However , he died before he could take up the position .
In 1861 Briggs was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to a diplomatic mission to the South American Republic of New Granada ( roughly present - day Colombia and Panama ) .
Briggs died before Briggs could take up the position .
In 1861 Briggs was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to a diplomatic mission to the South American Republic of New Granada ( roughly present - day Colombia and Panama ) .