A native of Virginia, Flood served as a Democratic state representative for Licking County in 1838 and 1839.
[1] Earlier, he served as the Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives.
[2] Nominated by President Martin Van Buren to become the American chargé d'affaires to Texas, he was confirmed by the Senate and presented his credentials in June 1840.
Even though his term lasted only thirteen months, he still outlasted Van Buren and his successor, William Henry Harrison.
Only when John Tyler became president, was Flood recalled, removed, and replaced by Joseph Eve in July 1841.