He was editor of Florence's Gazette newspaper in 1860, during which he actively supported John C. Breckinridge's unsuccessful bid for President of the United States.

[4] Wood was then given brigade command in the Western Theater in October 1861, joining the Army of Central Kentucky.

[5] Wood then commanded a brigade in the Army of Mississippi during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee on April 6, 1862, and was wounded when his horse dragged him.

The Confederates desired to force the Federals back and cut off their escape route at the Dixville Crossroads, effectively surrounding them.

The Federal guns ran low on ammunition and withdrew, and the Confederate attack pushed the Union infantry back towards the crossroads.

[2] Wood resumed his law practice following his resignation from the Confederate Army, and was pardoned by the U.S. Government after the war on November 4, 1865.