 The Cherokee invasion began in mid-July, 1776.When the invaders reached the Nolichucky, a contingent led by a chief known as "The Raven" split off toward Carter's Valley (near modern Kingsport), where he chased away the settlers and burned their cabins and farms.Two contingents led by Dragging Canoe and Old Abraham of Chilhowee (or "Abram") proceeded up the Nolichucky where they burned the abandoned Fort Lee.