Do not have petition papers of a previously approved petition

USA H1B Visa
1

I have a previosuly approved H1B petition(expired on July 2012) from one of my ex-employer but I have never travelled to US on H1 before or availed that petition. I have this petition number but do not have the petition papers as my ex-employer had misplaced it. I have an official email from my ex-employer which says that it belongs to me. With this information can I file for my H1B now under cap exempt quota & start working immediately without waiting till April 2013 for the regular cap to open.

Awaiting your response,
2

Yes receipt number and a screenshot from the uscis case status site should be enough. and yes you would be cap exempt, if this petition is approved and you get your stamping done you will not have to wait till october to start working.