March 31, 1868
"... Considerable labor will be required, as soon as the weather is favorable, to put the Cemetery in proper order; and to collect the Remains of U.S. Soldiers, still scattered about in this vicinity, for burial in the Cemetery."
- August Miller, Superintendent, National Cemetery

Nearly two years previous to Miller's report, land located about five miles outside of Petersburg was chosen which became Poplar Grove National Cemetery.