning season, the Dutch cuirassiers garrisoned in 's-Hertogenbosch brought in a French prisoner, a cavalry lieutenant in the service of the Republic.

Abrahams, hearing of the letter's content, challenged Bréauté to meet him on Vught Heath with equal numbers to put his boast to the test.

[1] The two officers obtained permission from their commanders, and the combat took place on 5 February 1600.