What responsibility did Robert E. Lee take for the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg?

Following the defeat of the Confederate forces at the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee took full responsibility for the outcome. Amid the aftermath of the failed assault known as Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863, Lee reportedly told a subordinate, "Never mind, General, all this has been my fault—it is I that have lost this fight."1

While historical debate has often focused on the actions of his subordinates, such as James Longstreet, Lee’s own assessment remained centered on his personal accountability for the tactical decisions made during the engagement.12