It is at least older than 1972/73 because that is when Mrs. Gladys Begley read it to me and my fellow third graders at Hyden Elementary (KY), one chapter per day.
As she also read us stuff like TOM SAWYER and OLD YELLER, and JOHNNY TREMAIN, I think it may have been of a bit more substance than the average Scholastic Book Club’s thin childrens books.
It was either set during the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
I think the central characters were teens.
A pominent member of this smuggling ring was female.
Lots of scenes set during the night on a beach (waiting for a ship?).
All I can remember. I don’t even recall what (or who) they were smuggling.
Sir Rhosis