I Robert Dryburugh of West Weemyss North britain do hereby acknowledge to be indebted to the honorable John Paul Jones Esqr. in the Sum of two hundred pounds Sterlings, Which I promise to remit to order at the house of his Excellency Benjamin franklin Esqr. at Passy near Paris in france Within the term of Sixty days from the Date hereof, being the consideration or ransom Which I have agreed to pay in behalf of myself and the other persons Concerned, for the restoration of the Ship friendship With her Cargo and appartenances, taken at Sea the fourteenth Day of September 1779. by the American Squadron Commanded by the aforesaid John Paul Jones Esqr. and for the faithful and Exact payment of this Bill of Ransom, I Voluntarly agree to remain as an hostage meself and andrew Robertson the present master of the said Ship friendship having Signed three Copies here of, one Whereof being paid, the other two to remain Void; dated at Sea this Seventeenth Day of September 1779.