In the August 9, 1836 issue of the Telegraph and Texas Register, Stephen F. Austin, Henry Smith, and Branch T. Archer were listed as candidates for president of the new republic. Archer later withdrew and supported Austin. On August 20, 600 persons met at Columbia and nominated General Sam Houston. Houston received 5,119 of the 6,500 votes cast in the September 5 election. At the same time, Texas citizens ratified the constitution and overwhelmingly approved annexation. Fourteen senators and thirty-one representatives were chosen and began their duties at Columbia on October 3, 1836. On October 22, 1836, at four o'clock that day, Sam Houston was sworn in as the first president of the Republic, ending his speech by unbuckling his sword and declaring that he had worn it in defense of his country and would take it up again, if needed, with his blood and his life.