A packet ship was, originally, a vessel employed to carry
Post Office mail packets to and from British colonies and outposts. The captains were generally also able to carry bullion, private goods, and passengers. The ships were usually lightly armed and relied on speed for their security.The
Admiralty took over control of the packet ships from
1823 and replaced older vessels with naval ships made redundant by the peace that had followed the end of the Napoleonic wars. Steam vessels started to replace sail in
1830 and this enabled a more regular and predictable service to be operated. After 1840, moves were made to contract out the services to new private companies.
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