The city of Coblentz, 1860. Coblentz is a fortified city of Rhenish Prussia, on the left bank of the Rhine, at the influx of the Moselle, the former river being here crossed by a bridge of boats...and the latter by a stone bridge...Its population in 1846 was 23,421...Around it are several detached forts. Ehrenbreitstein, on the opposite bank of the Rhine, is one of the strongest outworks. It is defended by about 400 pieces of cannon...No town on the Rhine surpasses Coblentz in the beauty of its situation: from whichever side you approach, by land or water, it presents a beautiful picture...Coblentz is a free port, and carries on an active commerce up and down the three rivers. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.