In 1742, Dawsonne Drake joined the British East India Company where he held the position as the clerk.
Because of his faithful service and good connection, he was promoted again and again until he became a member of the Madras Council.
On 2 November 1762, he assumed gubernatorial office as the first British governor after the Battle of Manila (1762).
During his administration in the Philippines, his term was scandalized by bitter quarrels with various military officers, including Major Fell, Capt.
Drake "had the difficult tasks of collecting the ransom, promoting trade, and defending the perimeter.