Let's talk about tobacco, and its trade value in the mountains.
A lot of tobacco was gifted to the Indians, as peace offerings and to open up trade discussions.
Tobacco also had significant trade value:

From Bradbury:
we found a considerable number of Indians assembled to trade. They gave jerked
buffalo meat, tallow, corn, and marrow; and in return they received tobacco in carottes, vermillion,
blue beads, &c.

It was judged expedient to trade with the Indians for some jerked
buffalo meat, and more than 1000 lbs. was obtained for as much tobacco as cost two dollars.

From W.A. Ferris:
The following afternoon we passed a Pawnee village situated on the opposite bank of
the river, and sent, as customary, a present of tobacco, powder, balls etc., to these tribute‑taking
lords of forest, field and flood, the heart of whose wild dominion we are now traversing.

From: The 1837 Fort Jackson Trading Camp Inventory: A Typical Outfit for the Plains Indian Trade and What it Tells Us About the Plains Indian Consumer ©Michael Schaubs 2015
According to the FJI (Fort Jackson Inventory), 90 pounds of what appears to be a single grade of tobacco was taken.
Almost certainly some portion of the tobacco was intended for use as gifts to establish good will and friendship prior to commencing trade.
The remaining tobacco would have been highly profitable as a trade item. The average markup of tobacco products on the FHL (Fort Hall Lists) is roughly 1100%.


From Danial Potts:
There is a poor prospect of making much here, owing to the evil disposition of the Indians and
the exorbitant price of goods. For example,
Powder $2 50 per lb.
Lead 1 50
Coffee 2 00
Sugar 2 00
Tobacco 2 00
Vermilion 6 00
Beads 5 00
Pepper 6 00
Blankets (three point) 15 00
cotton stripe, per yard 2 50
Calico do.
scarlet Cloth (coarse) do 10 00
Blue Cloth (coarse) do 8 00
Ribband, per Yd 0 75
Brass nails, per dozen 0 50
Horses cost from 150 dollars to 300, and some as high as 500.

Interior of an Indian Lodge, by Alfred Jacob Miller. We can see Capt. Stewart smoking a pipe.

Sure seems like profit motivated most white men that went west. At least on paper. I suspect the true, maybe not even admitted to their selves reason, was adventure.

I've read a fair number of writings from those guys that were looking for adventure, or to see Indians.

Several went West for health reasons, it was believed the drier air would help their conditions.

Profit was a motivating factor to most also, but I believe moreso to the company organizers.

Another great post, k snow. Appreciate it.

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