“On the formation of a light column under Lieutenant-Colonel Benson, on the 8th of November, 1858, he was named staff officer, and was present at the different rapid pursuits under Colonel Benson and Colonel Somerset, and present at the fight of Baroda, 1st of January.
“His extraordinary activity, zeal, energy, and judgment, together with his utility, from having rapidly passed in the Hindostani language, combine to render him a most valuable officer, and one whose services deserve reward, and whose promotion would be an advantage to the service.
“This young officer’s career has been so brilliant, that I trust I may be permitted to attach to this letter a former memorial of his in reference to the Victoria Cross, that his lordship may be able to judge of his antecedents.”
The important services enumerated above were performed previous to the successful attack on the band of robbers. After this brilliant affair, Sir J. Michel again intervened in his favour, but without success, as we learn from the following note addressed by him to Lieutenant Wood:—
“You are doomed to be, in respect to the Victoria Cross, unlucky.
“However, go on as you are doing, and your steady good conduct and gallant bearing will eventually bring fruit.
“Recollect, in your military career, as long as I hear well of you, of which I have no doubt, you will always find me a sincere friend.
“I will never apply to any one to do anything for you as a favour, but with the strength of my position will support your wishes, on the grounds of your merits and your services.”
Circumstances occurred in 1860 which induced Lieutenant Wood to resign his appointment in the Indian service. It is not our intention to dwell upon the causes which led him to abandon the field of labour in which he had so greatly distinguished himself. It may be sufficient to mention, that he had threatened a treacherous rajah with arrest, and this incurred the censure of his former chief, Sir R. Shakespeare. Every one acquainted with the facts of the case will admit, that if he erred it was an error of judgment, springing from excess of zeal for the public service, and therefore deserving to be leniently dealt with. Censure proceeding from such a quarter deeply wounded his highly sensitive spirit, and, notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he retired from the Indian service, and prepared to return to England. His departure elicited the sincerest expressions of regret, and the most cordial recognition of his services from those who had witnessed his brilliant career. Major Mayne, the well-known commander of Mayne’s Horse, whose painful duty it had been to convey to him the censure of Sir R. Shakespeare, wrote to the latter, on the 7th of August, 1860, as follows:—
“Lieutenant Wood has, in consequence, sent in his resignation of his appointment, which I forward for your consideration. I have remonstrated with Lieutenant Wood, but he is too discouraged to remain under present circumstances.