Who was the commander of the United States during the Civil War?
The first article is about the U.S. President who was the commander during the Civil War. The second article is about the commanding general.
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761577113/Lincoln_Abraham.html
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555289_2/Ulysses_S_Grant.html
The Commander-in-Chief of the United States is the President. Does that give you the answer?
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.