In 1771, he published another tract, on the subject of Falkland islands.  The design was to show the impropriety of going to war with Spain for an island, thrown aside from human use, stormy in winter, and barren in summer.  For this work it is apparent, that materials were furnished by direction of the minister.

At the approach of the general election in 1774, he wrote a short discourse, called The Patriot, not with any visible application to Mr. Wilkes; but to teach the people to reject the leaders of opposition, who called themselves patriots.  In 1775, he undertook a pamphlet of more importance, namely, Taxation no Tyranny, in answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American congress.  The scope of the argument was, that distant colonies, which had, in their assemblies, a legislature of their own, were, notwithstanding, liable to be taxed in a British parliament, where they had neither peers in one house, nor representatives in the other.  He was of opinion, that this country was strong enough to enforce obedience.  “When an Englishman,” he says, “is told that the Americans shoot up like the hydra, he naturally considers how the hydra was destroyed.”  The event has shown how much he and the minister of that day were mistaken.

The account of the Tour to the Western Islands of Scotland, which was undertaken in the autumn of 1773, in company with Mr. Boswell, was not published till some time in the year 1775.  This book has been variously received; by some extolled for the elegance of the narrative, and the depth of observation on life and manners; by others, as much condemned, as a work of avowed hostility to the Scotch nation.  The praise was, beyond all question, fairly deserved; and the censure, on due examination, will appear hasty and ill founded.  That Johnson entertained some prejudices against the Scotch must not be dissembled.  It is true, as Mr. Boswell says, “that he thought their success in England exceeded their proportion of real merit, and he could not but see in them that nationality which no liberal-minded Scotsman will deny.”  The author of these memoirs well remembers, that Johnson one day asked him, “have you observed the difference between your own country impudence and Scotch impudence?” The answer being in the negative:  “then I will tell you,” said Johnson.  “The impudence of an Irishman is the impudence of a fly, that buzzes about you, and you put it away, but it returns again, and flutters and teases you.  The impudence of a Scotsman is the impudence of a leech, that fixes and sucks your blood.”  Upon another occasion, this writer went with him into the shop of Davies, the bookseller, in Russell street, Covent garden.  Davies came running to him, almost out of breath with joy:  “The Scots gentleman is come, sir; his principal wish is to see you; he is now in the back parlour.”  “Well, well, I’ll see the gentleman,” said Johnson.  He walked towards the room.  Mr. Boswell was the person.  This writer followed, with no small curiosity.  “I find,” said Mr. Boswell, “that I am come to London, at a bad time, when great popular prejudice has gone forth against us North Britons; but, when I am talking to you, I am talking to a large and liberal mind, and you know that I cannot help coming from Scotland.”  “Sir,” said Johnson, “no more can the rest of your countrymen[x].”