The bark Richard Cobden was built in 1847 by Evensen's Shipyard at Brevik, Norway, for A. C. Evensen. She was named after the English champion of free trade, Richard Cobden (1804-1865). She was owned by N. Langaard in Christiania. Her burden was 312 tons gross.

In 1851 she sailed from Christiania to New York with 151 passengers. Master was Mads E. Langaard. In 1852 she departed Christiania May 3, and arrived at New York June 29. Master was Capt. Paulsen. The passengers are believed to be mostly from the eastern parts of Norway, as the announcements for the ship mainly is found in Christiania and Hedemark newspapers.

Newspaper announcement from Hamar Budstikke March 28th, 1851. Passenger accommodation for New York. If sufficient number of passengers signs on, the copper hooded, and fast sailing ship "Richard Cobden" mastered by the undersigned, will leave for New York in Spring time. As the ship has a high, light and airy between deck, it is in all means a good and very comfortable ship, and is much recommended. In the ship's cabins there are room for a few passengers. Fees and other condition can be negotiated with N. Langaard, or M. E Langaard. The announcement also says that N. Langaard would be enrolling passengers at the Grundseth Market at Opplandene. Kristiania, February 20th, 1851. Signed N. Langaard