Liberated African Department [1808-1894]

Description: The Liberated African Department was created by the British government to organise the re-settlement and ‘disposal’ of former slaves known as ‘Recaptives’ or Liberated Africans in Sierra Leone. This was an administrative agency created to deal with the people brought to Freetown on board slave vessels seized by Royal Navy patrols. The captured slave ships were adjudicated by a Vice Admiralty Court or Courts of Mixed Commission, and the African men, women and children identified as Liberated Africans were set ashore and accommodated at different locations. The Liberated African Department kept detailed records of the ‘disposal’ and treatment of individuals following their adjudication by the courts. Extent of original material: 175 volumes.