He began his military career as a quartermaster for Florida troops organized by General Jessie Carter, and attained the rank of captain, and later "organized a company of Florida soldiers at the outbreak of the Civil War". Around that time, Hope and his business partner W. W. Wall also advanced goods and funds to men holding state-issued certificates in connection with the Indian Wars, expecting prompt repayment after the war, although that would not end up being the case. Near the end of the war, Hope "was badly wounded at the battle of Reams Station in Virginia".