The powder became exhausted by reason of the long siege. In this emergency it became necessary to renew the stock from the abundant store in Col. Zane's house.... It was proposed that one of the fleetest men should...obtain the powder and return to the fort. Col. Zane's sister was in the fort and at once volunteered to bring the powder...On being told that one of the "Should he fall his loss would men would run less risk by reason of his fleetness, she replied be more severely felt. You have no men to spare..." She was then told to go, and diverting herself of some heavy clothing, started out through the gate like a deer: The sight so amazed the (Indians) that they cried "squaw, squaw" and not a shot was fired at her. Arriving at the house, Col. Zane fastened a cloth about her waist, and poured into it a quantity of powder, when she again ventured out, the Indians now discovered the object of the "squaw" and bullet after bullet whizzed past her head. She reached the fort in safety, although a bullet hole was found in her dress.

What does this excerpt tell you about the role of women in colonial America? ​