[1][2] He was the eldest son of Henry Dawkins II, a wealthy owner of plantations in Jamaica, and his wife Lady Juliana Colyear, daughter of Charles Colyear, 2nd Earl of Portmore.
Following an election campaign in 1807–1808, which proved very expensive, Dawkins sold his property at Chippenham and was returned in 1812 for Hastings, retaining the seat until 1826.
[1][5] Heir to sugar plantations in Jamaica, he voted against the abolition of the slave trade in 1796.
The inheritance included seven sugar estates, three livestock pens, and various smaller properties throughout the island.
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