In early May 1862, the Rhea, commanded by Captain Marcussen, departed from Tvedestrand for Quebec carrying approximately 160 adult emigrants together with a number of children, bringing the total number of passengers to more than 200.
According to a contemporary report from Tvedestrand dated May 2, none of the emigrants came from the town itself. Most were from the surrounding inland districts, and the report stated that, as far as was known, few of them possessed substantial financial means.
The same report related an unusual incident connected with the departure. On the day the Rhea sailed, a young woman from the coastal district had come into Tvedestrand and became engaged to one of the emigrants from the inland districts. According to the newspaper, she then decided to accompany him to America immediately, leaving as she was, without returning home for her belongings and, it was claimed, without having had the opportunity to say farewell to her parents and siblings. The newspaper expressed the hope that she would not come to regret her decision.
The Rhea (capt. Hans Jensen) again carried emigrants to Quebec in 1871. She departed from Tvedestrand on April 30 and arrived at Quebec on June 27. Sailing in ballast, she carried 175 steerage passengers. One death was recorded during the voyage: two-year-old Karen, daughter of Jørgen Nielsmundsen Tangen, aged 31, and his wife Anne Svenningsdatter, aged 28, died from chronic diarrhoea. On this voyage the Rhea was commanded by Captain Hans Jensen and had a crew of 10. The passenger list was certified by the British Vice-Consul, Fritz Smith.
