A more thorough explanation:

A ransom bill is a legal contract used in international law. It is used to release a captured vessel or other property during wartime. The contract involves exchanging the captured property for a ransom payment and safe passage to a friendly destination.

During a war, a ship is captured by the enemy. The captors demand a ransom payment and safe passage to a friendly destination in exchange for releasing the ship and its crew. The ship's owners agree to the terms and sign a ransom bill, which outlines the payment and safe passage details. Once the ransom is paid, the ship and its crew are released and allowed to travel to a friendly destination.

Another example could be a group of tourists being held hostage by a terrorist group. The government negotiates a ransom bill with the terrorists to secure the release of the hostages. The ransom bill would outline the payment and safe passage details for the hostages to be released and returned to their home country.

These examples illustrate how a ransom bill is used to negotiate the release of captured property or individuals during wartime or hostage situations.