The first settlement in Sierra Leone, established in 1787, was intended as a home for repatriated Africans, and subsequently, slaves released by the Royal Navy ships. An act of Parliment in 1791 created the Sierra Leone Company, surrendered in 1808 the coastal settlements then became a Crown Colony and proclaimed a British Protectorate on 21 August 1896.  The first post office was established in 1843, however, until 1850, post was only carried at irregular intervals by passing merchant or naval vessels until the inclusion of Freetown in the British Post Office packet system