The steambarge R.G. Peters was built by the Milwaukee Shipyard Company during the winter of 1878-79. She could carry a cargo of up to 375,000 to 400,000 board feet of lumber and was engaged in the lumber trade principally between Manistee and Chicago. The vessel was iron strapped. Her official registry number was 110424 and she was valued at $32,000 at the time of her loss.

Last document of enrollment : Surrendered: Grand Haven: 12/2/1882: "Burned".
December 2, 1882: While en route from St. Joseph to Manistee, the steamer R.G. Peters with the schooner barge Luckey in tow, burned to the waterline and sank about 40 miles off Milwaukee. A heavy gale and snowstorm was blowing when the crew of the Luckey saw the Peters burst into flame early in the morning of 12/2/1882. Being partially disabled with a split mainsail and disfunctional centerboard, the Luckey was unable to save any of the 14 persons aboard the steamer. Ole Swansen, a mate on the Luckey said " It was a tough sight to see the steamer burn right before our eyes and not be able to life a hand to save the poor fellows aboard of her" Several theories explaining the origin of the fire were advanced. It may have been the result of a defective boiler or the Peters' fuel supply of wood slabs may have caught fire.
No bodies or wreckage had ever been identified.
To date, the vessel has not been found.