PRIETO, Joaquin (pre-ay'-to), Chilian soldier, born in Concepcion, 20 August, 1786; died in Valparaiso, 22 November, 1854. In Augast, 1805, he enlisted in the militia of Concepcion, and in April, 1806, he accompanied General Luis de la Cruz across the Andes. In 1811, as captain of dragoons, he formed part of an auxiliary army that went to aid the patriotic movement of Buenos Ayres. On his return he served in the southern campaign of Chili, and in 181.4 was governor of Talca. After the defeat of Rancagua he went to the Argentine Republic and established himself in Buenos Ayres. He joined the Chilian-Argentine army, in 1817 was present at the battle of Chacabuco, and afterward was appointed commander of Santiago and director of the arsenal. He equipped the army and took part in the battle of Maypu as commander of the reserve. In 1821 he was sent to the south, which had revolted under Benavides, and defeated the latter in the battle of Vegas de Saldias. He was elected deputy to congress and senator in 1823, took an active part in the civil war of 1829-'30, and after the battle of Lircov he was appointed provisional president of the republic. Six months afterward, 18 September, 1831, he was elected constitutional president. On 25 May, 1833, the new constitution of the country was promulgated. He was re-elected in 1836, and, after retiring in 1841, became councillor of state, senator, and commander of Valparaiso.