Esq. by whom he has five children, viz. three sons and two daughters. The matrimonial connection. which Mr. Wood formed contributed in a very high degree to his domestic comfort: and their children, as they advanced in years, manifested talents and dispositions, and acquired accomplishments, that could not fail to gratify their parents, and to encourage the most flattering expectations in the progress of their lives.

About fifteen or sixteen years ago Mr. Wood formed a mercantile connection with the late Lieutenant-Colonel Wigan; and in the connection then established he continued, many years, under the firm of Wood, Wigan, and Wood, hop-merchants. This trade they carried on to a very considerable extent. Some years since he became interested in a copper mine in Cornwall, the Wheel Crennis, where 1200 persons were daily employed. It is highly honourable to Mr. Wood, and the fact ought to be mentioned, as a stimulous to the emulation of others, that he owes his success, and the influence that has accrued from it, solely to the energy and exertions of his own mind; for although his father died rich, if we estimate worth by integrity, it was his lot, as it has been that of many others, to transmit to his children only the grateful memorial of an approved character, and that blessing of Providence which seldom fails to prosper the honest and active efforts of those who trace the footsteps of their virtuous progenitors.

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About eighteen years ago he was elected a member of the corporation of London for the ward of Cripplegate Without; and he has ever since lived in the most perfect harmony and friendship with all the inhabitants of this ward. About the year 1802, when the spirit for volunteering, com1. menced, he was one of the most active, persons/in promoting it: a regiment, consisting of about 800 men, was formed in his ward, united with three others, and Mr. Wood was requested to take the lieutenant-colonelcy; but he modestly chose to accept only the majority. He was eminently zealous and active, and paid all possible attention to the training and discipline of the regiment. When the vacancy of alderman of the ward of Cripplegate occurred, in consequence of the death of Sir William Staines, Mr. Wood was on a tour of pleasure in Ireland, with his family; but though he was absent, and could not avail himself of those conciliatory qualities which particularly distinguished his character, and which could not have failed to recommend him on a personal canvas, the *electors of the ward testified their high estimation of him by unanimously choosing him as their alderman. 2. Jonny & diw,bas Yo! In the year 1809, which was a year, that teemed with interesting events, he served the office of sheriff; and in the discharge of the arduous duties of this office he conducted himself in a manner so satisfactory to his fellow-citizens, that he several times received their cordial and unanimous thanks.

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About this time, or soon after, he was appointed chairman of a committee, established for the improvement of the city; and in this capacity he was distinguished by the assiduity of his exertions; devoting his time and talents to the important objects of which the committee was constituted. Mr. Wood took the lead in proposing a new prison for debtors, with a laudable view of separating them from the felons in Newgate; and this object, so just in itself, and so beneficial in its consequences, he has had the pleasure of seeing accomplished. But the regulations and restrictions which he established, whilst lord mayor, in this prison, called forth much animadversion at the time..

In the year 1815 he was called to the civic chair, and was always found anxiously attentive to the multifarious duties of that high and distinguished office; always at his post, free and easy of access to every person, and on every necessary occasion punctual to all his appointments; and incessantly active in deciding and executing every measure that could contribute to the amelioration of the 'police of the city, he was found at an early and a Fate hour regulating the day and night patrole, and, with a great sacrifice of a variety of domestic and social comforts, endeavouring to the utmost of his power, and with a very considerable degree of success, to remove the nuisances that disgraced the city and offended its inhabitants.

So highly was he esteemed by his fellow-citizens, that he was next year again elected lord mayor.