Episode Details

Originally Aired: January 26, 1958

In Gunsmoke #303, "One for Lee," Marshal Matt Dillon, Chester, and Doc Adams gather at the train depot to welcome Senator Barclay Hooper to Dodge City. The politician's arrival takes a violent turn when a gunman fires at the senator on the crowded platform, grazing his arm before fleeing through town. The only witness is Willie Angel, an ornery old sheepherder who was knocked down by the assailant during his escape. Willie never got a good look at the man's face, but the gunman doesn't know that, making Willie the only person who might be able to identify him.

Despite the assassination attempt, Senator Hooper refuses to cancel his scheduled speech, insisting he'll address the townspeople from the Dodge House porch as planned. Matt realizes Willie is now in danger since the shooter will want to eliminate the only witness who can identify him. The marshal rides out to Willie's remote sheep ranch to bring him into town for protection, but the stubborn old herder is reluctant to leave his flock unattended, creating a tense situation as Matt tries to keep both the senator and his sole witness alive.