The brig Washington was built and owned by timber-merchant H. E. Møller of Porsgrunn. She was built at "Osebakken" in Porsgrunn in 1842.

In 1842 the Washington departed from Larvik June 3rd, and arrived at New York July 30th. She was carrying a load of iron and 64 passengers, mostly from Telemark. She was mastered by Herman Roosen Smith. The crossing was smooth until they reached the Newfoundland banks. There they ran into fog and many of the passengers became sick. The symptoms were like those of cholera, and 25 - 30 of the passengers were suffering from the sickness at the same time. The decease was cured by a strict diet, through cleanliness and vapor of chlorine and vinegar. When the ship came to New York there was no sign of sickness among the passengers any longer. The passengers took a very moved farewell with the captain and his ship. Many of them were crying and blessing the captain for having treated them so well. Mrs. Jørundal who had been near death from her sickness, gave the captain a filigree brooch of her breast in gratitude. In 1843 she departed from Langesund May 2nd, and arrived at New York July 5th. Master was Capt. Smith. On the 1844 voyage the ship was mastered by W. Smith. He used 49 days from Porsgrund to New York. She departed from Porsgrunn May 21st, and arrived at New York July 9th. From New York she sailed with cargo to England, and from there she went to Ireland to take on passengers for New York.

In 1846 the Washington departed from Porsgrunn on May 23 and from Tvedestrand on May 30th. This time she was mastered by Capt. Simon O. Cock, who later became the Captain of the Vesta. Tonnage was measured to 84 Norwegian Commercial lasts. Letters and reports of this passage were printed in the paper "Skiensposten" July 22nd and September 5th.