On 7 November 1804, Rehling was appointed as bailiff (
byfoged) and chief of police of
Tranquebar. On 5 May 1805, he departed from Copenhagen on board the
Kronprins Frederik. The ship arrived at
Frederiksnagore on 10 December. On 3 January 1805, he continued to Tranquebar on board the
Twee Gisberts, arriving there two days later. During the British occupation of Tranquebar in 1808—15, Rehling remained in his office. On 22 November 1816, he was appointed as 3rd Member of the Government Council, judge, and chief auctioneer. On 1 May 1822, he was awarded the title of
justitsråd. On 31 July 1824, he was promoted to 2nd Member of the Government Council. In 1833, due to health issues, he and his family spent around a year in Denmark. On 22 February 1834, he was appointed as governor (
chef) of Frederiksnagore. On 15 July, he was awarded the rank of colonel. The Rehling family returned to Tranquebar on board the
Den danske Eg. On 1 August, he arrived at Frederiksnagore (governor from 1 November). On 136 September 1837, he was appointed as governor of Tranquebar with effect from 1 May the following year. ==Personal life==