John,
You didn't specify what type of email you are using. If you are using Outlook or Outlook Express or Eudora, i.e. any 32-bit application email software as opposed to Yahoo or MSN or GMail, etc., there is another option with advantages.
Say you were using Outlook. You could simply drag the email from the inbox to the desktop. You would then have the familiar gold icon of the email. Then import that email into AC. It will import as a white icon. The benefit of this is that clicking on that icon will open the email as if it were opened by your email apllication (well it would actually be opened by your email application). You would then have all of the same formatting present along with any attachments plus you have all the same options, i.e. Reply, Reply to all, Forward, etc.