In November 1827, Thomas' brother William Burchell published one of his letters in "The Particular Baptist" in England, in which Burchell criticised the plantocracy, especially its efforts to limit the religious life of slaves. Excerpts made the rounds in Jamaica, and Burchell encountered criticism from the planters. After the Christmas Rebellion or "Baptist War" of 1831, a massive slave rebellion of an estimated 60,000 slaves across the island, planters suspected that Burchell and other Baptist missionaries had encouraged it. Burchell had been away from the island during the events, but was investigated when he returned. Avoiding detention, he left with his family in March 1832 for their safety.