CHAMORRO, Frutos (chah-mor'-ro), Central American statesman, born in Guatemala in 1806; died 12 March, 1855. He belonged to an old and wealthy Spanish family, but joined the national cause, and became a member of the legislature of Nicaragua and of the constituent assembly, and a senator (1838-'42); and when, in 1843, an attempt was made for a partial confederation of San Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, he was chosen supreme delegate with executive power. He averted a war declared against Guatemala, and retired in 1844. Subsequently he became civil and military governor of Nicaragua, and in 1851 secretary of the treasury; and, after the outbreak in August which drove Pineda from power, he succeeded him as general-in-chief. Being the leader of the conservative party, then powerful, he was elected chief magistrate or supreme director in April, 1853. A few months afterward Bishop Viteri, of Nicaragua, died suddenly, and rumors were spread to the effect that the prelate had been poisoned by conspirators of the liberal party. Chamorro believed it, and caused some of the prominent liberals to be persecuted and banished. These went to Honduras, organized an army, gained several victories, and besieged Chamorro at Granada, but he resisted them for nine months, and the besiegers retired from the contest, 10 February, 1855.