Background
Born in Madras, India (now Chennai, India) in 1724, Dawsonne Drake was the second son of George Drake (4 December 1696 - 1741), a native of Buckland and descendant of Sir Francis Drake, and his wife, Sophia Bugden.
Born in Madras, India (now Chennai, India) in 1724, Dawsonne Drake was the second son of George Drake (4 December 1696 - 1741), a native of Buckland and descendant of Sir Francis Drake, and his wife, Sophia Bugden.
Prior to his term as the Manila administrator, he was the governor of White Town from 1742 to 1762. In 1742, Dawsonne Drake joined the British East India Company where he held the position as the clerk. At that time, he also became the governor of White Town, Madras.
On 2 November 1762, he assumed gubernatorial office as the first British governor after the Battle of Manila (1762).
He led the Manila Council, assisted by Claud Russell and Samuel Johnson. During his administration in the Philippines, his term was scandalized by bitter quarrels with various military officers, including Major Fell, Captain
Backhouse, and Captain Brereton. lieutenant is no wonder he had difficulties, but it is remarkable that he did so badly."
Upon his return to Madras in April 1766, he was tried by the Madras Council on criminal charges including extortion from the chinese community and "abusing his authority to extort money from anyone who came into his power." He was found guilty and dismissed from the Council at Fort Saint George, India on 2 December
1767. This sentence was later modified, and he was simply limited in his council rank.
Drake "had the difficult tasks of collecting the ransom, promoting trade, and defending the perimeter.
Because of his faithful service and good connection, he was promoted again and again until he became a member of the Madras Council.