 He collaborated with Simonas Daukantas and Motiejus Valančius on plans to establish the first Lithuanian-language periodical "Pakeleivingas", but failed to secure government's permits.With financial aid of several nobles, he published five Lithuanian-language booklets in 1860 at the press of .Akelaitis joined the anti-Tsarist resistance leading to the Uprising of 1863 – he organized an anti-government demonstration and wrote anti-government texts.