Library /sys$common/syshlp/mailhelp.hlb READ, Parameters  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

 foldername

    Specifies the name of the folder from which to select messages.

    If you omit the foldername, the folder to be used is determined
    in the following order:

    1. The current folder is used, if any (unless the /NEW qualifier
       is specified)

    2. The NEWMAIL folder is used if:

       o  You specify the /NEW qualifier

       o  You omit selection qualifiers and you have new mail

    3. The MAIL folder is used.

 message-number

    Indicates the number of the message to be read. The message
    number represents the position of a message in a folder. If
    you specify a number greater than the number of messages in the
    folder, Mail displays the last message in the folder. Therefore,
    to read the latest message in a folder, specify a large message
    number or enter the LAST command.