Gould was a member of the Secession Convention of 1861. He raised a company of cavalry in Leon County for the Confederate service, of which he was elected captain, and this company being united with four others in a battalion, he was elected major-commanding. Gould's battalion was a part of Randle's brigade and of Walker's division. It participated in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and Jenkins' Ferry. At Jenkins' Ferry Gould was wounded and had his horse killed under him. Other companies being united with the battalion, Gould was promoted to colonel. At the close of the war Gould resumed the practice of law in Leon County. In 1866 he was elected district judge but was shortly afterward removed by general military order as an impediment to reconstruction.