He enlisted as a foot soldier in the royal army in 1784 and was a non-commissioned officer by 1792.

He was appointed colonel in command of the 23rd Light Infantry Regiment in 1803 and led the unit at Caldiero, Campo Tenese, Maida, and Amantea.

He fought under Marshal Louis Gabriel Suchet at Falset, Tortosa, Tarragona, and Montserrat.

He led a division under Marshal Nicolas Soult at the Pyrenees, San Marcial, the Bidassoa, Nivelle, the Nive, and Bayonne.

ABBE is one of the names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe, on Column 36.