I have already read this book once. It is the "Diary of Richard Carvel" referred to in my favorite novel "The Crisis", also by Winston Churchill. 
 The hero, Richard Carvel narrates his sympathy for the cause of American Independance before and during the American Revolution, and of his enduring love for his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Manners. His uncle's betrayal sends Richard to face kidnapping and piracy, until he is finally rescued and befriended by a true-life hero of the American Revolution, John Paul Jones; and ultimately restored to his birthright and his true love. 
 I'm currently recording this book in 56-minute installments for my local "Golden Hours" radio service for blind or reading-impaired listeners.