Joaquín de San Martín

Who was Joaquín de San Martín?

Colonel Joaquín de San Martín y Ulloa was a Salvadoran military officer and politician who was twice chief of state of the State of El Salvador, within the Federal Republic of Central America.

Joaquín de San Martín was a lieutenant of dragoons in Yoro and an official in the governments of Tegucigalpa and Nacaome. In 1819 he moved permanently to El Salvador, with his wife Joaquina Fugón. He was elected deputy from Tejutla and Chalatenango, where he held extensive rural properties, in 1824.

He joined the Salvadoran army, and was promoted to colonel. He was magistrate of the Court of Justice from December 24, 1824 to March 1, 1830. By vote of the towns he was elected vice-chief of state under Mariano Prado in 1832, and from May 13, 1832 to July 25, 1834 he exercised the functions of chief of state. He left office on the latter date when Prado returned to power. Prado served until July 1, 1833, when San Martín again became president. His second term continued until June 23, 1834.

During his administration, he suppressed the Nonualco Indigenous revolt led by Anastasio Aquino. He also dealt with several military revolts. With the aid of Captain Ramón Belloso and his company, San Martín also suppressed the hordes of thieves dominating the country, many of whom had tried to join with Aquino to contest governmental authority. On February 13, 1833, San Martín decreed an amnesty for the rebel Nonualco Indians.