Locating previously communicated electronic messages

Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for locating previously communicated electronic messages (e.g., emails, etc.). The request is initiated by a first party on behalf of a second party. Specifically, the system will receive a request to locate/retrieve a previously communicated electronic message ("message"). The request can be issued by a sender or a recipient of the message. In any event, the request will include a set (one or more) of characteristics pertaining to the message such as a set of recipients thereof. One or more electronic messaging databases will then be searched based on the message located. Once located, an alert will be sent to the second party alerting the second party that the first party would like to recall the electronic message on their behalf. If the alert is validated (e.g., the message recall was accepted), the message will be displayed to the second party.