Wood to Lytton
1 King's Bench Walk
Temple
July 14, 1858.
Sir
Observing from the Bill lately introduced into Parliament that it is in the contemplation of her Majesty's Government to enact the district of New Caledonia into a Colony, I have the honor to offer myself for the post of chief judicial officer, trusting that my education generally & my position at the Bar will be sufficient to entitle me to that distinction.
I am 37 years of age, & was educated at Westminster School & Trinity College Cambridge, having graduated in Honors in 1843, and have a standing of 12 years at the English Bar having practised Manuscript imageas a Special Pleader for 5 years, and as a Barrister-at-Law on the Home Circuit and at Surrey Sessions for 7 years, continuously, up to the present time. I may also say that I am used to occupations of an active character, & am desirous of the appointment without reference to the privations which may attend it.
With respect to my qualification for the office I seek, I beg to refer to Mr Baron Bramsach, Mr Justice Willes & Mr Baron Channch [Chaunele?] formerly member of my own Circuit.
I need scarcely add that it is contrary to the practice of the Bench to give testimonials and to the etiquette of the Bar to apply to the Judges. I however Manuscript imagefeel confident that any reference made to the gentlemen I have named would meet with a satisfactory reply.
I have the honor to be Sir,
your most obedient humble
servant
Thomas Lett Wood.
The Right Honorable
Sir George Earle Lytton Bulwer Lytton Bart. M.P.
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
MrMerivale
Ansr that a note will be made of this application.
ABd. 13 July.
For the Judge's place in N Caledonia.
HM /7 16
Annex draft
C. July 16
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Carnarvon to Wood, 22 July 1858, advising that a note would be made of his application.