Woodrow Wilson to Charles Albert Woods

I am expecting to give myself the pleasure of nominating you as Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit. I can not tell you how sincere a pleasure it is to be able to do this. I have not consulted both of the South Carolina Senators, but I hope and believe that I shall get their willing assent.
In the meantime, I want to put to you very frankly what has been in the minds of the Attorney General and myself with regard to all judicial appointments. We think that it is wise and necessary for the efficiency of the judicial service of the country that we should ask those who are appointed if they would not be willing to pledge themselves to retire upon reaching the age of seventy. I put this to you in all frankness, because I know that you will understand the spirit in which I do it and I am sure that you will meet me with equal frankness in the matter.
I sincerely hope that Mrs. Woods is growing stronger. We think of you very often, and I only wish that the appointment I have in contemplation would bring you where I could see more of you.