The California gold rush was in full swing at the time, and the quickest way to and from the goldfields was through Panama. Thus, "Pacific" had its share of dramatic cargoes. She left Charges with 470 passengers and about $200,000 in gold dust on December 12, 1850, bound for Havana and New Orleans. Her previous trip had been even richer. She left Chagres on November 11, 1850 with $287,000 of California gold dust and 353 passengers including Prince Paul of Württemberg.