From the Richmond Whig, 9/29/1865, p. 1, c. 5
REMOVAL OF THE DEAD. – On the first of October will expire, by limitation, the order of the government authorities, prohibiting the disinterment and removal North, of the bodies of the Union soldiers, who are buried on the battle-fields, and in the Cemeteries within this Military Department. Some thousands are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, and elsewhere in the vicinity of Richmond, and the disinfecting process which will be necessary in many cases, will give employment to a large number of Surgeons engaged in that business. Several have already opened establishments here for that purpose. The order forbidding the removal of the dead during the summer and autumn was issued for good reasons.
In those instances where the graves are marked, as was customary with those who died in Richmond, there will be no difficulty in recognizing the dead by friends; but where no such designation exists, recognition of graves will be impossible, of course.
A permit will be necessary in all cases when a body is to be removed. An agency has been established in Washington, D. C., for the furnishing of information, &c., and issuing of permits.