Continues to request money from France to pay bills presented by Jay and Adams. Edmund Burke writes him as "the friend of mankind," February 28. Holds informal peace negotiations with British emissaries, March-June; suggests on April 18 to negotiator Richard Oswald that Britain should cede Canada to United States. July 10, Franklin suggests to Oswald "necessary" terms for peace without previously communicating them to Vergennes as his instructions from Congress require. July to October, Jay insists on prior recognition of American independence as condition for formal negotiation; Oswald's new commission from Britain, September 21, effectively recognizes United States. Draft articles for treaty prepared and sent to England without consulting Vergennes. August to October, Franklin has severe attack of gout, succeeded by passing gravel in urine. Adams arrives in Paris October 26 and joins negotiations. Oswald and American commissioners sign preliminary articles of peace November 30; when Vergennes complains in December of American failure to consult French, Franklin diplomatically admits impropriety, expresses gratitude to France, and asks for another loan. Vergennes assures Franklin of further six million livres.