" To The Undertaker or Friends Who Open This Coffin:
After laying back the lid of the coffin, remove entirely the pads from the sides of the face, as they are intended merely to steady the head in traveling. If there be any discharge of liquid from the eyes, nose, or mouth, which often occurs from the constant shaking of the cars, wipe it off gently with a soft piece of cotton cloth, slightly moistened.
This body was received by us for embalmment in a ____________ condition and the natural condition is ____________ preserved. Embalming was/was not possible.
After removing the coffin lid, leave it off for some time and let the body have the air.
Dr. Jupiter Jones, Embalmer & Keeper of the Dead "
― Edison McDaniels , Not One Among Them Whole: A Novel of Gettysburg