 In April and May 1794 , seamen from Agamemnon , led by Nelson , helped capture the Corsican town of Bastia . The French surrendered on 21 May , after a 40 @-@ day siege . After this action , Agamemnon was forced to sail to Gibraltar to undergo urgent repairs , the ship having become very worn out after just 16 months at sea , despite having undergone a fairly extensive refit just prior to being recommissioned . Upon completion of her repairs , Agamemnon returned to Corsica , anchoring south of Calvi on 18 June . After Hood arrived with additional ships , Agamemnon contributed guns and men to the 51 @-@ day siege of Calvi , during which time Nelson lost the sight in his right eye when a French shot kicked sand and grit into his face . The town surrendered on 10 August , Agamemnon having lost six men in the engagement . Shortly thereafter the inhabitants of Corsica declared themselves to be subjects of His Majesty King George III . 
