MUZQUIZ, Melchor (mooth-kith), Mexican soldier, born in Santa Rosa, Coahuila, about 1790; died in the city of Mexico, 14 December, 1844. He studied in the College of San Ildefoffso, Mexico, intending to follow a literary career, but took part in the revolution of 1816. He had risen to the rank of colonel when he was taken prisoner at the estate of Monte Blanco and condemned to death, but afterward included in a pardon by the Spanish government. Refusing to give his word to remain neutral, he joined, the forces of Hurbide, and in 1824 he was appointed governor of the estate of Mexico, in which place he served with honesty and economy, leaving in the treasury the stun of $900, -000. He was appointed general commander of Puebla and protested against the revolution of Acordada; but his forces revolted and he was obliged to deliver the command to General Guerrero in 1828. In consequence of the political disturb-antes of the country in 1832, the chamber of deputies appointed him temporary president of the republic, which place he held from 14 August till 27 December, 1832, when the capital declared in favor of Gomez Pedraza. He then retired from public life till 1836, when the federal constitution was changed for a policy of centralization, and a body was established under the name of " poder conservador," of which Muzquiz was made president, and in 1840 he was re-elected. In 1845 congress passed an act giving the name of Muzquiz to his native town.