This epidsode made Bill Longley out to be an outlaw that kept his promises. He was made to look like a outlaw with a heart. In real life, Bill Longley was called a sadistic killer, ruthless & insane. Quite a difference from the way the show portrayed him as.
shareYour description of Longley is correct and the fact he was hanged for a murder in 1877-78 brought an end to a ten year run as an outlaw.
Perhaps, Steve McQueen playing Longley might have influenced the writers, who had a habit of getting most of the facts about outlaws Hardie ran into correct while leaving out where their criminal careers took them.
Another review commented on Michael Landon replacing Robertson as the most famous left handed draw on TV. It is ironic that Landon appeared in "Tales" before "Bonanza" using a right handed holster.
"Tales" is one of the best westerns of its time and Dale Robertson is largely responsible for its success.