I had an email in my inbox from 2004. It was the last words I had from a friend, before he passed. 

I need that email back.

I understand its way beyond the "inactive" phase, and I never deleted it, so clicking "restore deleted emails" won't help.

I know what I'm asking; It will require someone digging into the archives, pulling a dusty old harddrive from its shelf, and accessing the emails that I'm sure were stored for security/archive/whatever purpose. 

I'm not being rude. I just know it's possible, and would really like to read my friends last words to me. 

Please help me.