NUVEEN TAX FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 1138
S-6, 1999-09-30
Previous: NUVEEN TAX FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 1120, S-6, 1999-09-30
Next: PERFUMANIA COM INC, POS EX, 1999-09-29



<PAGE>
                                                      40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM S-6

For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2

<TABLE>
<S> <C>                 <C>
A.  Exact name of Trust: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1138

B.  Name of Depositor:  JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED

C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:

                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606

D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:

                        JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                        Attn: Alan G. Berkshire
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606

                        CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                        Attn: Eric F. Fess
                        111 West Monroe Street
                        Chicago, Illinois 60603

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

/ / on September 30, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485

/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)

/ / on September 30, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486

E.  Title of securities being registered: Units of fractional undivided beneficial
    interest.

F.  Approximate date of proposed sale to the public: November 30, 1999.

/ / Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on (date) at
    (time) pursuant to Rule 487.
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a)
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                       [LOGO]
                                Defined Portfolios

Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138
Nuveen National Insured Portfolio,
Series

Prospectus Part A dated         1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -  Long-Term Municipal Bonds
- -  Bonds Insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation
- -  AAA Rated Bonds
- -  Monthly, Quarterly or Semi-annual Distributions
- -  Federal Tax Exempt Income

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
Nuveen National Insured Portfolio,
Series

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUSIP NOS:
<S>           <C>           <C>
MONTHLY       QUARTERLY     SEMI-ANNUAL
</TABLE>

Overview

Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts, Series 1138 includes the unit investment trust
listed above. The Portfolio seeks to provide income exempt from federal income
tax and to conserve capital by investing in insured municipal bonds.

Units are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any bank. Units are
not FDIC insured and involve investment risk, including the possible loss of
principal.

 Contents

<TABLE>
<C>        <S>
        2  OVERVIEW
        4  NUVEEN NATIONAL INSURED PORTFOLIO,
           SERIES
        4  RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
        4  Investment Objective
        4  Investment Strategy
        4  Bond Selection
        5  Investor Suitability
        5  Portfolio Diversification
        6  Primary Risks
        6  Fees and Expenses
        9  SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
       10  HOW TO BUY AND SELL UNITS
       10  Investing in the Portfolio
       10  Sales or Redemptions
       11  RISK FACTORS
       13  DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
       13  Interest Distributions
       14  Principal Distributions
       14  Tax Status
       14  ESTIMATED RETURNS
       15  GENERAL INFORMATION
       15  Insurance
       15  Ratings
       15  Termination
       16  The Sponsor
       16  Dealer Concessions
       17  Optional Features
       17  LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)
       17  REINVESTMENT
       17  NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
       17  STATEMENT OF CONDITION
       18  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 For the Table of Contents of Part B, see Part B of the
 Prospectus.
</TABLE>

- ------------

                                     ------
                                       2
<PAGE>
Nuveen National Insured Portfolio,
Series

RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Portfolio seeks to provide income exempt from federal income tax and
conservation of capital.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Portfolio consists of   insured bonds issued by entities located in  states.
Approximately    percent of the principal amount of the Portfolio consists of
zero coupon bonds. The bonds are expected to remain in the Portfolio until they
mature, are called or are sold to meet redemptions or expenses.

BOND SELECTION
The bonds selected for the Portfolio are:
- -  General obligation bonds; and/or

- -  Are revenue bonds which have principal and interest payments from the income
   of a specific project or authority.

All of the bonds in the Portfolio are:

- -  Insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation to guarantee payment of principal and
   interest on the bonds (but not the units or the market value of the bonds
   before they mature); and

- -  Rated "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's.

The Sponsor considered the following factors in selecting bonds for the
Portfolio:

- -  The prices and yields of the bonds;

- -  Whether the bonds are trading at a premium or discount from par;

- -  The present rating and credit quality of the issuers of the bonds and the
   potential improvement in the credit quality of such issuers;

- -  The diversification of the bonds as to the location of the issuers;

- -  The potential income generated by the bonds;

- -  The stated maturities and call provisions of the bonds; and

- -  Whether the bonds were insured and the availability and cost of insurance for
   the bonds.

Through examining these factors, the Sponsor seeks to select a Portfolio that
has the potential to meet the Portfolio's investment objective of federal tax-
exempt income and conservation of capital.

A description of the bonds included in the Portfolio is provided in the
"Schedule of Investments."

The Portfolio consists of bonds having a dollar-weighted average maturity of
years.

INVESTOR SUITABILITY
The Portfolio may be suitable for you if you are seeking:

- -  An opportunity for attractive, dependable income;

- -  Insured, AAA-rated bonds;

- -  A focus on long-term capital preservation;

- -  An appropriate vehicle for retirement or other tax-deferred accounts; and

- -  Income exempt from federal income tax.

The Portfolio is not appropriate for you if you are seeking:

- -  An aggressive high-growth investment strategy.

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
The Portfolio consists of the following types of bonds:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           APPROXIMATE
           TYPE OF ISSUER             PORTFOLIO PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------  ---------------------
<S>                                   <C>
General Obligation
Power Revenue
Health Care Facility Revenue
Water and/or Sewer Revenue
Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue
%
                                               ------
        Total                                   100.0%
</TABLE>

PRIMARY RISKS

YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO. In addition, the Portfolio may
not perform as well as you hope. These things can happen for various reasons,
including:

- -  Unit prices and yields may decline during the life of the Portfolio;

- -  Rising interest rates will reduce the value of your Units. Typically, bonds
   with longer periods before maturity are more sensitive to interest rate
   changes;

- -  A bond issuer or an insurer may be unwilling or unable to meet its obligation
   to make principal or interest payments, resulting in a reduction in the value
   of your Units;

- -  The financial condition of a bond issuer or insurer may worsen or their
   credit ratings may drop, resulting in a reduction in the value of your Units;

- -  Because the Portfolio is concentrated in bonds of healthcare facility revenue
   issuers, adverse developments in this industry may affect the value of your
   Units. These issuers must contend with:

   -  government regulation,

   -  fluctuating occupancy levels, and

                                     ------
                                       3
<PAGE>
   -  increased costs;

- -  Because the Portfolio is concentrated in bonds located in     , there may be
   more risk than if the bonds were issued by issuers located in several states;

- -  Assuming no changes in interest rates, when you sell your Units, they will
   generally be worth less than your cost because your cost included a sales
   charge;

- -  The Portfolio will receive early returns of principal if bonds are called or
   sold before they mature. If this happens your income will decline and you may
   not be able to reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a
   maturity; and

- -  The Portfolio is not actively managed and may continue to purchase or hold a
   bond included in the Portfolio even though the bond's outlook or its market
   value or yield may have changed.

FEES AND EXPENSES
This table shows the fees and expenses you may pay, directly or indirectly, when
you invest in the Portfolio.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                AMOUNT PER
                                                  $1,000
                                               INVESTED (AS
                                PERCENT OF      OF INITIAL
                              PUBLIC OFFERING     DATE OF
                                   PRICE         DEPOSIT)
                              ---------------  -------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>
INVESTOR FEES
(As of the Initial Date of
  Deposit)
Maximum Sales Charge........          4.9%       $   49.00
</TABLE>

ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  DISTRIBUTION PLAN
                        -------------------------------------
                         MONTHLY    QUARTERLY    SEMI-ANNUAL
                        ---------  -----------  -------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>          <C>
Trustee's Fee(1)......  $           $            $
Sponsor's Evaluation
  Fee(1)..............  $     .17   $     .17    $       .17
Other Operating
  Expenses (per
  Unit)...............  $           $            $
TOTAL (per Unit as of
  the Initial Date of
  Deposit)............  $           $            $

MAXIMUM ORGANIZATION
  COSTS (PER
  UNIT)(2)............  $     .25   $     .25    $       .25
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) The Trustee's Fee and the Sponsor's Evaluation Fee are per $1,000 principal
    amount of the bonds in the Portfolio.

(2) Organization costs are deducted from Portfolio assets at the earlier of the
    close of the initial offering period or 6 months after Initial Date of
    Deposit.

THE MAXIMUM PER UNIT SALES CHARGES ARE REDUCED AS FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PERCENT OF
                                                  OFFERING
               NUMBER OF UNITS*                     PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                             <C>
 Less than 500................................         4.90%
 500 but less than 1,000......................         4.75
 1,000 but less than 2,500....................         4.50
 2,500 but less than 5,000....................         4.25
 5,000 but less than 10,000...................         3.50
 10,000 but less than 25,000..................         3.00
 25,000 but less than 50,000..................         2.50
 50,000 or more...............................         2.00
</TABLE>

- ------------
*   Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis
    of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to
    $50,000, 1,000 Units to $100,000 etc., and will be applied on that basis
    which is more favorable to you.

As described in "Public Offering Price" in Part B of the Prospectus, certain
classes of investors are also entitled to reduced sales charges. Also see
"Public Offering Price" in Part B of the Prospectus for secondary market sales
charges.

EXAMPLE
This example may help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio to the
cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods
indicated and then either redeem or do not redeem your Units at the end of those
periods. The example also assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and
that the Portfolio's operating expenses stay the same. Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Monthly                $           $           $           $
Quarterly              $           $           $           $
Semi-annual            $           $           $           $
</TABLE>

See "Trust Operating Expenses" in Part B of the Prospectus for additional
information regarding expenses.

                                     ------
                                       4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule of Investments
(AT THE INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT,               , 1999)
                 NUVEEN NATIONAL INSURED PORTFOLIO, SERIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  RATINGS(2)        COST OF
                                                                             --------------------    BONDS
AGGREGATE                                                     REDEMPTION     STANDARD &                TO
PRINCIPAL                  NAME OF ISSUER, TITLE(1)(6)       PROVISIONS(3)     POOR'S    MOODY'S   PORTFOLIO(4)
<C>         <S>        <C>                                  <C>              <C>         <C>       <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  [TO COME]
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1)  The Sponsor's contracts to purchase the bonds were entered into on
                  , 1999. All bonds are represented by regular way contracts,
     unless otherwise indicated, for the performance of which an irrevocable
     letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee.

(2)  A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor's and Moody's rating
     symbols and their meanings is set forth under "Description of Ratings" in
     the Information Supplement to this Prospectus. "N.R." indicates that the
     issue has not been rated by that rating agency. See "Insurance on the
     Bonds" in Part B of this Prospectus.

(3)  Under this heading, the year in which each issue of bonds is initially or
     currently redeemable and the redemption price for that year is shown.
     Unless otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at
     declining prices thereafter, but not at a price below par value. The prices
     at which the bonds may be redeemed or called prior to maturity may or may
     not include a premium and, in certain cases, may be less than the cost of
     the bonds to the Portfolio. In addition, certain bonds in the Portfolio may
     be redeemed in whole or in part other than by operation of the stated
     redemption provisions under certain unusual or extraordinary circumstances
     specified in the instruments setting forth the terms and provisions of such
     bonds.

(4)  During the initial offering period, evaluations of bonds are made on the
     basis of current offering side evaluations of the bonds.

(5)  This bond has been purchased at a deep discount from the par value because
     there is no stated interest income thereon. Bonds which pay no interest are
     normally described as "zero coupon" bonds. Over the life of bonds purchased
     at a deep discount, the value of the bonds will increase such that upon
     maturity the holders of such bonds will receive 100% of the principal
     amount thereof.

(6)  Other information regarding the bonds in the Portfolio on the Initial Date
     of Deposit is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ESTIMATED
                                ANNUAL             ESTIMATED                 ESTIMATED
                 PROFIT        INTEREST           GROSS ANNUAL               NET ANNUAL
  COST TO       (OR LOSS)      INCOME TO           INCOME PER                INCOME PER          BID PRICE
  SPONSOR      TO SPONSOR    PORTFOLIO(7)           UNIT(7)                   UNIT(7)            OF BONDS
- ------------  -------------  -------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  -----------
<S>           <C>            <C>            <C>                       <C>                       <C>
 $              $              $            $      -- Monthly         $      -- Monthly          $
                                            $     -- Quarterly        $     -- Quarterly
                                            $    -- Semi-annual       $    -- Semi-annual
</TABLE>

    In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of offering
    price and bid price (as a percentage of principal amount) is   % for the
    Portfolio.

(7)  The estimated income figures reflected above are estimates determined as of
     the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit and actual payments
     may vary. It is anticipated that the amount of interest to be distributed
     per Unit in each year will initially be substantially equal to the
     estimated net annual income per Unit provided above. Interest income does
     not include accretion of original issue discount on zero coupon bonds. The
     amount of interest to be distributed annually per Unit will generally
     change as bonds are redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses
     increase or decrease. See "Distribution to Unitholders" in Part B of this
     Prospectus.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS USED AS A PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS FOR A
FUTURE NUVEEN DEFINED PORTFOLIO, THE PORTFOLIO WILL CONTAIN DIFFERENT BONDS THAN
THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     ------
                                       5
<PAGE>
How to Buy and Sell Units

INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

The MINIMUM INVESTMENT is normally $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less.
However, for IRA purchases the minimum investment is $500 or the nearest whole
number of Units whose value is less than $500.

YOU CAN BUY UNITS FROM ANY PARTICIPATING DEALER.

As of   , 1999, the Initial Date of Deposit, the PER UNIT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
FOR THE PORTFOLIO IS $    . As described above, Units are subject to a maximum
sales charge of 4.9% of the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price
includes the sales charge, any net accrued but undistributed interest on the
Unit and the estimated organization cost of $0.25 per Unit. For Units purchased
on the Initial Date of Deposit, $  of accrued interest will be added to the
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price changes every day with changes
in the prices of the bonds.

Wrap Account Purchases and certain other investors described in Part B of the
Prospectus, may buy Units at the Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint
purchases minus the concession the Sponsor typically allows for dealers for
non-breakpoint purchases.

The Portfolio's securities are valued by the Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, every business day.

The Sponsor intends to periodically create additional Units of the Portfolio.
See "Nuveen Defined Portfolios" and "Composition of Trusts" in Part B of the
Prospectus for more details.

See "Public Offering Price" and "Market for Units" in Part B for additional
information.

SALES OR REDEMPTIONS

Units may be redeemed by the Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, on any business
day at their current market value based on the bid prices of the bonds.

Although not obligated to do so, the Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
may maintain a market for Units and offer to repurchase the Units at prices
based on their current market value. If a secondary market is not maintained, a
Unitholder may still redeem Units through the Trustee.

During the period ending with the earlier of six months after the Initial Date
of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period, the price at which the
Trustee will redeem Units and the price at which the Sponsor may repurchase
Units include estimated organization costs. After such period, the amount paid
will not include such estimated organization costs.

See "Redemption" and "Market for Units" in Part B of the Prospectus for details.

Risk Factors

YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO. Your investment is at risk
primarily because of:

- -  INTEREST RATE RISK

   Interest rate risk is the risk that bonds in the Portfolio will decline in
   value because of a rise in interest rates. Generally, bonds will increase in
   value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates
   rise. Typically, bonds with longer periods before maturity are more sensitive
   to interest rate changes.

- -  CREDIT RISK

   Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a bond in the Portfolio or an
   insurer is unable or unwilling to meet its obligation to make interest and
   principal payments.

- -  CALL RISK

   Call risk is the risk that bonds can be prepaid or "called" by the issuer
   before their stated maturity. If bonds are called, your income will decline
   and you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield.
   Also, an early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return. Bonds
   in the Portfolio are more likely to be called when interest rates decline.
   This would result in early returns of principal to you and may result in
   early termination of the Portfolio. The dates and prices upon which the

                                     ------
                                       6
<PAGE>
   bonds are first subject to optional calls are provided in "Schedule of
   Investments." The bonds may also be subject to special or extraordinary call
   provisions and "mandatory put" features that may cause the bonds to be
   removed from the Portfolio prior to maturity.

- -  MARKET RISK

   Market risk is the risk that the market value of a bond or the Portfolio may
   change rapidly and unpredictably, causing the bond or the Portfolio to be
   worth less than its original price. Volatility in the market price of the
   bonds in the Portfolio changes the value of the Units of the Portfolio.
   Market value may be affected by a variety of factors including, among others:

   -- changes in the perceptions about the issuers or insurers;

   -- changes in interest rates or inflation;

   -- changes in the ratings of the issuers or insurers; or

   -- changes in the financial condition of the issuers or insurers of the
     bonds.

- -  LIQUIDITY RISK

   Liquidity risk is the risk that the value of the bonds may be reduced if
   trading in the bonds is limited or absent. Because the bonds will generally
   trade in the over-the-counter market, a liquid trading market may not exist.

- -  INFLATION RISK

   Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
   investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
   money.

- -  BOND QUALITY RISK

   Bond quality risk is the risk that a reduction in a bond's rating may
   decrease its value and the value of your investment in the Portfolio.
- -  REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK

   Reduced diversification risk is the risk that the diversification of your
   investment is reduced as bonds in the Portfolio are called, sold or mature.
   This reduction in diversification may increase the risk of loss and increase
   your share of Portfolio expenses.

- -  LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISK

   Litigation and legislation risk is the risk that future litigation or
   legislation could affect the value of the Portfolio.

- -  CONCENTRATION RISK

   When bonds in a particular industry make up 25% or more of the Portfolio, it
   is said to be "concentrated" in that industry, which makes a Portfolio less
   diversified and subject to more market risk. [The Portfolio is concentrated
   in bonds of health care facility revenue issuers. These issuers must contend
   with:

   -- government regulation;

   -- fluctuating occupancy levels; and

   -- increased costs.]

- -  ZERO COUPON RISK

   Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest. The
   buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
   of the bond at its maturity. Zero coupon bonds are subject to substantially
   greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates
   than are bonds of comparable quality that pay interest currently.

Distributions and Taxes

INTEREST DISTRIBUTIONS

Interest income received by the Portfolio, net of expenses, will be paid to
investors. You may choose to receive interest distributions on a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. Interest distributions will be paid on the
following dates to the applicable Unitholders of record:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION
    PLAN           RECORD DATES         DISTRIBUTION DATES
- ------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>           <C>                     <C>
Monthly       1st of each month       15th of each month
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Quarterly     1st of February, May,   15th of February, May,
              August and November     August and November
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Semi-annual   1st of May and          15th of May and
              November                November
</TABLE>

                                     ------
                                       7
<PAGE>
The Portfolio's estimated interest distributions per Unit are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION PLAN       MONTHLY   QUARTERLY   SEMI- ANNUAL
- ---------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>         <C>
Initial Payment            $          $             $
(Date)                 ( /  /99)  ( /  /99)     ( /  /99)
Partial Payment           N/A                       $
(Date)                            ( /  /99)    (  /  /99)
First Normal Payment       $          $             $
(Date)                 ( /  /99)  (  /  /99)    ( /  /00)
Normal Total Annual        $          $             $
Distributions
</TABLE>

The amount of interest will generally change as bonds in the Portfolio mature,
are called or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated
distributions assume that all of the bonds are delivered to the Portfolio.

The estimated distributions provided above do not include accretion of original
issue discount on "zero coupon" bonds. Zero coupon bonds will only distribute
amounts at maturity. See "Distributions to Unitholders" in Part B of this
Prospectus for details.

PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions of principal received by the Portfolio will be paid on or shortly
after each May 15 and November 15 to Unitholders of record on each May 1 and
November 1, respectively, provided the amount available for distribution equals
at least $0.10 per Unit. See "Distributions to Unitholders" in Part B of the
Prospectus for additional information.

TAX STATUS

Interest on the bonds in the Portfolio is exempt from federal income taxes for
U.S. investors. You will receive principal payments if bonds are sold or called,
or mature. You will be subject to tax on any gain realized by the Portfolio on
the disposition of bonds.

See "Tax Status" in Part B of this Prospectus for further tax information.

Estimated Returns

Defined Portfolios use two separate calculations to measure estimated returns:
estimated current return and estimated long term return.

Estimated current return equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Portfolio less estimated annual Portfolio expenses, divided by
the Unit price (including the maximum sales charge):

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>        <C>
Estimated Annual      -         Estimated
Interest Income              Annual Expenses
- --------------------------------------------
                 Unit Price
</TABLE>

Estimated long term return is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Portfolio. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long
Term Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the
Portfolio. It is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to
an earlier call date) of the individual bonds in the Portfolio, adjusted to
reflect the Portfolio's maximum sales charge and estimated expenses. We
calculate the average yield for the Portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by
its market value and the time remaining to the call or maturity date.

The Portfolio's estimated current and long term returns as of the business day
prior to the Initial Date of Deposit are as follows:

                               ESTIMATED RETURNS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION PLAN    CURRENT RETURN    LONG-TERM RETURN
- ------------------  ----------------  ------------------
<S>                 <C>               <C>
Monthly                    %                  %
Quarterly                  %                  %
Semi-Annual                %                  %
</TABLE>

These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive
and your actual return will vary with Unit price, how long you hold your
investment and changes in the Portfolio, interest income and expenses.

Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including the general
condition of the bond market, the size of a particular offering and the maturity
and quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.

See "Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return" in Part B of the
Prospectus for details.

General Information

INSURANCE

All of the bonds in the Portfolio are insured by the Sponsor under a financial
guaranty insurance policy obtained from MBIA Insurance Corporation

                                     ------
                                       8
<PAGE>
("MBIA") for as long as the bonds are outstanding and MBIA remains in business.
The insurance guarantees the scheduled payment of principal and interest on all
of the bonds in the Portfolio. It does not guarantee the market value of the
bonds or the value of the Units of the Portfolio. See "Insurance on the Bonds"
in Part B of the Prospectus for further information.

RATINGS
All bonds in the Portfolio have been rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's and "Aaa"
by Moody's, their highest ratings.

TERMINATION

The Portfolio will terminate upon the sale, redemption or other disposition of
the last bond in the Portfolio. However, in no event will the Portfolio continue
after the Mandatory Termination Date,             .

Unitholders will receive a cash distribution that represents their share of the
Portfolio's assets within a reasonable time after the Portfolio terminates. For
more details regarding termination, including a description of other
circumstances in which the Portfolio may terminate, see "Other Information --
Termination of Indenture" in Part B of the Prospectus.

THE SPONSOR

Since our founding in 1898, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has been synonymous
with investments that withstand the test of time. Today, we offer a range of
equity and fixed-income unit trusts designed to suit the unique circumstances
and financial planning needs of mature investors. More than 1.3 million
investors have trusted Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently
enjoy.

The prospectus describes in detail the investment objectives, policies and risks
of this unit trust. We invite you to discuss the contents with your financial
adviser, or you may call us at 800-257-8787 for additional information.

DEALER CONCESSIONS

The Sponsor plans to allow a concession of $3.20 per Unit for non-breakpoint
purchases of Units to dealer firms in connection with the sale of Units in a
given transaction.

The concession paid to dealers is reduced or eliminated in connection with Units
sold in transactions to investors that receive reduced sales charges based on
the number of Units sold or in connection with Units sold in Wrap Account
Purchases and to other investors entitled to the sales charge reduction
applicable for Wrap Account Purchases, as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DISCOUNT PER
NUMBER OF UNITS*                                      UNIT
- ------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                               <C>
Less than 500...................................    $    3.20
500 but less than 1,000.........................         3.20
1,000 but less than 2,500.......................         3.20
2,500 but less than 5,000.......................         3.20
5,000 but less than 10,000......................         2.50
10,000 but less than 25,000.....................         2.00
25,000 but less than 50,000.....................         1.75
50,000 or more..................................         1.75
Wrap Account Purchases..........................         0.00
</TABLE>

*Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis of
the number of Units purchased using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
1,000 Units to $100,000 etc., and will be applied on that basis which is more
favorable to you and may result in a reduction in the discount per Unit.

See "Distributions of Units to the Public" in Part B of the Prospectus for
additional information on dealer concessions, volume incentives, and secondary
market dealer concessions.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)

Investors may use a Letter of Intent to get reduced sales charges on purchases
made over a 13-month period (and to take advantage of dollar cost averaging).
The minimum LOI investment is $50,000. See "Public Offering Price" in Part B of
this Prospectus.

REINVESTMENT

Interest income and returned principal can be reinvested with no sales charge
into Nuveen mutual or money market funds. See "Accumulation Plan" in Part B of
this Prospectus. For more information, obtain a prospectus from your financial
adviser.

NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS

Portfolio purchases may be applied toward breakpoint pricing discounts for
Nuveen Mutual Funds. For more information about Nuveen investment products,
obtain a prospectus from your financial adviser.

                                     ------
                                       9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Condition
(AT THE INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT, ]         )

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Investment in bonds represented by purchase contracts(1)(2).................................  $
Accrued interest to ]         on underlying bonds(1)........................................  $
Cash in portfolio...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to ]         on underlying bonds(4)....................................  $
    Reimbursement of Sponsor for organization costs(3)......................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest outstanding (    )
    Cost to investors(5)....................................................................  $
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)..............................................  $
        Less: Organization costs(3).........................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
    Net amount applicable to investors......................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>

- ------------

(1)  An irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee as
    collateral, which is sufficient to cover the monies necessary for the
    purchase of the bonds pursuant to contracts for the purchase of such bonds.
    The amount of such letter of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the
    amount necessary for the purchase of the bonds plus accrued interest to the
    Initial Date of Deposit.

(2)  Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Initial Date of Deposit of
    the bonds listed under "Schedule of Investments," and their aggregate cost
    to the Portfolio is the same. These offering prices were determined by Kenny
    S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close
    of business on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit. (See
    "Evaluation of Securities at the Initial Date of Deposit" in Part B of this
    Prospectus.)

(3)  A portion of the Public Offering Price consists of an amount sufficient to
    reimburse the Sponsor for all or a portion of the costs of establishing the
    Portfolio. These costs have been estimated at $0.25 per Unit for the
    Portfolio. A payment will be made as of the earlier of six months after the
    Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period to an
    account maintained by the Trustee from which the obligations of the
    investors to the Sponsor are dispensed. To the extent that actual
    organization costs are greater than the estimated amount, only the estimated
    organization costs added to the Public Offering Price will be reimbursed to
    the Sponsor and deducted from the assets of the Portfolio.

(4)  Representing, as set forth in "Accrued Interest" in Part B of this
    Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
    bond interest as of the Initial Date of Deposit.

(5)  Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
    set forth under "Public Offering Price" in Part B of this Prospectus.

(6)  The gross underwriting commission of 4.9% of the Public Offering Price has
    been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
    reduction of the sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
    involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "Public
    Offering Price" in Part B of this Prospectus.)

                                     ------
                                       10
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Public Accountants

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1138:

We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of Nuveen
Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138, as of          , 1999. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Sponsor. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments at
date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138, as of          ,
1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois,
         , 1999.

                                     ------
                                       11
<PAGE>
[Logo]
Defined
                    NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1138
Portfolios
                              PROSPECTUS -- PART A
                                         , 1999

<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 Sponsor             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312-917-7700

                 Trustee             The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                     4 New York Plaza
                                     New York, NY 10004-2413
                                     Telephone: 800-257-8787
</TABLE>

    This Prospectus does not contain complete information about the Portfolio
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC under the:

    Securities Act of 1933 (file no. 333-     )

    Investment Company Act of 1940 (file no. 811-2271)

    To obtain copies at proscribed rates--

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
Write:     Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC
           20549-6009
Call:      (800) SEC-0330
Visit:     http://www.sec.gov
</TABLE>

    No person is authorized to give any information or representation about the
Portfolio not contained in Parts A or B of this Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on any other information.

    When Units of the Portfolio are no longer available or for investors who
will reinvest into subsequent series of the Portfolio, this Prospectus may be
used as a preliminary Prospectus for a future series. If this is the case,
investors should note the following:

        1.  Information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed;

        2.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement
    filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective; and

        3.  This Prospectus is not an offer to sell the securities of a future
    series and is not soliciting an offer to buy such securities in any state
    where the offer or sale is not permitted.
<PAGE>
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                       [LOGO]
                                Defined Portfolios

Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138
Nuveen California Insured Portfolio,
Series

Prospectus Part A dated        , 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -  Long-Term Municipal Bonds
- -  Bonds Insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation
- -  AAA Rated Bonds
- -  Monthly, Quarterly or Semi-annual Distributions
- -  Federal and State Tax Exempt Income

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
Nuveen California Insured Portfolio,
Series

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUSIP NOS:
<S>           <C>           <C>
MONTHLY       QUARTERLY     SEMI-ANNUAL
</TABLE>

Overview

Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts, Series 1138 includes the unit investment trust
listed above. The Portfolio seeks to provide income exempt from federal income
tax and California income tax and to conserve capital by investing in insured
municipal bonds.

Units are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any bank. Units are
not FDIC insured and involve investment risk, including the possible loss of
principal.

 Contents

<TABLE>
<C>        <S>
        2  OVERVIEW
        3  NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED PORTFOLIO, SERIES
        3  RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
        3  Investment Objective
        3  Investment Strategy
        3  Bond Selection
        3  Investor Suitability
        3  Portfolio Diversification
        3  Primary Risks
        4  Fees and Expenses
        5  SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
        6  HOW TO BUY AND SELL UNITS
        6  Investing in the Portfolio
        6  Sales or Redemptions
        6  RISK FACTORS
        8  DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
        8  Interest Distributions
        8  Principal Distributions
        8  Tax Status
        9  ESTIMATED RETURNS
       10  GENERAL INFORMATION
       10  Insurance
       10  Ratings
       10  Termination
       10  The Sponsor
       10  Dealer Concessions
       10  Optional Features
       10  LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)
       10  REINVESTMENT
       10  NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
       11  STATEMENT OF CONDITION
       12  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 For the Table of Contents of Part B, see Part B of the
 Prospectus.
</TABLE>

- ------------

                                     ------
                                       2
<PAGE>
Nuveen California Insured Portfolio,
Series

RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Portfolio seeks to provide income exempt from federal income tax and
California income tax and conservation of capital.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Portfolio consists of    insured bonds issued by entities located in
California. Approximately
percent of the principal amount of the Portfolio consists of zero coupon bonds.
The bonds are expected to remain in the Portfolio until they mature, are called
or are sold to meet redemptions or expenses.

BOND SELECTION
The bonds selected for the Portfolio are:

- -  General obligation bonds; and/or

- -  Are revenue bonds which have principal and interest payments from the income
   of a specific project or authority.

All of the bonds in the Portfolio are:

- -  Insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation to guarantee payment of principal and
   interest on the bonds (but not the units or the market value of the bonds
   before they mature); and

- -  Rated "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's.

The Sponsor considered the following factors in selecting bonds for the
Portfolio:

- -  The prices and yields of the bonds;

- -  Whether the bonds are trading at a premium or discount from par;

- -  The present rating and credit quality of the issuers of the bonds and the
   potential improvement in the credit quality of such issuers;

- -  The diversification of the bonds as to the location of the issuers;

- -  The potential income generated by the bonds;

- -  The stated maturities and call provisions of the bonds; and

- -  Whether the bonds were insured and the availability and cost of insurance for
   the bonds.

Through examining these factors, the Sponsor seeks to select a Portfolio that
has the potential to meet the Portfolio's investment objective of federal and
State tax-exempt income and conservation of capital.

A description of the bonds included in the Portfolio is provided in the
"Schedule of Investments."

The Portfolio consists of bonds having a dollar-weighted average maturity of
    years.

INVESTOR SUITABILITY
The Portfolio may be suitable for you if you are seeking:

- -  An opportunity for attractive, dependable income;

- -  Insured, AAA-rated bonds;

- -  A focus on long-term capital preservation;

- -  An appropriate vehicle for retirement or other tax-deferred accounts; and

- -  Income exempt from federal and California income tax.

The Portfolio is not appropriate for you if you are seeking:

- -  An aggressive high-growth investment strategy.

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
The Portfolio consists of the following types of bonds:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           APPROXIMATE
           TYPE OF ISSUER             PORTFOLIO PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------  ---------------------
<S>                                   <C>
General Obligation
Power Revenue                                        %
Health Care Facility Revenue                         %
Water and/or Sewer Revenue                           %
Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue                      %
                                               ------
        Total                                   100.0%
</TABLE>

PRIMARY RISKS

YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO. In addition, the Portfolio may
not perform as well as you hope. These things can happen for various reasons,
including:

- -  Unit prices and yields may decline during the life of the Portfolio;

- -  Rising interest rates will reduce the value of your Units. Typically, bonds
   with longer periods before maturity are more sensitive to interest rate
   changes;

- -  A bond issuer or an insurer may be unwilling or unable to meet its obligation
   to make principal or interest payments, resulting in a reduction in the value
   of your Units;

- -  The financial condition of a bond issuer or insurer may worsen or their
   credit ratings may drop, resulting in a reduction in the value of your Units;

- -  Because the Portfolio is concentrated in bonds of healthcare facility revenue
   issuers, adverse developments in this industry may affect the

                                     ------
                                       3
<PAGE>
   value of your Units. These issuers must contend with:

   -  government regulation,

   -  fluctuating occupancy levels, and

   -  increased costs;

- -  Because the Portfolio is concentrated in bonds located in California, there
   may be more risk than if the bonds were issued by issuers located in several
   states;

- -  Assuming no changes in interest rates, when you sell your Units, they will
   generally be worth less than your cost because your cost included a sales
   charge;

- -  The Portfolio will receive early returns of principal if bonds are called or
   sold before they mature. If this happens your income will decline and you may
   not be able to reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a
   maturity; and

- -  The Portfolio is not actively managed and may continue to purchase or hold a
   bond included in the Portfolio even though the bond's outlook or its market
   value or yield may have changed.

FEES AND EXPENSES
This table shows the fees and expenses you may pay, directly or indirectly, when
you invest in the Portfolio.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                AMOUNT PER
                                                  $1,000
                                               INVESTED (AS
                                PERCENT OF      OF INITIAL
                              PUBLIC OFFERING     DATE OF
                                   PRICE         DEPOSIT)
                              ---------------  -------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>
INVESTOR FEES
(As of the Initial Date of
  Deposit)
Maximum Sales Charge........          4.9%       $   49.00
</TABLE>

ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  DISTRIBUTION PLAN
                        -------------------------------------
                         MONTHLY    QUARTERLY    SEMI-ANNUAL
                        ---------  -----------  -------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>          <C>
Trustee's Fee(1)......  $           $            $
Sponsor's Evaluation
  Fee(1)..............  $     .17   $     .17    $       .17
Other Operating
  Expenses (per
  Unit)...............  $           $            $
TOTAL (per Unit as of
  the Initial Date of
  Deposit)............  $           $            $

MAXIMUM ORGANIZATION
  COSTS (PER
  UNIT)(2)............  $     .25   $     .25    $       .25
</TABLE>

- ------------
(1) The Trustee's Fee and the Sponsor's Evaluation Fee are per $1,000 principal
    amount of the bonds in the Portfolio.

(2) Organization costs are deducted from Portfolio assets at the earlier of the
    close of the initial offering period or 6 months after Initial Date of
    Deposit.

THE MAXIMUM PER UNIT SALES CHARGES ARE REDUCED AS FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PERCENT OF
                                                  OFFERING
               NUMBER OF UNITS*                     PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                             <C>
 Less than 500................................         4.90%
 500 but less than 1,000......................         4.75
 1,000 but less than 2,500....................         4.50
 2,500 but less than 5,000....................         4.25
 5,000 but less than 10,000...................         3.50
 10,000 but less than 25,000..................         3.00
 25,000 but less than 50,000..................         2.50
 50,000 or more...............................         2.00
</TABLE>

- ------------
*   Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis
    of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to
    $50,000, 1,000 Units to $100,000 etc., and will be applied on that basis
    which is more favorable to you.

As described in "Public Offering Price" in Part B of the Prospectus, certain
classes of investors are also entitled to reduced sales charges. Also see
"Public Offering Price" in Part B of the Prospectus for secondary market sales
charges.

EXAMPLE
This example may help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio to the
cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods
indicated and then either redeem or do not redeem your Units at the end of those
periods. The example also assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and
that the Portfolio's operating expenses stay the same. Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Monthly                $           $           $           $
Quarterly              $           $           $           $
Semi-annual            $           $           $           $
</TABLE>

See "Trust Operating Expenses" in Part B of the Prospectus for additional
information regarding expenses.

                                     ------
                                       4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule of Investments
(AT THE INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT,       , 1999)
               NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED PORTFOLIO, SERIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  RATINGS(2)        COST OF
                                                                             --------------------    BONDS
AGGREGATE                                                     REDEMPTION     STANDARD &                TO
PRINCIPAL                  NAME OF ISSUER, TITLE(1)(6)       PROVISIONS(3)     POOR'S    MOODY'S   PORTFOLIO(4)
<C>         <S>        <C>                                  <C>              <C>         <C>       <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    [TO COME]

- ----------                                                                                         ----------
$                                                                                                  $
- ----------                                                                                         ----------
- ----------                                                                                         ----------
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1)  The Sponsor's contracts to purchase the bonds were entered into on      ,
     1999. All bonds are represented by regular way contracts, unless otherwise
     indicated, for the performance of which an irrevocable letter of credit has
     been deposited with the Trustee.

(2)  A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor's and Moody's rating
     symbols and their meanings is set forth under "Description of Ratings" in
     the Information Supplement to this Prospectus. "N.R." indicates that the
     issue has not been rated by that rating agency. See "Insurance on the
     Bonds" in Part B of this Prospectus.

(3)  Under this heading, the year in which each issue of bonds is initially or
     currently redeemable and the redemption price for that year is shown.
     Unless otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at
     declining prices thereafter, but not at a price below par value. The prices
     at which the bonds may be redeemed or called prior to maturity may or may
     not include a premium and, in certain cases, may be less than the cost of
     the bonds to the Portfolio. In addition, certain bonds in the Portfolio may
     be redeemed in whole or in part other than by operation of the stated
     redemption provisions under certain unusual or extraordinary circumstances
     specified in the instruments setting forth the terms and provisions of such
     bonds.

(4)  During the initial offering period, evaluations of bonds are made on the
     basis of current offering side evaluations of the bonds.

(5)  This bond has been purchased at a deep discount from the par value because
     there is no stated interest income thereon. Bonds which pay no interest are
     normally described as "zero coupon" bonds. Over the life of bonds purchased
     at a deep discount, the value of the bonds will increase such that upon
     maturity the holders of such bonds will receive 100% of the principal
     amount thereof.

(6)  Other information regarding the bonds in the Portfolio on the Initial Date
     of Deposit is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ESTIMATED
                                ANNUAL             ESTIMATED                 ESTIMATED
                 PROFIT        INTEREST           GROSS ANNUAL               NET ANNUAL
  COST TO       (OR LOSS)      INCOME TO           INCOME PER                INCOME PER          BID PRICE
  SPONSOR      TO SPONSOR    PORTFOLIO(7)           UNIT(7)                   UNIT(7)            OF BONDS
- ------------  -------------  -------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  -----------
<S>           <C>            <C>            <C>                       <C>                       <C>
 $              $              $            $      -- Monthly         $      -- Monthly          $
                                            $     -- Quarterly        $     -- Quarterly
                                            $    -- Semi-annual       $    -- Semi-annual
</TABLE>

    In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of offering
    price and bid price (as a percentage of principal amount) is    % for the
    Portfolio.

(7)  The estimated income figures reflected above are estimates determined as of
     the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit and actual payments
     may vary. It is anticipated that the amount of interest to be distributed
     per Unit in each year will initially be substantially equal to the
     estimated net annual income per Unit provided above. Interest income does
     not include accretion of original issue discount on zero coupon bonds. The
     amount of interest to be distributed annually per Unit will generally
     change as bonds are redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses
     increase or decrease. See "Distribution to Unitholders" in Part B of this
     Prospectus.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS USED AS A PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS FOR A
FUTURE NUVEEN DEFINED PORTFOLIO, THE PORTFOLIO WILL CONTAIN DIFFERENT BONDS THAN
THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     ------
                                       5
<PAGE>
How to Buy and Sell Units

INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

The MINIMUM INVESTMENT is normally $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less.
However, for IRA purchases the minimum investment is $500 or the nearest whole
number of Units whose value is less than $500.

YOU CAN BUY UNITS FROM ANY PARTICIPATING DEALER.

As of      , 1999, the Initial Date of Deposit, the PER UNIT PUBLIC OFFERING
PRICE FOR THE PORTFOLIO IS $     . As described above, Units are subject to a
maximum sales charge of 4.9% of the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering
Price includes the sales charge, any net accrued but undistributed interest on
the Unit and the estimated organization cost of $0.25 per Unit. For Units
purchased on the Initial Date of Deposit, $   of accrued interest will be added
to the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price changes every day with
changes in the prices of the bonds.

Wrap Account Purchases and certain other investors described in Part B of the
Prospectus, may buy Units at the Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint
purchases minus the concession the Sponsor typically allows for dealers for
non-breakpoint purchases.

The Portfolio's securities are valued by the Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, every business day.

The Sponsor intends to periodically create additional Units of the Portfolio.
See "Nuveen Defined Portfolios" and "Composition of Trusts" in Part B of the
Prospectus for more details.

See "Public Offering Price" and "Market for Units" in Part B for additional
information.

SALES OR REDEMPTIONS

Units may be redeemed by the Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, on any business
day at their current market value based on the bid prices of the bonds.

Although not obligated to do so, the Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
may maintain a market for Units and offer to repurchase the Units at prices
based on their current market value. If a secondary market is not maintained, a
Unitholder may still redeem Units through the Trustee.

During the period ending with the earlier of six months after the Initial Date
of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period, the price at which the
Trustee will redeem Units and the price at which the Sponsor may repurchase
Units include estimated organization costs. After such period, the amount paid
will not include such estimated organization costs.

See "Redemption" and "Market for Units" in Part B of the Prospectus for details.

Risk Factors
YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO. Your investment is at risk
primarily because of:

- -  INTEREST RATE RISK

   Interest rate risk is the risk that bonds in the Portfolio will decline in
   value because of a rise in interest rates. Generally, bonds will increase in
   value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates
   rise. Typically, bonds with longer periods before maturity are more sensitive
   to interest rate changes.

- -  CREDIT RISK

   Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a bond in the Portfolio or an
   insurer is unable or unwilling to meet its obligation to make interest and
   principal payments.

- -  CALL RISK

   Call risk is the risk that bonds can be prepaid or "called" by the issuer
   before their stated maturity. If bonds are called, your income will decline
   and you may not be able to reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield.
   Also, an early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return. Bonds
   in the Portfolio are more likely to be called when interest rates decline.
   This would result in early returns of principal to you and may result in
   early termination of the Portfolio. The dates and prices upon which the bonds
   are first subject to optional calls are provided in "Schedule of
   Investments." The bonds may also be subject to special or extraordinary call
   provisions and "mandatory put" features that may cause the bonds to be
   removed from the Portfolio prior to maturity.

- -  MARKET RISK

   Market risk is the risk that the market value of a bond or the Portfolio may
   change rapidly and unpredictably, causing the bond or the Portfolio

                                     ------
                                       6
<PAGE>
   to be worth less than its original price. Volatility in the market price of
   the bonds in the Portfolio changes the value of the Units of the Portfolio.
   Market value may be affected by a variety of factors including, among others:

   -- changes in the perceptions about the issuers or insurers;

   -- changes in interest rates or inflation;

   -- changes in the ratings of the issuers or insurers; or

   -- changes in the financial condition of the issuers or insurers of the
     bonds.

- -  LIQUIDITY RISK

   Liquidity risk is the risk that the value of the bonds may be reduced if
   trading in the bonds is limited or absent. Because the bonds will generally
   trade in the over-the-counter market, a liquid trading market may not exist.

- -  INFLATION RISK

   Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from
   investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
   money.

- -  BOND QUALITY RISK

   Bond quality risk is the risk that a reduction in a bond's rating may
   decrease its value and the value of your investment in the Portfolio.

- -  REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK

   Reduced diversification risk is the risk that the diversification of your
   investment is reduced as bonds in the Portfolio are called, sold or mature.
   This reduction in diversification may increase the risk of loss and increase
   your share of Portfolio expenses.

- -  LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISK

   Litigation and legislation risk is the risk that future litigation or
   legislation could affect the value of the Portfolio.

- -  INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION RISK

   When bonds in a particular industry make up 25% or more of the Portfolio, it
   is said to be "concentrated" in that industry, which makes a Portfolio less
   diversified and subject to more market risk. [The Portfolio is concentrated
   in bonds of health care facility revenue issuers. These issuers must contend
   with:

   -- government regulation;

   -- fluctuating occupancy levels; and

   -- increased costs.]

- -  STATE CONCENTRATION RISK

   The Portfolio is concentrated in bonds of California issuers. This
   concentration may expose you to additional risk. These risks include:

   -- FINANCIAL CONDITION

     California's financial condition is affected by:

         National,
         Local,
         Economic,
         Social, and
         Environmental policies and conditions.

   -- GOVERNMENT

     Your units may be affected by government actions such as limitations
     imposed by constitutional amendments, legislative measures, and voter
     initiatives concerning:

         Taxes,
         Bond indebtedness,
         Matters limiting the state and local government's ability to generate
     revenue, and
         Matters affecting an issuer's ability to satisfy its obligations.

   California's general obligation bonds are currently rated Aa3 by Moody's and
   A+ by
   Standard & Poor's.

   -- ECONOMY

     California's economy is affected by:

         Natural disasters;
         Cutbacks in federal defense spending;
         Weakness in manufacturing, particularly aerospace, construction,
     services and trade;
         Population increase causing traffic congestion, school overcrowding,
     high housing costs and a higher demand for government services.

   -- LITIGATION

         In December, 1994, Orange County and its pooled investment fund filed
         for bankruptcy. It is yet to be determined what impact this will have
         on the State and Orange County.

- -  ZERO COUPON RISK

   Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest. The
   buyer

                                     ------
                                       7
<PAGE>
   receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount of the
   bond at its maturity. Zero coupon bonds are subject to substantially greater
   price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are
   bonds of comparable quality that pay interest currently.

Distributions and Taxes

INTEREST DISTRIBUTIONS

Interest income received by the Portfolio, net of expenses, will be paid to
investors. You may choose to receive interest distributions on a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. Interest distributions will be paid on the
following dates to the applicable Unitholders of record:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION
    PLAN           RECORD DATES         DISTRIBUTION DATES
- ------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>           <C>                     <C>
Monthly       1st of each month       15th of each month
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Quarterly     1st of February, May,   15th of February, May,
              August and November     August and November
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Semi-annual   1st of May and          15th of May and
              November                November
</TABLE>

The Portfolio's estimated interest distributions per Unit are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION PLAN       MONTHLY   QUARTERLY   SEMI- ANNUAL
- ---------------------  ---------  ----------  -------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>         <C>
Initial Payment            $          $             $
(Date)                  (    )      (    )       (    )
Partial Payment           N/A                       $
(Date)                              (    )       (    )
First Normal Payment       $          $             $
(Date)                  (    )      (    )       (    )
Normal Total Annual        $          $             $
Distributions
</TABLE>

The amount of interest will generally change as bonds in the Portfolio mature,
are called or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease. Estimated
distributions assume that all of the bonds are delivered to the Portfolio.

The estimated distributions provided above do not include accretion of original
issue discount on "zero coupon" bonds. Zero coupon bonds will only distribute
amounts at maturity. See "Distributions to Unitholders" in Part B of this
Prospectus for details.

PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions of principal received by the Portfolio will be paid on or shortly
after each May 15 and November 15 to Unitholders of record on each May 1 and
November 1, respectively, provided the amount available for distribution equals
at least $0.10 per Unit. See "Distributions to Unitholders" in Part B of the
Prospectus for additional information.

TAX STATUS

Interest on the bonds in the Portfolio is exempt from federal income taxes for
U.S. investors. You will receive principal payments if bonds are sold or called,
or mature. You will be subject to tax on any gain realized by the Portfolio on
the disposition of bonds.

In the opinion of         , California, special counsel on California tax
matters:

    Under the income tax laws of the State of California, the Portfolio will not
    be taxed as a corporation and you will be considered to own directly your
    share of each bond of the Portfolio. If you are a California taxpayer, your
    share of the income from the bonds of the Portfolio will not be tax-exempt
    in California except for California personal income tax purposes and only to
    the extent that the income is earned on bonds that are exempt for such
    purposes. If you are a California taxpayer and all or part of your share of
    a bond is disposed of (for example, when a bond is sold, exchanged or
    redeemed at maturity or you sell or exchange your units), you will recognize
    gain or loss for California tax purposes. Depending on where you live, your
    income from the Portfolio may be subject to state and local taxation. You
    should consult your tax advisor in this regard.

See "Tax Status" in Part B of this Prospectus for further tax information.

Estimated Returns

Defined Portfolios use two separate calculations to measure estimated returns:
estimated current return and estimated long term return.

Estimated current return equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Portfolio less estimated annual Portfolio expenses, divided by
the Unit price (including the maximum sales charge):

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>        <C>
Estimated Annual      -         Estimated
Interest Income              Annual Expenses
- --------------------------------------------
                 Unit Price
</TABLE>

Estimated long term return is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Portfolio. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long
Term Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the
Portfolio. It is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to
an earlier call date) of the individual bonds in the

                                     ------
                                       8
<PAGE>
Portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Portfolio's maximum sales charge and
estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the Portfolio by
weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time remaining to the
call or maturity date.

The Portfolio's estimated current and long term returns as of the business day
prior to the Initial Date of Deposit are as follows:

                               ESTIMATED RETURNS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION PLAN    CURRENT RETURN    LONG-TERM RETURN
- ------------------  ----------------  ------------------
<S>                 <C>               <C>
Monthly                    %                  %
Quarterly                  %                  %
Semi-Annual                %                  %
</TABLE>

These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive
and your actual return will vary with Unit price, how long you hold your
investment and changes in the Portfolio, interest income and expenses.

Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including the general
condition of the bond market, the size of a particular offering and the maturity
and quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.

See "Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return" in Part B of the
Prospectus for details.

General Information

INSURANCE

All of the bonds in the Portfolio are insured by the Sponsor under a financial
guaranty insurance policy obtained from MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") for
as long as the bonds are outstanding and MBIA remains in business. The insurance
guarantees the scheduled payment of principal and interest on all of the bonds
in the Portfolio. It does not guarantee the market value of the bonds or the
value of the Units of the Portfolio. See "Insurance on the Bonds" in Part B of
the Prospectus for further information.

RATINGS

All bonds in the Portfolio have been rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's and "Aaa"
by Moody's, their highest ratings.

TERMINATION

The Portfolio will terminate upon the sale, redemption or other disposition of
the last bond in the Portfolio. However, in no event will the Portfolio continue
after the Mandatory Termination Date,             .

Unitholders will receive a cash distribution that represents their share of the
Portfolio's assets within a reasonable time after the Portfolio terminates. For
more details regarding termination, including a description of other
circumstances in which the Portfolio may terminate, see "Other Information --
Termination of Indenture" in Part B of the Prospectus.

THE SPONSOR

Since our founding in 1898, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has been synonymous
with investments that withstand the test of time. Today, we offer a range of
equity and fixed-income unit trusts designed to suit the unique circumstances
and financial planning needs of mature investors. More than 1.3 million
investors have trusted Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently
enjoy.

The prospectus describes in detail the investment objectives, policies and risks
of this unit trust. We invite you to discuss the contents with your financial
adviser, or you may call us at 800-257-8787 for additional information.

DEALER CONCESSIONS

The Sponsor plans to allow a concession of $3.20 per Unit for non-breakpoint
purchases of Units to dealer firms in connection with the sale of Units in a
given transaction.

The concession paid to dealers is reduced or eliminated in connection with Units
sold in transactions to investors that receive reduced sales charges based on
the number of Units sold or in connection with Units sold in Wrap Account
Purchases and to other investors entitled to the sales charge reduction
applicable for Wrap Account Purchases, as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DISCOUNT PER
NUMBER OF UNITS*                                       UNIT
- -------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                <C>
Less than 500....................................    $    3.20
500 but less than 1,000..........................         3.20
1,000 but less than 2,500........................         3.20
2,500 but less than 5,000........................         3.20
5,000 but less than 10,000.......................         2.50
10,000 but less than 25,000......................         2.00
25,000 but less than 50,000......................         1.75
50,000 or more...................................         1.75
Wrap Account Purchases...........................         0.00
</TABLE>

*Sales charge reductions are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis of
the number of Units purchased using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
1,000 Units to $100,000 etc., and will be applied on that basis which is more
favorable to you and may result in a reduction in the discount per Unit.

                                     ------
                                       9
<PAGE>
See "Distributions of Units to the Public" in Part B of the Prospectus for
additional information on dealer concessions, volume incentives, and secondary
market dealer concessions.

OPTIONAL FEATURES
LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)

Investors may use a Letter of Intent to get reduced sales charges on purchases
made over a 13-month period (and to take advantage of dollar cost averaging).
The minimum LOI investment is $50,000. See "Public Offering Price" in Part B of
this Prospectus.

REINVESTMENT

Interest income and returned principal can be reinvested with no sales charge
into Nuveen mutual or money market funds. See "Accumulation Plan" in Part B of
this Prospectus. For more information, obtain a prospectus from your financial
adviser.

NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS

Portfolio purchases may be applied toward breakpoint pricing discounts for
Nuveen Mutual Funds. For more information about Nuveen investment products,
obtain a prospectus from your financial adviser.

                                     ------
                                       10
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Condition
(AT THE INITIAL DATE OF DEPOSIT,       , 1999)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Investment in bonds represented by purchase contracts(1)(2).................................  $
Accrued interest to      , 1999 on underlying bonds(1)......................................  $
Cash in portfolio...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to      , 1999 on underlying bonds(4)..................................  $
    Reimbursement of Sponsor for organization costs(3)......................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest outstanding (      )
    Cost to investors(5)....................................................................  $
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)..............................................  $
        Less: Organization costs(3).........................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
    Net amount applicable to investors......................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
            Total...........................................................................  $
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>

- ------------

(1)  An irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee as
    collateral, which is sufficient to cover the monies necessary for the
    purchase of the bonds pursuant to contracts for the purchase of such bonds.
    The amount of such letter of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the
    amount necessary for the purchase of the bonds plus accrued interest to the
    Initial Date of Deposit.

(2)  Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Initial Date of Deposit of
    the bonds listed under "Schedule of Investments," and their aggregate cost
    to the Portfolio is the same. These offering prices were determined by Kenny
    S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close
    of business on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit. (See
    "Evaluation of Securities at the Initial Date of Deposit" in Part B of this
    Prospectus.)

(3)  A portion of the Public Offering Price consists of an amount sufficient to
    reimburse the Sponsor for all or a portion of the costs of establishing the
    Portfolio. These costs have been estimated at $0.25 per Unit for the
    Portfolio. A payment will be made as of the earlier of six months after the
    Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period to an
    account maintained by the Trustee from which the obligations of the
    investors to the Sponsor are dispensed. To the extent that actual
    organization costs are greater than the estimated amount, only the estimated
    organization costs added to the Public Offering Price will be reimbursed to
    the Sponsor and deducted from the assets of the Portfolio.

(4)  Representing, as set forth in "Accrued Interest" in Part B of this
    Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
    bond interest as of the Initial Date of Deposit.

(5)  Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
    set forth under "Public Offering Price" in Part B of this Prospectus.

(6)  The gross underwriting commission of 4.9% of the Public Offering Price has
    been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
    reduction of the sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
    involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "Public
    Offering Price" in Part B of this Prospectus.)

                                     ------
                                       11
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Public Accountants

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1138:

We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of Nuveen
Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138, as of      , 1999. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments at
date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138, as of      ,
1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois,
     , 1999.

                                     ------
                                       12
<PAGE>
[Logo]
Defined
                    NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 1138
Portfolios
                              PROSPECTUS -- PART A
                                        , 1999

<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 Sponsor             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312-917-7700

                 Trustee             The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                     4 New York Plaza
                                     New York, NY 10004-2413
                                     Telephone: 800-257-8787
</TABLE>

    This Prospectus does not contain complete information about the Portfolio
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC under the:

    Securities Act of 1933 (file no. 333-     )

    Investment Company Act of 1940 (file no. 811-2271)

    To obtain copies at proscribed rates--

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
Write:     Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC
           20549-6009
Call:      (800) SEC-0330
Visit:     http://www.sec.gov
</TABLE>

    No person is authorized to give any information or representation about the
Portfolio not contained in Parts A or B of this Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on any other information.

    When Units of the Portfolio are no longer available or for investors who
will reinvest into subsequent series of the Portfolio, this Prospectus may be
used as a preliminary Prospectus for a future series. If this is the case,
investors should note the following:

        1.  Information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed;

        2.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement
    filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective; and

        3.  This Prospectus is not an offer to sell the securities of a future
    series and is not soliciting an offer to buy such securities in any state
    where the offer or sale is not permitted.

<PAGE>
                                            B

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
Defined Portfolios

Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts
Prospectus Part B dated September 1, 1998
</TABLE>

    THE  PROSPECTUS FOR A NUVEEN UNIT TRUST IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. PART A OF
THE PROSPECTUS RELATES EXCLUSIVELY TO  A PARTICULAR TRUST AND PROVIDES  SPECIFIC
INFORMATION  REGARDING  THE TRUST'S  PORTFOLIO, INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE, EXPENSES,
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, INTEREST  DISTRIBUTIONS, ESTIMATED  RETURNS, RISK  FACTORS
and  tax  status. Part  B of  the Prospectus  provides more  general information
regarding the Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit Trusts.  You should read  both Parts of  the
Prospectus and retain them for future reference. Except as provided in Part A of
the  Prospectus, the  information contained  in this Part  B will  apply to each
Trust.

    Additional information  about  the Trusts  is  provided in  the  Information
Supplement.  You  can receive  an Information  Supplement  by calling  The Chase
Manhattan Bank (the "TRUSTEE") at (800) 257-8787.

NUVEEN DEFINED PORTFOLIOS

TAX-FREE INCOME.   Each Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit  Trust consists  of a  diversified
portfolio  of municipal bonds. (See  "Schedule of Investments" in  Part A of the
Prospectus for a list of the Bonds included in a Trust.) Under existing law, the
interest income to a Trust and to Unitholders is exempt from federal income tax.
In addition, interest income of a State Trust is exempt to the extent  indicated
in Part A of the Prospectus from state and, in some cases, local income taxes.

INSURED TRUSTS.  All Bonds in each Nuveen Insured Trust are covered by insurance
policies  obtained from MBIA Insurance Corporation. These policies guarantee the
payment of  principal  and interest  when  due. The  insurance  policies  remain
effective  for the entire life of a Bond. Because of the insurance, the Bonds in
an Insured Trust receive a "AAA" rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings  Service,
a  division of The  McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("STANDARD  & POOR'S") and Fitch
IBCA, Inc. ("FITCH") and "Aaa"  by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.  ("MOODY'S").
Please  note that the insurance relates only  to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts
and not to the Units or the market value of the Units. (See "Why and How are the
Bonds Insured?")

TRADITIONAL TRUSTS.  Each Traditional Trust consists of a diversified  portfolio
of Bonds rated in the category of "A" or better by Standard & Poor's, Moody's or
Fitch.

MINIMUM INVESTMENT--$5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less.

REDEEMABLE UNITS.  Units of a Trust are redeemable at the offices of the Trustee
at  prices  based upon  the bid  prices of  the  Bonds. (See  "How Units  May be
Redeemed Without Charge.")

DISTRIBUTIONS.  Interest received by a Trust will be paid semi-annually,  unless
you  elect to receive distributions monthly or quarterly. Distributions of funds
in the principal account will ordinarily  be made semi-annually. (See "When  are
Distributions Made to Unitholders?")

PUBLIC  OFFERING PRICE.   Public  Offering Price of  a Trust  during the Initial
Offering Period is based upon the offering prices of the Bonds in the Trust plus
an upfront sales charge. For Units purchased in the secondary market, the Public
Offering Price is based upon the bid  prices of the Bonds in the Trust.  Accrued
interest  on the Bonds in  the Portfolio from the  preceding Record Date to, but
not including, the Settlement Date (normally three business days after purchase)
is added to the Public  Offering Price. (See "How  is the Public Offering  Price
Determined?")

                            ------------------------

    THE  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION HAS NOT  APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF
THESE  SECURITIES  OR  PASSED  UPON   THE  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.   ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                  PAGE
<C>   <S>                                                <C>
      WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?            4
      WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?             4
      SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS                              4
      COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS                              6
      WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?                 8
      HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?       9
      MARKET FOR UNITS                                   12
      WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?                          12
      WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED
      CURRENT RETURN?                                    13
      HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE
      DATE
      OF DEPOSIT?                                        14
      WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?             14
      WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?          17
      WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?        18
      ACCUMULATION PLAN                                  19
      HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?           19
      UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION                          19
      HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
      PUBLIC                                             20
      OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS                    21
      HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE           22
      HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR          23
      HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS           23
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE                      23
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR                      24
      OTHER INFORMATION                                  25
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
  J  Tax-Free Unit Trusts

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TOPICAL INDEX                                              PAGE
<C>   <S>                                               <C>      <C>
      Accrued Interest                                           12
      Accumulation Plan                                          19
                                                           Information
      Bond Ratings, Description of                         Supplement
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price             14
      Bonds, How Selected                                        4
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                       7
      Bonds, Removal from a Trust                                23
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                         7
      Capital Gains Taxability                                   14
      Composition of Trusts                                      6
      Dealer Discounts                                           20
      Distributions to Unitholders                               18
                                                                 Part
      Distribution Payment Dates                                 A,18
      Distribution of Units to the Public                        20
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts                 Part A
                                                                 Part
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return    A,13
      Evaluation                                                 19
      Expenses for Normal Trust Operation                        17
      Indenture, Amendment of                                    25
      Indenture, Termination of                                  25
      Insurance on the Bonds                                     8
                                                                 Part
      Interest Account Distributions                             A,18
      Legal Opinion                                              25
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee          24
      Market for Units                                           12
      Minimum Transaction                                        20
      Objectives of the Trusts                                   4
      Optional Distribution Plan                                 18
      Other Information                                          25
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                            21
      Principal Account Distributions                            18
      Public Offering Price of Units                             9
      Purchase of Units by Sponsor                               23
      Quantity Purchases                                         9
                                                                 Part
      Record Dates                                               A,18
      Redemption of Units Without Charge                         22
      Report of Independent Public Accountants                   Part A
      Reports to Unitholders                                     19
      RISK FACTORS                                               Part A
      Sales Charge                                               10
      Schedules of Investments                                   Part A
      Sponsor, Information About                                 24
      State Tax Status                                           Part A
      Statements of Condition                                    Part A
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                            24
      Supplemental Information                                   25
      Tax Status of Unitholders                                  14
      Trustee, Information About                                 23
      Units, Description of                                      4
</TABLE>

                  3
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?

This  Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust  is one  of a  series of  separate but similar
investment companies created by  the Sponsor, each of  which is designated by  a
different Series number. The underlying unit investment trusts contained in this
Series   are  combined  under  one   Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement.  Specific
information regarding this Trust is set forth in Part A of this Prospectus.  The
various  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts are  collectively referred to herein as the
"Trusts"; the trusts in which few or none of the Bonds are insured are sometimes
referred to as the "Traditional  Trusts," the trusts in  which all of the  Bonds
are  insured  as described  herein  are sometimes  referred  to as  the "Insured
Trusts," and  the state  trusts  (both Traditional  and Insured)  are  sometimes
referred to as the "State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the
State  of New York pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the Date of
Deposit (the "Indenture") between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated ("Nuveen"  or
the "Sponsor") and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee").

    Sponsor  has  deposited with  the  Trustee delivery  statements  relating to
contracts for the  purchase of  municipal debt obligations  together with  funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in  the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or the
obligations themselves) (the "Bonds"). See  "Schedule of Investments" in Part  A
of  this Prospectus, for  a description of  the Bonds deposited  in a Trust. See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" herein  and "RISK FACTORS" in  Part A of the  Prospectus
for  a discussion of zero coupon bonds  and stripped obligations included in the
Trusts, if any. Some of the delivery statements may relate to contracts for  the
purchase  of "when issued" or other Bonds  with delivery dates after the date of
settlement for a  purchase made on  the Date  of Deposit. See  the "Schedule  of
Investments"  in Part A  of this Prospectus  and "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS." For a
discussion of  the  Sponsor's obligations  in  the event  of  a failure  of  any
contract  for  the  purchase  of any  of  the  Bonds and  its  limited  right to
substitute other  bonds to  replace  any failed  contract, see  "COMPOSITION  OF
TRUSTS."

    Payment  of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal at
maturity, is guaranteed under policies of  insurance obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the issuers of  the Bonds. (See "WHY  AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS INSURED?") AS A
GENERAL MATTER, NEITHER THE ISSUER NOR  THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE  WITH
RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN ANY TRADITIONAL TRUST.

    The  Trustee has delivered  to the Sponsor  registered Units which represent
ownership of  the  entire  Trust,  and  which  are  offered  for  sale  by  this
Prospectus.  Each Unit of a Trust  represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of such Trust in the ratio set forth in  "Essential
Information"  in Part A of this Prospectus. Units  may only be sold in states in
which they  are registered.  To  the extent  that any  Units  of any  Trust  are
redeemed by the Trustee, the aggregate value of the Trust's assets will decrease
by  the amount  paid to the  redeeming Unitholder, but  the fractional undivided
interest of each unredeemed  Unit in such  Trust will increase  proportionately.
The  Sponsor will  initially, and  from time to  time thereafter,  hold Units in
connection with their offering.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?

The objectives of the Trusts are income  exempt from Federal income tax and,  in
the  case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles taxes,
and conservation of capital, through an  investment in obligations issued by  or
on  behalf of states  and territories of  the United States  and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof,  the interest  on which  is, in  the opinion  of
recognized  bond counsel  to the  issuing governmental  authorities, exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law  and for State Trusts, from certain  state
income  taxes  and intangibles  taxes,  if any,  for  purchasers who  qualify as
residents of that State  in which Bonds are  issued. Insurance guaranteeing  the
timely  payment, when due,  of all principal  and interest on  the Bonds in each
Insured Trust has been obtained by the  Sponsor or by the issuers of such  Bonds
from  MBIA Insurance Corporation, and as a result of such insurance the Bonds in
the Insured Trusts are rated  "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA"  by Fitch and/or "AAA"  by
Standard & Poor's. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?") All obligations in
each  Traditional Trust are rated in the category  "A" or better (SP-1, MIG 2 or
F-2 or better, respectively, in the case of short term obligations included in a
Short Term  Traditional  Trust)  by  Standard &  Poor's,  Moody's  and/or  Fitch
(including  provisional or conditional  ratings). In addition,  certain Bonds in
certain Traditional Trusts may be  covered by insurance guaranteeing the  timely
payment,  when  due, of  all principal  and  interest. There  is, of  course, no
guarantee that the Trusts' objectives will be achieved. For a comparison of  net
after-tax return for various tax brackets, see the "TAXABLE EQUIVALENT ESTIMATED
CURRENT  RETURN TABLES" included in the Appendices to the Information Supplement
of this Prospectus.

SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS

In selecting  Bonds for  the  respective Trusts,  the following  factors,  among
others, were considered: (i) the Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch ratings
of  the Bonds (see "WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?" for a description of
minimum rating standards), (ii) the prices of the Bonds relative to other  bonds
of  comparable quality  and maturity, (iii)  the diversification of  Bonds as to
purpose of issue and location of issuer,  (iv) the maturity dates of the  Bonds,
and  (v)  in the  case  of the  Insured Trusts  only,  the availability  of MBIA
Insurance Corporation insurance on such Bonds.  (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS
INSURED?")

                                       4
<PAGE>
Each Trust consists of municipal bonds. As set forth in "RISK FACTORS" in Part A
of  this Prospectus, the Trusts may contain or be concentrated in one or more of
the types of  bonds discussed  below. The following  paragraphs briefly  discuss
certain circumstances which may adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds
held  in the portfolio of a Trust to  make payments of principal and interest or
the ratings of such Bonds. For economic risks specific to the individual Trusts,
see "RISK  FACTORS" in  Part A  of this  Prospectus and  the Appendices  to  the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus.

    ESCROW  SECURED OBLIGATIONS are  typically secured by  direct obligations of
the U.S.  Government  or  in  some cases  obligations  guaranteed  by  the  U.S.
Government  placed in  an escrow  account maintained  by an  independent trustee
until maturity  or  a  predetermined  redemption  date.  These  obligations  are
generally noncallable prior to maturity or the predetermined redemption date. In
a  few isolated instances, however,  bonds which were thought  to be escrowed to
maturity have been called for redemption prior to maturity.

    HEALTH CARE FACILITY OBLIGATIONS are  obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are derived from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities,
including  nursing  homes. The  ability  of such  issuers  to make  debt service
payments on  these  obligations  is  dependent  on  various  factors,  including
occupancy  levels  of the  facility, demand  for  services, wages  of employees,
overhead  expenses,  competition  from   other  similar  providers,   government
regulation,  the cost of  malpractice insurance, and  the degree of governmental
financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are  primarily
derived  from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing projects for
low to moderate income families. Housing obligations are generally prepayable at
any time and  therefore their average  life will ordinarily  be less than  their
stated  maturities. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on
these obligations is dependent on  various factors, including occupancy  levels,
rental  income, mortgage default rates,  taxes, operating expenses, governmental
regulations and the appropriation of subsidies.

    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS  are  industrial  revenue  bonds  ("IRBs"),
including  pollution  control  revenue bonds,  which  are  tax-exempt securities
issued by  states, municipalities,  public authorities  or similar  entities  to
finance  the  cost of  acquiring, constructing  or improving  various industrial
projects. Debt  service  payment on  IRBs  is dependent  upon  various  factors,
including  the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues  generated from the project,  expenses
associated with the project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.

    UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from the sale of several types of energy, including electric and natural
gas. The  ability  of  such issuers  to  make  debt service  payments  on  these
obligations is dependent on various factors, including the rates for electricity
and  natural gas,  the demand  for electricity  and natural  gas, the  degree of
competition, governmental regulation, overhead expenses and variable costs, such
as fuel.

    TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which
are payable  from  and  secured  by revenues  derived  from  the  ownership  and
operation  of airports, public transit systems and ports. The ability of issuers
to make  debt  service payments  on  airport  obligations is  dependent  on  the
capability  of airlines to  meet their obligations under  use agreements. Due to
increased competition,  deregulation, increased  fuel costs  and other  factors,
many  airlines may  have difficulty  meeting their  obligations under  these use
agreements. Bonds  that are  secured primarily  by the  revenue collected  by  a
public  transit system typically  are additionally secured by  a pledge of sales
tax receipts collected  at the state  or local level,  or of other  governmental
financial  assistance. The revenue of issuers of transit system obligations will
be affected by variations in utilization, which  in turn may be affected by  the
degree  of  local governmental  subsidization, competition  from other  forms of
transportation, and  increased costs.  Port  authorities derive  their  revenues
primarily  from fees imposed  on ships using the  facilities which may fluctuate
depending on  the local  economy  and on  competition  from competing  forms  of
transportation  such  as air,  rail and  trucks. The  revenues of  issuers which
derive their  payments  from bridge,  road  or  tunnel toll  revenues  could  be
adversely  affected  by  increases  in fuel  costs,  competition  from toll-free
vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes of transportation.

    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are  payable from user fees from the sale of water and/or sewerage services. The
problems  of  such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  rate  increases,
population  declines,  the limitations  on  operations and  increased  costs and
delays attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulties  obtaining
new supplies of fresh water, the effect of conservation programs and "no-growth"
zoning ordinances.

    UNIVERSITY  AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose
revenues are  derived  mainly  from  tuition,  dormitory  revenues,  grants  and
endowments.  General  problems faced  by such  issuers  include declines  in the
number of "college" age  individuals, possible inability  to raise tuitions  and
fees,  the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding,
and government  legislation  or  regulations  which  may  adversely  affect  the
revenues or costs of such issuers.

    DEDICATED-TAX  SUPPORTED OBLIGATIONS  are obligations  of issuers  which are
payable from  and  secured by  tax  revenues  from a  designated  source,  which
revenues  are pledged to secure the bonds.  The various types of Bonds described

                                       5
<PAGE>
below differ in structure and with respect  to the rights of the bondholders  to
the  underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax supported Bond has distinct
risks, only  some  of which  are  set forth  below.  One type  of  dedicated-tax
supported  Bond  is  secured by  the  incremental  tax received  on  either real
property or on sales within a  specifically defined geographical area; such  tax
generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the underlying property or
revenues.  Another type of dedicated-tax supported  Bond is secured by a special
tax levied on real property within a defined geographical area in such a  manner
that  the  tax is  levied  on those  who benefit  from  the project;  such bonds
typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying  property for  unpaid
taxes.  A third  type of dedicated-tax  supported Bond  may be secured  by a tax
levied upon the  manufacture, sale  or consumption  of commodities  or upon  the
license  to pursue  certain occupations  or upon  corporate privileges  within a
taxing jurisdiction. As  to any  of these  types of  Bonds, the  ability of  the
designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such bonds
may  be affected by changes  in the local economy,  the financial success of the
enterprise responsible for the payment of  the taxes, the value of any  property
on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in a timely
fashion.  Each of these  factors will have  a different affect  on each distinct
type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.

    MUNICIPAL LEASE  OBLIGATIONS  are  obligations that  are  secured  by  lease
payments  of a  governmental entity  and are  normally subject  to annual budget
appropriations of the  leasing governmental entity.  A governmental entity  that
enters  into  such  a  lease agreement  cannot  obligate  future  governments to
appropriate for and make lease payments but covenants to take such action as  is
necessary  to include  any lease  payments due  in its  budgets and  to make the
appropriations therefor. A governmental entity's failure to appropriate for  and
to  make payments under its lease  obligation could result in insufficient funds
available for payment of the obligations secured thereby.

    ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS are bonds which
were issued with  nominal interest  rates less than  the rates  then offered  by
comparable  securities and as  a consequence were originally  sold at a discount
from their face,  or par,  values. In a  stable interest  rate environment,  the
market  value of  an original  issue discount bond  would tend  to increase more
slowly in early years and in greater increments as the bond approached maturity.

    Certain of the original  issue discount obligations in  a Trust may be  zero
coupon  bonds. Zero coupon bonds  do not provide for  the payment of any current
interest; the buyer receives only  the right to receive  a final payment of  the
face  amount  of the  bond at  its maturity.  Zero coupon  bonds are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.

    Original issue discount  obligations, including  zero coupon  bonds, may  be
subject  to redemption  at prices based  on the  issue price plus  the amount of
original issue discount accreted to  redemption (the "accreted value") plus,  if
applicable,  some premium. Pursuant  to such call  provisions, an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value.  See the  "Schedule of  Investments"  appearing in  Part A  of this
Prospectus for more information about the call provisions of portfolio Bonds.

    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be stripped obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on  a tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). Each
Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount payable  at
maturity.  A Stripped Obligation therefore  has economic characteristics similar
to zero coupon bonds, as described above.

    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local  taxes,  interest  on  original  issue  discount  obligations  or Stripped
Obligations may be  deemed to be  received in  the year of  accrual even  though
there is no corresponding cash payment.

COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS

Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedule of  Investments"
in  Part A of this Prospectus and, thereafter,  of such Bonds as may continue to
be held from time to time  (including certain securities deposited in the  Trust
in  substitution  for  Bonds  not  delivered  to  a  Trust  or  in  exchange  or
substitution for  Bonds  upon certain  refundings),  together with  accrued  and
undistributed   interest  thereon  and  undistributed  cash  realized  from  the
disposition of Bonds.

    "WHEN-ISSUED"  AND  "DELAYED  DELIVERY"  TRANSACTIONS.    The  contracts  to
purchase  Bonds delivered to  the Trustee represent an  obligation by issuers or
dealers to deliver Bonds to  the Sponsor for deposit  in the Trusts. Certain  of
the  contracts relate  to Bonds  which have not  been issued  as of  the Date of
Deposit and which are commonly referred to as "when issued" or "when, as and  if
issued"  Bonds. Although  the Sponsor  believes it  unlikely, if  such Bonds, or
replacement bonds  described below,  are not  acquired by  a Trust  or if  their
delivery  is  delayed, the  Estimated Current  Returns  and Estimated  Long Term
Returns shown  in Part  A of  this Prospectus  may be  reduced. Certain  of  the
contracts for the purchase of Bonds provide for delivery dates after the date of
settlement  for purchases made  on the Date  of Deposit. Interest  on such "when
issued" and  "delayed delivery"  Bonds  accrues to  the benefit  of  Unitholders
commencing with the first settlement

                                       6
<PAGE>
date for the Units. However, in the opinion of counsel, Unitholders who purchase
their  Units prior to the date such  Bonds are actually delivered to the Trustee
must reduce the tax  basis of their  Units for interest  accruing on such  Bonds
during  the interval  between their  purchase of Units  and the  delivery of the
Bonds because such amounts constitute a return of principal. As a result of such
adjustment, the Estimated Current Returns set forth in Part A of this Prospectus
(which are based on the  Public Offering Price as of  the business day prior  to
the  Date of  Deposit) may  be slightly lower  than that  which Unitholders will
receive after  the  first year,  assuming  the  Portfolio does  not  change  and
estimated  annual expense  does not  vary from  that set  forth under "Essential
Information" in Part A of this  Prospectus. Those Bonds in each Trust  purchased
with  delivery dates after the date of settlement for purchases made on the Date
of Deposit are  so noted  in the  "Schedule of Investments"  in Part  A of  this
Prospectus.

    LIMITED  REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS.   Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee
shall be liable in any  way for any default, failure  or defect in any Bond.  In
the  event of a failure to deliver any  Bond that has been purchased for a Trust
under a contract, including those  Bonds purchased on a  when, as and if  issued
basis  ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to direct
the Trustee to acquire  other specified Bonds ("Replacement  Bonds") to make  up
the  original corpus of the Trust within 20 days after delivery of notice of the
failed contract and the  cost to the Trust  (exclusive of accrued interest)  may
not  exceed the amount of  funds reserved for the  purchase of the Failed Bonds.
The Replacement Bonds  must satisfy  the criteria previously  described for  the
Trusts  and shall be substantially identical to the Failed Bonds they replace in
terms of (i) the exemption from  federal and state taxation; (ii) maturity  and;
(iii)  cost to the Trust. In addition,  Replacement Bonds shall not be "when, as
and if issued" Bonds. Whenever a Replacement Bond has been acquired for a Trust,
the Trustee shall, within five days after the delivery thereof, mail or  deliver
a  notice of such acquisition to all Unitholders of the Trust involved. Once the
original corpus of the Trust is acquired, the Trustee will have no power to vary
the investment of the Trust.

    To the extent Replacement Bonds are  not acquired, the Sponsor shall  refund
to  all Unitholders of the Trust involved  the sales charge attributable to such
Failed Bonds not replaced, and  the principal and accrued interest  attributable
to such Bonds shall be distributed not more than 30 days after the determination
of  such failure or at  such earlier time as the  Trustee in its sole discretion
deems to be in the interest of  the Unitholders. Any such accrued interest  paid
to Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated
as  tax-exempt  income.  In the  event  Failed Bonds  in  a Trust  could  not be
replaced, the  Net Annual  Interest Income  per  Unit for  such Trust  would  be
reduced and the Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.

    SALE,  MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS.  Certain of the Bonds may from time
to time  under certain  circumstances be  sold  or redeemed  or will  mature  in
accordance  with their terms. The proceeds from  such events will be used to pay
for  Units  redeemed   or  distributed  to   Unitholders  and  not   reinvested;
accordingly,  no assurance can be given that  a Trust will retain for any length
of time its present size and composition.

    All of the Bonds in  each Trust are subject to  being called or redeemed  in
whole  or in  part prior  to their  stated maturities  pursuant to  the optional
redemption provisions described in  the "Schedule of Investments"  in Part A  of
this  Prospectus and  in most  cases pursuant  to a  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions. See the discussion of the various types  of
bond  issues,  above, for  information  on the  call  provisions of  such bonds,
particularly single family  mortgage revenue  bonds. Certain Bonds  may carry  a
"mandatory  put"  (also  referred  to  as  a  "mandatory  tender"  or "mandatory
repurchase") feature pursuant  to which the  holder of such  Bonds will  receive
payment  of the  full principal  amount thereof  on a  stated date  prior to the
maturity date unless  such holder  affirmatively acts  to retain  the Bond.  The
Trustee  does not have the authority to  act to retain Bonds with such features;
accordingly, it will receive  payment of the full  principal amount of any  such
Bonds  on the stated put date and such date is therefore treated as the maturity
date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts and for purposes
of calculating the average maturity of the Bonds in any Trust.

    The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution of  principal  and may  result  in a  reduction  in the  amount  of
subsequent  interest distributions;  it may  also affect  the current  return on
Units of the Trust  involved. The exercise of  redemption or call provisions  is
more  likely  to occur  in  situations where  the  Bonds have  an  offering side
evaluation which represents a  premium over par (as  opposed to a discount  from
par).  (In  the  case  of  original issue  discount  bonds,  such  redemption is
generally to  be made  at the  issue price  plus the  amount of  original  issue
discount accreted to the date of redemption; such price is referred to herein as
"accreted  value"). Because Bonds may have been  valued at prices above or below
par value or the then current accreted  value at the time Units were  purchased,
Unitholders  may realize  gain or loss  upon the redemption  of portfolio Bonds.
(See "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS  OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS  MADE
TO  UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B and the "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A of this
Prospectus.)

    CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.    Certain of  the  Bonds  in  a  Trust's
portfolio  may be subject to continuing requirements regarding the actual use of
bond proceeds,  the  manner of  operation  of  the project  financed  from  bond
proceeds  or the rebate  of excess earnings  on bond proceeds,  any of which may
affect   the   exemption    of   interest   on    such   Bonds   from    Federal

                                       7
<PAGE>
income  taxation. Although at the time of issuance  of each of the Bonds in each
Trust an opinion of bond counsel was rendered as to the exemption of interest on
such obligations from  Federal income  taxation, and the  issuers covenanted  to
comply  with all requirements  necessary to retain the  tax-exempt status of the
Bonds, there can be no assurance  that the respective issuers or other  obligors
on such obligations will fulfill the various continuing requirements established
upon issuance of the Bonds. A failure to comply with such requirements may cause
a  determination that interest on such  obligations is subject to Federal income
taxation, perhaps even retroactively  from the date of  issuance of such  Bonds,
thereby   reducing  the  value  of  the  Bonds  and  subjecting  Unitholders  to
unanticipated tax liabilities.

    To the best knowledge of the Sponsor,  there is no litigation pending as  of
the  Date of Deposit in respect of  any Bonds which might reasonably be expected
to have a  material adverse effect  on any of  the Trusts. It  is possible  that
after  the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds in
any Trust. Any  such litigation may  affect the  validity of such  Bonds or  the
tax-exempt  nature of the interest thereon,  but while the outcome of litigation
of such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel  to
the  issuer of  each Bond  on the date  of issuance  state that  such Bonds were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.

WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?

Insurance guaranteeing  the  timely payment,  when  due, of  all  principal  and
interest  on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers or underwriters of the Bonds from the MBIA Insurance  Corporation
(the  "Insurer"). Certain of the  Bonds in an Insured Trust  may be covered by a
policy or policies of insurance obtained  by the issuers or underwriters of  the
Bonds  from  Municipal Bond  Insurance Association  (the "Association")  or Bond
Investors Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The claims-paying ability of  both
the  Insurer  and the  Association was  rated  "AAA Prime  Grade" by  Standard &
Poor's. Moody's  rates all  bond issues  insured by  either the  Insurer or  the
Association  "Aaa" and short-term loans "MIG  1." Fitch, upon request, rates all
bond issues insured by the Insurer or the Association "AAA" and short-term loans
"F-1." All such ratings designate the highest quality. The Insurer has issued  a
policy  or  policies of  insurance covering  each  of the  Bonds in  the Insured
Trusts, each policy to remain in force  until the payment in full of such  Bonds
and  whether or not  the Bonds continue to  be held by an  Insured Trust. By the
terms of each policy the Insurer  will unconditionally guarantee to the  holders
or  owners of  the Bonds the  payment, when due,  required of the  issuer of the
Bonds of an amount equal to the principal  of and interest on the Bonds as  such
payments  shall become  due but  not be paid  (except that  in the  event of any
acceleration of the  due date of  principal by reason  of mandatory or  optional
redemption,  default or otherwise, the payments  guaranteed will be made in such
amounts and  at  such times  as  would  have been  due  had there  not  been  an
acceleration).

    Insurance  guaranteeing the timely  payment, when due,  of all principal and
interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional  Trust may have been obtained by  the
Sponsor,  issuer or underwriter  of the particular Bonds  involved or by another
party. Such insurance, which  provides coverage substantially  the same as  that
obtained  with  respect  to  Bonds  in Insured  Trusts  as  described  above, is
effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains  in
business.  Insurance relates only  to the particular  Bond and not  to the Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa" by  Moody's,  "AAA"  by  Fitch  and/or  "AAA"  by  Standard  &  Poor's  in
recognition of such insurance.

    If  a Bond in a Traditional Trust  is insured, the "Schedule of Investments"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus  will identify the insurer. There can  be
no  assurance  that any  insurer  listed therein  will  be able  to  satisfy its
commitments in the  event claims  are made in  the future.  However, Standard  &
Poor's,  Fitch  and/or  Moody's have  rated  the claims-paying  ability  of each
insurer "AAA," "AAA" or "Aaa," respectively.

    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock  Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is  not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and  subject to regulation under the laws of  all
50  states,  the District  of  Columbia, the  Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,  the Virgin Islands of the  United
States  and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has  laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments  and requiring  the approval of  policy rates and  forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may  be
insured,  the  payment  of dividends  by  the  insurer, changes  in  control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves  on its  liabilities  in certain  amounts and  for  certain
periods of time.

    Effective  February 17,  1998, MBIA,  Inc. acquired  all of  the outstanding
stock of Capital Markets  Assurance Corporation ("CMAC"),  a New York  domiciled
financial  guarantee insurance company, through a merger with its parent, CapMAC
Holdings, Inc. Pursuant to  a reinsurance agreement, CMAC  has ceded all of  its
net  insured  risks  (including any  amounts  due  but unpaid  from  third party
reinsurers), as well as its unearned  premiums and contingency reserves, to  the
Insurer.  The Company  is not obligated  to pay  the debts of  or claims against
CMAC.

                                       8
<PAGE>
    As of December  31, 1997  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $5.3  billion
(audited),  total liabilities of  $3.5 billion (audited),  and total capital and
surplus of  $1.8  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with  statutory
accounting   practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance  regulatory
authorities. As  of March  31, 1998,  the Insurer  had admitted  assets of  $5.4
billion  (unaudited), total liabilities  of $3.6 billion  (unaudited), and total
capital and surplus of  $1.8 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance  with
statutory  accounting practices prescribed or  permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities.

    The Association is comprised  of the five insurance  companies set forth  in
the following table, which provides certain unaudited financial information with
respect to each of the five insurance companies comprising the Association.

                        MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                             AS OF MARCH 31, 1998.
                                (000'S OMITTED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NEW YORK      NEW YORK       NEW YORK
                                                                              STATUTORY     STATUTORY    POLICYHOLDERS
                                                                                ASSETS     LIABILITIES      SURPLUS
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
The Travelers Casualty & Surety Company (formerly The AEtna Casualty &
 Surety Company)...........................................................  $ 12,099,838  $  9,318,112  $   2,781,726
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company...........................................    10,380,078     7,327,508      3,052,570
The Travelers Indemnity Company............................................    11,283,583     8,593,024      2,690,559
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly Aetna Insurance Company).....     2,325,253     1,440,522        884,731
The Continental Insurance Company..........................................     2,443,794     1,820,590        623,204
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
        Total..............................................................  $ 38,532,546  $ 28,499,756  $  10,032,790
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
</TABLE>

    Insurance  companies  are subject  to  extensive regulation  and supervision
where they  do  business  by  state insurance  commissioners  who  regulate  the
standards of solvency which must be maintained, the nature of and limitations on
investments, reports of financial condition, and requirements regarding reserves
for  unearned premiums, losses  and other matters. A  significant portion of the
assets of insurance companies is required by  law to be held in reserve  against
potential claims on policies and is not available to general creditors. Although
the  federal government  does not  regulate the  business of  insurance, federal
initiatives including  pension  regulation,  controls  on  medical  care  costs,
minimum  standards for no-fault automobile insurance, national health insurance,
tax law changes affecting life insurance  companies and repeal of the  antitrust
exemption  for  the insurance  business can  significantly impact  the insurance
business.

    The above ratings are  not recommendations to buy,  sell or hold the  Bonds,
and  such ratings may  be subject to revision  or withdrawal at  any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both  ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. See the Information
Supplement for further information concerning insurance.

    Because the insurance on the Bonds, if any, will be effective so long as the
Bonds  are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in determining
the market value  of the  Bonds and therefore  some value  attributable to  such
insurance  will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts. The
insurance does not, however, guarantee the market  value of the Bonds or of  the
Units.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?

The  Public Offering Price of the Units of  each Trust is equal to the Trustee's
determination of the aggregate  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds deposited  therein
(minus  any  advancement to  the  principal account  of  the Trust  made  by the
Trustee) plus a sales charge set forth  in "Essential Information" in Part A  of
this  Prospectus, in  each case  adding to  the total  thereof cash  held by the
Trust, if  any,  and  dividing the  sum  so  obtained by  the  number  of  Units
outstanding in the Trust. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."

    The  sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales to any  purchaser of at least $50,000  or 500 Units and will  be
applied  on whichever basis is more favorable  to the purchaser. For purposes of
calculating the applicable  sales charge,  purchasers who  have indicated  their
intent  to purchase a specified  amount of Units of any  Trust in the primary or
secondary offering period by executing and delivering a letter of intent to  the
Sponsor,  which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to the Sponsor and
shall have a maximum duration of thirteen months, will be eligible to receive  a
reduced  sales charge according to  the following tables based  on the amount of
intended aggregate  purchases as  expressed  in the  letter  of intent.  Due  to
administrative  limitations and in  order to permit  adequate tracking, the only
secondary market  purchases that  will be  permitted to  be applied  toward  the
intended specified amount and that will

                                       9
<PAGE>
receive the corresponding reduced sales charge are those Units that are acquired
through  or from the Sponsor.  By establishing a letter  of intent, a Unitholder
agrees that the first purchase of  Units following the execution of such  letter
of  intent will  be at least  5% of the  total amount of  the intended aggregate
purchases expressed in such Unitholder's letter of intent. Further, through  the
establishment  of  the  letter  of intent,  such  Unitholder  agrees  that Units
representing 5% of the total  amount of the intended  purchases will be held  in
escrow  by the Trustee pending completion  of these purchases. All distributions
on Units held in escrow will be credited to such Unitholder's account. If  total
purchases prior to the expiration of the letter of intent period equal or exceed
the  amount specified  in a  Unitholder's letter  of intent,  the Units  held in
escrow will  be  transferred to  such  Unitholder's account.  A  Unitholder  who
purchases  Units during the letter  of intent period in  excess of the number of
Units specified in a  Unitholder's letter of intent,  the amount of which  would
cause  the  Unitholder to  be  eligible to  receive  an additional  sales charge
reduction, will  be  allowed  such  additional sales  charge  reduction  on  the
purchase of Units which caused the Unitholder to reach such new breakpoint level
and  on all additional purchases of Units during the letter of intent period. If
the total purchases are less than the amount specified, the Unitholder  involved
must  pay the Sponsor an amount equal to the difference between the amounts paid
for these purchases and  the amounts which  would have been  paid if the  higher
sales  charge had been applied; the Unitholder will, however, be entitled to any
reduced sales charge qualified  for by reaching any  lower breakpoint level.  If
such  Unitholder does not pay the additional amount within 20 days after written
request by  the  Sponsor  or the  Unitholder's  securities  representative,  the
Sponsor  will  instruct  the Trustee  to  redeem  an appropriate  number  of the
escrowed Units to meet the required payment. By establishing a letter of intent,
a Unitholder irrevocably appoints the  Sponsor as attorney to give  instructions
to  redeem any or  all of such  Unitholder's escrowed Units,  with full power of
substitution in the premises. A Unitholder or his securities representative must
notify the Sponsor whenever  such Unitholder makes a  purchase of Units that  he
wishes  to  be counted  towards the  intended amount.  Sales charges  during the
primary offering period are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              NATIONAL AND
                                                                                                                 STATE
                                          NATIONAL AND STATE LONG TERM                                        INTERMEDIATE
                                                     TRUSTS                   LONG INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS           TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------     ------------
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET             OF
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Less than 500...........................         4.90 %          5.152 %           4.25 %          4.439 %           3.90%
500 but less than 1,000.................         4.75            4.987             4.15            4.330             3.70
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         4.50            4.712             3.85            4.004             3.50
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         4.25            4.439             3.60            3.734             3.25
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.50            3.627             3.35            3.466             3.00
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         3.00            3.093             3.00            3.093             2.75
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.50            2.564             2.50            2.564             2.50
50,000 or more..........................         2.00            2.041             2.00            2.041             2.00

<CAPTION>

                                            PERCENT
                                             OF NET
                                             AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>
Less than 500...........................        4.058 %
500 but less than 1,000.................        3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500...............        3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000...............        3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000..............        3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000.............        2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000.............        2.564
50,000 or more..........................        2.041
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NATIONAL AND STATE SHORT
                                               INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS                SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Less than 500...........................         3.00 %          3.093 %           2.50 %          2.564 %
500 but less than 1,000.................         2.80            2.881             2.30            2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         2.60            2.670             2.10            2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         2.35            2.407             1.85            1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         2.10            2.145             1.60            1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         1.85            1.885             1.35            1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         1.80            1.833             1.25            1.266
50,000 or more..........................         1.50            1.523             1.15            1.163
</TABLE>

*Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on  a dollar basis and on the  basis
 of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
 2,500  Units to $250,000 etc., and will be  applied on that basis which is more
 favorable to the purchaser.

    For "secondary market"  sales the  Public Offering  Price per  Unit of  each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each  Bond in the Trust  a sales charge determined  in accordance with the table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such Bond. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."  The effect of this method of  sales
charge  calculation will be that different sales charge rates will be applied to
the various Bonds in a Trust portfolio based upon the maturities of such  Bonds.
As shown, the sales charge on Bonds in each

                                       10
<PAGE>
maturity  range (and  therefore the aggregate  sales charge on  the purchase) is
reduced with respect to purchases of at least $50,000 or 500 Units:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            $50,000      $100,000     $250,000     $500,000    $1,000,000   $2,500,000
                                UNDER          TO           TO           TO           TO           TO           TO       $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999      $249,999     $499,999     $999,999    $2,499,999   $4,999,999    OR MORE
- ----------------------------------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Less than 1...................         0           0            0            0            0            0            0            0
1 but less than 2.............     1.523 %     1.446 %      1.369 %      1.317 %      1.215 %      1.061 %       .900 %       .750 %
2 but less than 3.............     2.041       1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626        1.420        1.225        1.030
3 but less than 4.............     2.564       2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041        1.781        1.546        1.310
4 but less than 5.............     3.093       2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459        2.175        1.883        1.590
5 but less than 7.............     3.627       3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881        2.460        2.165        1.870
7 but less than 10............     4.167       3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239        2.828        2.489        2.150
10 but less than 13...........     4.712       4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788        3.253        2.842        2.430
13 but less than 16...........     5.263       4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167        3.627        3.169        2.710
16 or more....................     5.820       5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603        4.004        3.500        3.000
</TABLE>

 *Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the  basis
  of  the  number of  Units  purchased, using  the  equivalent of  500  Units to
  $50,000, 2,500 Units  to $250,000,  etc., and will  be applied  on that  basis
  which is more favorable to the purchaser.

        The  secondary market sales charges above  are expressed as a percent of
the net amount invested;  expressed as a percent  of the Public Offering  Price,
the  maximum sales charge  on a Trust,  for instance one  consisting entirely of
Bonds with 16  years or  more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820%  of the  net
amount  invested).  The actual  secondary market  sales  charge included  in the
Public Offering Price of any particular  Trust will depend on the maturities  of
the Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the  net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than 20%
of the original principal amount of the Trust.

    At all  times while  Units are  being  offered for  sale, the  Sponsor  will
appraise  or cause to  be appraised daily  the value of  the underlying Bonds in
each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any earlier closing time on  a
day  on  which the  New York  Stock  Exchange (the  "Exchange") is  scheduled in
advance to close at such earlier time and will adjust the Public Offering  Price
of  the Units commensurate with such  appraisal. Such Public Offering Price will
be effective for all orders received by a  dealer or the Sponsor at or prior  to
4:00  p.m. eastern time on each such day or  as of any earlier closing time on a
day on which the Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.
Orders received after that time, or on a  day when the Exchange is closed for  a
scheduled  holiday  or weekend,  will be  held until  the next  determination of
price.

    Accrued interest from the preceding Record  Date to, but not including,  the
settlement  date of the transaction (three business days after purchase) will be
added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of Units. See
"WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"

    The graduated sales  charges set forth  above will apply  on all  applicable
purchases  of Nuveen investment  company securities on  any one day  by the same
purchaser in the amounts stated, and  for this purpose purchases of this  Series
will be aggregated with concurrent purchases of any other Series or of shares of
any  open-end management  investment company of  which the  Sponsor is principal
underwriter and with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
Purchases by  or for  the account  of individuals  and their  spouses,  parents,
children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents-in-law, sons- and
daughters-in-law,   siblings,  a  sibling's  spouse   and  a  spouse's  siblings
("immediate family  members") will  be aggregated  to determine  the  applicable
sales  charge. The graduated sales  charges are also applicable  to a trustee or
other fiduciary  purchasing  securities for  a  single trust  estate  or  single
fiduciary account. Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price without a
sales  charge by officers or directors and  by bona fide, full-time employees of
Nuveen, Nuveen Advisory Corp., Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and The  John
Nuveen  Company, including  in each case  these individuals  and their immediate
family members (as defined above).

    Units may be purchased in the primary market with sales charges of 1.70%  of
the  Public Offering Price for National and State Long Term Trusts, 1.35% of the
Public Offering Price for Long Intermediate Trusts, 1.20% of the Public Offering
Price for National and  State Intermediate Trusts, 1.0%  of the Public  Offering
Price  for National and State  Short Intermediate Trusts and  1.0% of the Public
Offering Price for Short Term Trusts by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered investment  advisers,  certified financial  planners  and  registered
broker-dealers  who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for financial
planning, investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide  such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a  comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge is  imposed,  (2)  bank  trust departments
investing funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary  investment
authority  and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or similar
capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director
or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or  their
immediate  family members (as  defined above) and (4)  officers and directors of
bank  holding  companies   that  make  Units   available  directly  or   through
subsidiaries  or bank affiliates (collectively,  the "Discounted Purchases"). In
addition, such  investors may  purchase Units  in the  secondary market  at  the

                                       11
<PAGE>
Public  Offering  Price for  non-breakpoint purchases  minus the  concession the
Sponsor typically allows  to brokers and  dealers for non-breakpoint  purchases.
Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary  in this  Prospectus,  investors who
purchase Units as  described in  this paragraph  will not  receive sales  charge
reductions for quantity purchases.

    The  initial or primary Public Offering Price  of the Units in each Trust is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust plus the  applicable sales  charge. The secondary  market Public  Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average between 1/2% to 2% more than the BID
prices  of such Bonds.  The difference between  the bid side  evaluation and the
offering side evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust on the business day prior to
the Date of Deposit is shown in the discussion of each Trust portfolio.

    Whether or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will  determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior  thereto), (ii) on any day on which  a Unit is tendered for redemption (or
the next succeeding business day  if the date of  tender is a non-business  day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day"  shall be any day on which the  Exchange is normally open. (See "UNIT VALUE
AND EVALUATION.")

MARKET FOR UNITS

During the  initial public  offering period,  the Sponsor  intends to  offer  to
purchase  Units of each  Trust at a price  equivalent to the  pro rata share per
Unit of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued  interest).
Afterward,  although  it is  not  obligated to  do  so, the  Sponsor  intends to
maintain a secondary  market for  Units of  each Trust  at its  own expense  and
continuously  to offer  to purchase  Units of each  Trust at  prices, subject to
change at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in  the
respective  portfolios of the  Trusts. UNITHOLDERS WHO WISH  TO DISPOSE OF THEIR
UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS TO THE CURRENT REDEMPTION
PRICE. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?") In connection with  its
secondary  marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter into
secondary market  joint  account  agreements with  other  brokers  and  dealers.
Pursuant  to such an agreement, the Sponsor  will purchase Units from the broker
or dealer at the bid price and will place the Units into a joint account managed
by the Sponsor; sales from the account will be made in accordance with the  then
current  prospectus and the Sponsor and the  broker or dealer will share profits
and losses in  the joint account  in accordance  with the terms  of their  joint
account agreement.

    Certificates,  if any, for Units are  delivered to the purchaser as promptly
after the date of settlement (three business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can complete  the mechanics  of  registration, normally  within 48  hours  after
registration instructions are received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates
are  issued will be unable  to exercise any right  of redemption until they have
received their Certificates, properly endorsed for transfer. (See "HOW UNITS MAY
BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?")

WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?

Accrued interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the  last
day  on which  interest thereon  was paid.  Interest on  Bonds in  each Trust is
accounted for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price  of
Units  of a Trust will  include not only the Public  Offering Price but also the
proportionate share  of accrued  interest  to the  date of  settlement.  Accrued
interest  does not  include accrual  of original  issue discount  on zero coupon
bonds, Stripped Obligations  or other  original issue  discount bonds.  Interest
accrues  to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date of
their purchase transaction.

    In an effort to reduce the  amount of accrued interest that investors  would
have  to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed to
advance to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of  the
Date  of Deposit (which has been designated  the first Record Date for all plans
of distribution).  This accrued  interest will  be paid  to the  Sponsor as  the
holder  of record of all Units on  the Date of Deposit. Consequently, the amount
of accrued interest  to be  added to  the Public  Offering Price  of Units  will
include  only accrued interest from  the Date of Deposit  to, but not including,
the date of  settlement of the  investor's purchase (three  business days  after
purchase), less any distributions from the related Interest Account. The Trustee
will  recover its  advancements (without interest  or other cost  to the Trusts)
from interest received on the Bonds deposited in each Trust.

    The Trustee has no  cash for distribution to  Unitholders until it  receives
interest  payments on the Bonds in the  Trusts. Since municipal bond interest is
accrued daily but  paid only  semi-annually, during  the initial  months of  the
Trusts,  the Interest Accounts,  consisting of accrued  but uncollected interest
and collected interest  (cash), will  be predominantly  the uncollected  accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee,  the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately 30
and 60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its  original
size  and composition  and expenses  and fees  remain the  same, annual interest
collected and distributed  will approximate  the estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income  stated herein. However, the  amount of accrued interest  at any point in
time

                                       12
<PAGE>
will be greater than the amount that the Trustee will have actually received and
distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there  will always remain an item  of
accrued interest that is included in the Purchase Price and the redemption price
of the Units.

    Interest  is accounted  for daily and  a proportionate share  of accrued and
undistributed interest computed from the preceding  Record Date is added to  the
daily  valuation of each Unit of each Trust.  (See Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?") As Bonds mature, or are  redeemed
or  sold,  the  accrued  interest  applicable to  such  bonds  is  collected and
subsequently distributed to Unitholders. Unitholders who sell or redeem all or a
portion of their Units will be  paid their proportionate share of the  remaining
accrued  interest to,  but not including,  the third business  day following the
date of sale or tender.

WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?

The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to  the
investor  expected  to be  earned  over the  estimated  life of  the  Trust. The
Estimated Long Term Return represents an  average of the yields to maturity  (or
call)  of  the Bonds  in  the Trust's  portfolio  calculated in  accordance with
accepted bond practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under
accepted bond practice, tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on
a "yield price" basis, which involves computation of yield to maturity or to  an
earlier  call date  (whichever produces the  lower yield), and  which takes into
account not only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization  or
accretion  of  any premium  over,  or discount  from,  the par  (maturity) value
inherent in the bond's purchase price. In the calculation of Estimated Long Term
Return, the average yield for a  Trust's portfolio is derived by weighting  each
Bond's yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining
to  the date to  which the Bond is  priced. This weighted  average yield is then
adjusted to  reflect estimated  expenses, is  compounded, and  is reduced  by  a
factor  which represents the amortization of  the sales charge over the expected
average life of  a Trust. The  Estimated Long Term  Return calculation does  not
take  into account the effect  of a first distribution which  may be less than a
regular distribution or may  be paid at  some point after 30  days (or a  second
distribution  which may be  less than a normal  distribution for Unitholders who
choose quarterly or  semi-annual plans of  distribution), and it  also does  not
take into account the difference in timing of payments to Unitholders who choose
quarterly  or semi-annual plans  of distribution, each of  which will reduce the
return.

    Estimated Current Return  is computed  by dividing the  Net Annual  Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion  of discount, if any, on the  Bonds in a Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
a Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.

    Net Annual Interest  Income per  Unit, used to  calculate Estimated  Current
Return,  will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and the
Evaluator and  with the  redemption,  maturity, exchange  or  sale of  Bonds.  A
Unitholder's  actual return may vary  significantly from the Estimated Long-Term
Return, based  on their  holding  period, market  interest rate  changes,  other
factors  affecting  the  prices  of  individual  bonds  in  the  portfolio,  and
differences between  the expected  remaining  life of  portfolio bonds  and  the
actual  length of time that they remain  in a Trust; such actual holding periods
may be reduced by termination of  a Trust, as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION."
Since  both  the Estimated  Current Return  and the  Estimated Long  Term Return
quoted herein are  based on  the market  value of  the underlying  Bonds on  the
business  day prior  to the  Date of  Deposit, subsequent  calculations of these
performance  measures  will  reflect  the  then  current  market  value  of  the
underlying  Bonds and may be higher or lower. The Sponsor will provide estimated
cash flow  information relating  to a  Trust without  charge to  each  potential
investor  in a Trust who  receives this prospectus and  makes an oral or written
request to the Sponsor for such information.

    A portion of the  monies received by  a Trust may be  treated, in the  first
year  only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust portfolio
of "when-issued"  or  other  Bonds  having delivery  dates  after  the  date  of
settlement  for purchases  made on  the Date of  Deposit. A  consequence of this
treatment is that in the computation  of Estimated Current Return for the  first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment  to the Public Offering Price. (See "Essential Information" appearing
in Part A  of this  Prospectus, "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS"  and "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?")

    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on  a
Trust  and returns  over specified periods  on other similar  Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds,  bank
CD's  and  money  market accounts  or  money  market funds,  each  of  which has
investment characteristics  that  may  differ  from those  of  the  Trust.  U.S.
Government  bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of   the    federal    government.    Money   market    accounts    and    money

                                       13
<PAGE>
market funds provide stability of principal, but pay interest at rates that vary
with the condition of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics
of the Trusts are described more fully elsewhere in the Prospectus.

HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?

The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the  public on the business day prior to  the Date of Deposit were determined by
the Trustee on the basis  of an evaluation of such  Bonds prepared by Kenny  S&P
Evaluation  Services, a division of J. J.  Kenny Co., Inc. ("Kenny S&P"), a firm
regularly  engaged  in  the  business  of  evaluating,  quoting  or   appraising
comparable  bonds. With respect to Bonds in  Insured Trusts and insured Bonds in
Traditional Trusts, Kenny S&P evaluated the  Bonds as so insured. (See "WHY  AND
HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")

    The  amount by which  the Trustee's determination of  the OFFERING PRICES of
the Bonds deposited  in the Trusts  was greater or  less than the  cost of  such
Bonds  to  the  Sponsor was  PROFIT  OR LOSS  to  the Sponsor  exclusive  of any
underwriting profit.  (See Part  A of  this Prospectus.)  The Sponsor  also  may
realize  FURTHER PROFIT OR SUSTAIN  FURTHER LOSS as a  result of fluctuations in
the Public Offering  Price of the  Units. Cash,  if any, made  available to  the
Sponsor  prior to the settlement  date for a purchase of  Units, or prior to the
acquisition of all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may be available for use  in
the Sponsor's business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.

WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?

At  the respective  times of  issuance of  the Bonds,  opinions relating  to the
validity thereof and  to the exclusion  of interest thereon  from Federal  gross
income  were rendered by bond counsel  to the respective issuing authorities. In
addition, with respect to  State Trusts, where applicable,  bond counsel to  the
issuing  authorities rendered opinions  as to the exemption  of interest on such
Bonds, when held by residents  of the state in which  the issuers of such  Bonds
are  located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles and
local income taxes. For a discussion of the tax status of State Trusts, see Part
A of this Prospectus. Neither  the Sponsor nor Chapman  and Cutler has made  any
review of the Trusts proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or of the
basis  for the opinions rendered  in connection therewith. If  the interest on a
Bond should be determined  to be taxable,  the Bond would  generally have to  be
sold  at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could be required to pay
income tax  on  interest  received  prior  to the  date  of  which  interest  is
determined to be taxable.

    Gain  realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of a
Unit by  a Unitholder  is includable  in  gross income  for Federal  income  tax
purposes,  and may be includable  in gross income for  state tax purposes. (Such
gain does not  include any amounts  received in respect  of accrued interest  or
accrued original issue discount, if any.)

    For purposes of the following opinions, it is assumed that each asset of the
Trusts  is  debt, the  interest  on which  is  excluded for  Federal  income tax
purposes.

    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law as of the date of this Prospectus:

    (1) the Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for  Federal
        income tax purposes, and interest and accrued original issue discount on
        Bonds  which is excludable from gross  income under the Internal Revenue
        Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") will retain its status for Federal
        income tax purposes when received by the Trusts and when distributed  to
        the  Unitholders; however  such interest  may be  taken into  account in
        computing the alternative minimum tax, an additional tax on branches  of
        foreign  corporations and  the environmental tax  (the "Superfund Tax").
        See "CERTAIN TAX MATTERS APPLICABLE TO CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS", below;

    (2) each Unitholder of a Trust is considered  to be the owner of a pro  rata
        portion  of each asset  of such Trust  under Subpart E,  subchapter J of
        Chapter 1 of  the Code and  will have  a taxable event  when such  Trust
        disposes of a Bond or when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units. If the
        Unitholder  disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
        his entire pro  rata interest in  all the assets  of the Trust  involved
        including his pro rata portion of all the Bonds represented by the Unit.
        The  Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997  includes provisions that treat certain
        transactions  designed  to  reduce  or   eliminate  risk  of  loss   and
        opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting notional principal
        contracts,  futures or  forward contracts,  or similar  transactions) as
        constructive sales for purposes  of recognition of  gain (but not  loss)
        and  for purposes of determining  the holding period. Unitholders should
        consult their  own tax  advisors with  regard to  any such  constructive
        sales  rules. Unitholders must  reduce the tax basis  of their Units for
        their share of  accrued interest  received by the  respective Trust,  if
        any,  on Bonds  delivered after the  date the Unitholders  pay for their
        Units to the extent that such interest accrued on such Bonds before  the
        date  the Trust acquired ownership of the  Bonds (and the amount of this
        reduction may exceed the amount of accrued interest paid to the  seller)
        and, consequently, such Unitholders may have an increase in taxable gain
        or reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
        loss  upon the sale or redemption of  Units is measured by comparing the
        proceeds of  such sale  or redemption  with the  adjusted basis  of  the
        Units.  If the  Trustee disposes of  Bonds (whether by  sale, payment at
        maturity, redemption or otherwise),  gain or loss  is recognized to  the
        Unitholder

                                       14
<PAGE>
        (subject  to various non-recognition provisions of the Code). The amount
        of any such gain or loss  is measured by comparing the Unitholder's  pro
        rata  share  of  the  total  proceeds  from  such  disposition  with the
        Unitholder's basis  for his  or  her fractional  interest in  the  asset
        disposed of. In the case of a Unitholder who purchases Units, such basis
        (before  adjustment for  accrued original  issue discount  and amortized
        bond premium, if  any) is  determined by  apportioning the  cost of  the
        Units  among each of the  Trust assets ratably according  to value as of
        the valuation date nearest the date of acquisition of the Units. The tax
        basis reduction requirements  of the  Code relating  to amortization  of
        bond  premium may,  under some  circumstances, result  in the Unitholder
        realizing a taxable gain when his or her Units are sold or redeemed  for
        an  amount less than or equal to their original cost; Unitholders should
        consult their own tax advisors with regard to the calculation of  basis;
        and

    (3) any  amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under policies
        of insurance issued with respect to such Bonds which represent  maturing
        interest  on defaulted Bonds held by the Trustee will be excludable from
        Federal gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest  would
        have  been so excludable if  paid in the normal  course by the issuer of
        the defaulted  Bonds  provided  that,  at the  time  such  policies  are
        purchased,  the amounts paid for such policies are reasonable, customary
        and consistent with the  reasonable expectation that  the issuer of  the
        Bonds, rather than the insurer, will pay debt service on the Bonds.

    Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code")  provide a complex set of rules  governing the accrual of original issue
discount. These rules provide that original issue discount accrues either on the
basis of a constant compound interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond,
depending on the date the Bond was  issued. In addition, special rules apply  if
the purchase price of a Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the amount of
original issue discount which would have previously accrued based upon its issue
price  (its "adjusted issue price") to prior  owners. If a Bond is acquired with
accrued interest, that  portion of the  price paid for  the accrued interest  is
added  to the tax basis of the Bond.  When this accrued interest is received, it
is treated as a return of  capital and reduces the tax  basis of the Bond. If  a
Bond  is purchased for a premium, the amount  of the premium is added to the tax
basis of the  Bond. Bond premium  is amortized  over the remaining  term of  the
Bond,  and the tax basis of  the Bond is reduced each  tax year by the amount of
the premium amortized in that tax year. The application of these rules will also
vary depending on the value of the  Bonds on the date a Unitholder acquires  his
Units  and  the price  the  Unitholder pays  for  his Units.  Unitholders should
consult with their tax advisers regarding these rules and their application.

    The "Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of  1993" (the  "1993 Tax  Act")  subjects
tax-exempt  bonds to the market discount rules  of the Code, effective for bonds
purchased after April 30,  1993. In general, market  discount is the amount  (if
any)  by which  the stated  redemption price  at maturity  exceeds an investor's
purchase  price  (except  to  the  extent  that  such  difference,  if  any,  is
attributable to original issue discount not yet accrued), subject to a statutory
DE MINIMIS rule. Market discount can arise based on the price the Trust pays for
the  Bonds or the price a  Unitholder pays for his or  her Units. Under the 1993
Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior
law, the  accretion had  been  treated as  capital  gain. Market  discount  that
accretes  while the Trust holds a Bond would be recognized as ordinary income by
the Unitholders when principal payments are  received on the Bond, upon sale  or
at  redemption (including early  redemption), or upon the  sale or redemption of
his or  her Units,  unless a  Unitholder elects  to include  market discount  in
taxable  income  as  it  accrues.  The market  discount  rules  are  complex and
Unitholders should consult their  tax advisors regarding  these rules and  their
application.

    CERTAIN  TAX MATTERS  APPLICABLE TO  CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS.  In the  case of
certain corporations,  the alternative  minimum tax  and the  Superfund Tax  for
taxable  years beginning after  December 31, 1986  depend upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's  taxable
income  with certain adjustments. One of  the adjustment items used in computing
AMTI of  a  corporation  (other  than an  S  corporation,  Regulated  Investment
Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, REMIC or FASIT) is an amount equal to 75%
of  the excess of such corporation's  "adjusted current earnings" over an amount
equal to  its AMTI  (before such  adjustment item  and the  alternative tax  net
operating  loss deduction). "Adjusted current  earnings" includes all tax-exempt
interest, including  interest on  all Bonds  in the  Trust. Under  current  Code
provisions,  the Superfund Tax does not apply to tax years beginning on or after
January 1, 1996. Legislative proposals have been introduced that would reinstate
the Superfund Tax for taxable years  after December 31, 1997 and before  January
1,  2009. Under the provisions of Section 884  of the Code, a branch profits tax
is levied on the "effectively connected earnings and profits" of certain foreign
corporations which include tax-exempt interest such as interest on the Bonds  in
the  Trust. Unitholders  should consult their  tax advisors with  respect to the
particular tax consequences to them including the corporate alternative  minimum
tax,  the Superfund Tax and the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the
Code.

    Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued  to purchase or carry Units of  a
Trust  is not deductible  for Federal income tax  purposes. The Internal Revenue
Service has  taken the  position that  such indebtedness  need not  be  directly
traceable to the purchase or carrying of Units

                                       15
<PAGE>
(however,  these rules generally  do not apply to  interest paid on indebtedness
incurred to purchase or improve a  personal residence). Also, under Section  265
of  the Code, certain financial institutions  that acquire Units would generally
not be able to deduct any of  the interest expense attributable to ownership  of
such Units. Legislative proposals have been made that would extend the financial
institution  rules to  certain other corporations,  including securities dealers
and other  financial intermediaries.  Investors  with questions  regarding  this
issue should consult with their tax advisers.

    In  the case  of certain  of the Bonds  in the  Trust, the  opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial user" of
the facilities  being financed  with the  proceeds of  these Bonds,  or  persons
related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by such a user or related
person,  will not be excludable from  Federal gross income, although interest on
such Bonds received  by others would  be excludable from  Federal gross  income.
"Substantial  user" and  "related person"  are defined  under the  Code and U.S.
Treasury Regulations.  Any  person  who  believes  that  he  or  she  may  be  a
"substantial user" or a "related person" as so defined should contact his or her
tax adviser.

    ALL  STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR
FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO
CONSTRUED.

    At the respective times of issuance  of the Bonds, opinions relating to  the
validity  thereof and  to the exclusion  of interest thereon  from Federal gross
income are  rendered by  bond  counsel to  the respective  issuing  authorities.
Neither  the Sponsor nor Chapman and Cutler  has made any special review for the
Fund of the proceedings relating  to the issuance of the  Bonds or of the  basis
for such opinions.

    The Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998
TAX  ACT") provides that for taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gain
(which is defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss
for the  taxable  year) realized  from  property (with  certain  exclusions)  is
subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain
taxpayers  in the lowest tax bracket). Capital  gain or loss is long-term if the
holding period for the  asset is more  than one year, and  is short-term if  the
holding  period for the asset is  one year or less. The  date on which a Unit is
acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is  excluded for purposes for determining  the
holding period of the Unit. The legislation is generally effective retroactively
for  amounts properly taken  into account on  or after January  1, 1998. Capital
gains realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same rates
as ordinary income.

    In addition,  please  note that  capital  gains may  be  recharacterized  as
ordinary  income  in  the  case  of  certain  financial  transactions  that  are
considered "conversion  transactions" effective  for transactions  entered  into
after  April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective investors should consult with
their tax advisers  regarding the potential  effect of this  provision on  their
investment in Units.

    For  purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals and
corporations and the Superfund Tax for corporations, interest on certain private
activity bonds (which includes most industrial and housing revenue bonds) issued
on or after August 8,  1996 is included as an  item of tax preference.  However,
the assets of the Trust do not include any such private activity bonds issued on
or after that date.

    In  general, Section 86  of the Code,  provides that 50%  of Social Security
benefits are includible in gross income to the extent that the sum of  "modified
adjusted gross income" plus 50% of the Social Security benefits received exceeds
a "base amount." The base amount is $25,000 for unmarried taxpayers, $32,000 for
married  taxpayers filing a joint  return and zero for  married taxpayers who do
not live  apart at  all times  during the  taxable year  and who  file  separate
returns.  Modified  adjusted gross  income is  adjusted gross  income determined
without regard to  certain otherwise  allowable deductions  and exclusions  from
gross  income and  by including tax-exempt  interest. To the  extent that Social
Security benefits are includible  in gross income, they  will be treated as  any
other item of gross income.

    In  addition,  under the  1993 Tax  Act, for  taxable years  beginning after
December 31, 1993, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are includible in gross
income to the extent that the sum  of "modified adjusted gross income" plus  50%
of  Social Security  benefits received  exceeds an  "adjusted base  amount." The
adjusted base amount  is $34,000  for unmarried taxpayers,  $44,000 for  married
taxpayers  filing a joint return, and zero for married taxpayers who do not live
apart at all times during the taxable year and who file separate returns.

    Although tax-exempt interest is included  in modified adjusted gross  income
solely  for the purpose of determining what  portion, if any, of Social Security
benefits will be  included in  gross income, no  tax-exempt interest,  including
that received from the Trusts, will be subject to tax. A taxpayer whose adjusted
gross  income already exceeds the  base amount or the  adjusted base amount must
include 50%  or 85%,  respectively, of  his Social  Security benefits  in  gross
income  whether or  not he  receives any  tax-exempt interest.  A taxpayer whose
modified adjusted gross income (after inclusion of tax-exempt interest) does not
exceed the base amount  need not include any  Social Security benefits in  gross
income.

    Ownership  of  the  Units  may  result  in  collateral  federal  income  tax
consequences to certain taxpayers,  including, without limitation,  corporations
subject  to either  the environmental tax  or the branch  profits tax, financial
institutions, certain

                                       16
<PAGE>
insurance companies,  certain S  corporations, individual  recipients of  Social
Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and taxpayers who may be deemed to have
incurred   (or  continued)   indebtedness  to   purchase  or   carry  tax-exempt
obligations. Prospective investors should consult  their tax advisers as to  the
applicability of any such collateral consequences.

    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE  AND IN PART  A OF THIS  PROSPECTUS, THE EXEMPTION OF
INTEREST ON  STATE  AND  LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS  FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX  PURPOSES
DISCUSSED  ABOVE DOES  NOT NECESSARILY RESULT  IN EXEMPTION UNDER  THE INCOME OR
OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY  STATE OR CITY. THE LAWS  OF THE SEVERAL STATES VARY  WITH
RESPECT TO THE TAXATION OF SUCH OBLIGATIONS.

In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence  of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series for
New York tax matters, under existing law:

        Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each  Trust
    is  not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each Trust
    will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.

        For a summary of each opinion of special counsel to the respective State
    Trusts for state tax matters, see Part A of this Prospectus.

    WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?

    No annual advisory fee is charged to the Trusts by the Sponsor. The  Sponsor
    does, however, receive a fee as set forth in "Essential Information" in Part
    A  of this Prospectus for regularly evaluating the Bonds and for maintaining
    surveillance over the portfolio (the "Sponsor's Evaluation Fee").

        The Trustee receives for ordinary  recurring services an annual fee  for
    each  plan  of  distribution  for  each Trust  as  set  forth  in "Essential
    Information" appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Each annual fee is  per
    $1,000  principal amount of the underlying Bonds in a Trust for that portion
    of the Trust that  represents a particular  plan of distribution,  provided,
    however, that for services performed prior to the record date for the second
    distribution   from   the   Interest  Account   indicated   under  "Interest
    Distributions" in Part A of the Prospectus, the Trustee's compensation shall
    be computed in respect  of all Units outstanding  at the rate specified  for
    the monthly plan of distribution. The Trustee's compensation with respect to
    each Trust is computed on the basis of the largest principal amount of Bonds
    in  the  Trust at  any time  during the  period with  respect to  which such
    compensation is  being  computed.  The Trustee's  fee  may  be  periodically
    adjusted   in  response   to  fluctuations  in   short-term  interest  rates
    (reflecting the cost to the  Trustee of advancing funds  to a Trust to  meet
    scheduled  distributions). In addition, the Sponsor's Evaluation Fee and the
    Trustee's Fee may be adjusted  in accordance with the cumulative  percentage
    increase  of the  United States Department  of Labor's  Consumer Price Index
    entitled "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" since the establishment of  the
    Trusts  or if such index  no longer exists, a  comparable index. The Trustee
    has the use  of funds,  if any,  being held  in the  Interest and  Principal
    Accounts  of each  Trust for future  distributions, payment  of expenses and
    redemptions.  These  Accounts  are  non-interest  bearing  to   Unitholders.
    Pursuant  to normal banking procedures, the Trustee benefits from the use of
    funds held therein. Part of the  Trustee's compensation for its services  to
    the Trusts is expected to result from such use of these funds.

        Premiums for the policies of insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the
    Bond  issuers  with respect  to the  Bonds  in the  Insured Trusts  and with
    respect to insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full  prior
    to  the deposit of the Bonds in the  Trusts, and the value of such insurance
    has been  included  in  the  evaluation  of the  Bonds  in  each  Trust  and
    accordingly  in the Public Offering Price of  Units of each Trust. There are
    no annual continuing premiums for such insurance.

        The Trusts (and  therefore Unitholders) will  bear all or  a portion  of
    their  offering  costs,  including  costs  of  registering  Units  with  the
    Securities and  Exchange  Commission  and  states and  legal  fees  but  not
    including  the expenses  incurred in the  printing of  preliminary and final
    prospectuses, and  expenses  incurred in  the  preparation and  printing  of
    brochures and other advertising materials and any other selling expenses) as
    is  common for mutual funds. Total offering costs will be amortized over the
    first five years of  such Trusts. The following  are additional expenses  of
    the  Trusts and, when paid by  or are owed to the  Trustee, are secured by a
    lien on  the assets  of  the Trust  or Trusts  to  which such  expenses  are
    allocable:  (1)  the expenses  and  costs of  any  action undertaken  by the
    Trustee  to  protect  the  Trusts  and  the  rights  and  interests  of  the
    Unitholders;  (2) all taxes and other governmental charges upon the Bonds or
    any part of the Trusts  (no such taxes or charges  are being levied or  made
    or,  to the knowledge of the  Sponsor, contemplated); (3) amounts payable to
    the Trustee as fees  for ordinary recurring  services and for  extraordinary
    non-recurring services rendered pursuant to the Indenture, all disbursements
    and  expenses including counsel  fees (including fees  of bond counsel which
    the Trustee may retain) sustained or  incurred by the Trustee in  connection
    therewith; and (4) any losses or liabilities accruing to the Trustee without
    negligence,  bad faith  or willful  misconduct on  its part.  The Trustee is
    empowered to sell  Bonds in  order to  pay these  amounts if  funds are  not
    otherwise available in the applicable Interest and Principal Accounts.

                                       17
<PAGE>
        The  Indenture requires each Trust  to be audited on  an annual basis at
    the expense of the Trust by  independent public accountants selected by  the
    Sponsor.  The Trustee shall not be required, however, to cause such an audit
    to be performed  if its cost  to a Trust  shall exceed $.05  per Unit on  an
    annual  basis. Unitholders of a Trust covered  by an audit may obtain a copy
    of the audited financial statements upon request.

    WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?

    Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including  that
    part  of the proceeds  of any disposition of  Bonds which represents accrued
    interest and including any insurance  proceeds representing interest due  on
    defaulted  Bonds, shall be credited to  the "Interest Account" of such Trust
    and all  other moneys  received by  the  Trustee shall  be credited  to  the
    "Principal Account" of such Trust.

        The  pro rata share of cash in  the Principal Account in each Trust will
    be computed as  of each  semi-annual Record  Date and  distributions to  the
    Unitholders  as of  such Record Date  will be  made on or  shortly after the
    fifteenth  day  of  the  month.  Proceeds  received  from  the  disposition,
    including  sale, call or maturity, of any  of the Bonds and all amounts paid
    with respect to zero coupon bonds  and Stripped Obligations will be held  in
    the  Principal  Account  and  either  used  to  pay  for  Units  redeemed or
    distributed on the Distribution Date  following the next semi-annual  Record
    Date.  The Trustee is not required to make a distribution from the Principal
    Account of any Trust  unless the amount available  for distribution in  such
    account equals at least ten cents per Unit.

        The  pro  rata share  of  the Interest  Account  in each  Trust  will be
    computed by the Trustee each month as of each Record Date and  distributions
    will  be  made  on  or shortly  after  the  fifteenth day  of  the  month to
    Unitholders of  such  Trust  as of  the  Record  Date who  are  entitled  to
    distributions  at that time  under the plan  of distribution chosen. Persons
    who purchase  Units between  a  Record Date  and  a Distribution  Date  will
    receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date following the next
    Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.

        Purchasers  of Units who  desire to receive  interest distributions on a
    monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during
    the initial  public offering  period.  Those indicating  no choice  will  be
    deemed  to have chosen  the semi-annual distribution  plan. All Unitholders,
    however, who purchase Units  during the initial  public offering period  and
    who  hold them  of record on  the first  Record Date will  receive the first
    distribution of interest. Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions
    will  be  the  first  day  of   each  month;  Record  Dates  for   quarterly
    distributions  will be the first day  of February, May, August and November;
    and Record Dates for semi-annual distributions will be the first day of  May
    and November. See Part A of this Prospectus for details of distributions per
    Unit  of each Trust under the various  plans based upon estimated Net Annual
    Interest  Income  at  the  Date  of  Deposit.  The  amount  of  the  regular
    distributions  will generally change when Bonds  are redeemed, mature or are
    sold or when  fees and  expenses increase or  decrease. For  the purpose  of
    minimizing  fluctuations in the distributions from the Interest Account of a
    Trust, the Trustee is authorized to advance such amounts as may be necessary
    to provide for  interest distributions of  approximately equal amounts.  The
    Trustee  shall be reimbursed,  without interest, for  any such advances from
    funds in the Interest  Account of such Trust.  The Trustee's fee takes  into
    account  the costs attributable to the outlay of capital needed to make such
    advances.

        The plan of distribution selected by a Unitholder will remain in  effect
    until  changed. Unitholders  purchasing Units  in the  secondary market will
    initially receive distributions in accordance with the election of the prior
    owner. Unitholders desiring to change their  plan of distribution may do  so
    by  sending  a  written  notice requesting  the  change,  together  with any
    Certificate(s), to the Trustee.  The notice and  any Certificate(s) must  be
    received  by the Trustee  not later than  the semi-annual Record  Date to be
    effective as  of  the  semi-annual  distribution  following  the  subsequent
    semi-annual  Record Date. Unitholders are requested to make any such changes
    within 45 days prior to the applicable Record Date. Certificates should only
    be sent by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their
    being lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.")

        As of the  first day  of each  month the  Trustee will  deduct from  the
    Interest  Account of  a Trust  or, to  the extent  funds are  not sufficient
    therein, from the Principal Account of  a Trust, amounts needed for  payment
    of  expenses of such Trust. The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts
    such amount, if any, as  it deems necessary to  establish a reserve for  any
    governmental  charges payable out of such  Trust. Amounts so withdrawn shall
    not be considered a part of a Trust's assets until such time as the  Trustee
    shall  return all or any part of such amounts to the appropriate account. In
    addition, the  Trustee shall  withdraw  from the  Interest Account  and  the
    Principal  Account of  a Trust  such amounts  as may  be necessary  to cover
    redemptions of Units of such Trust by the Trustee. Funds which are available
    for future distributions, redemptions  and payment of  expenses are held  in
    accounts which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders and are available for
    use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.

                                       18
<PAGE>
    ACCUMULATION PLAN

    The  Sponsor is  also the principal  underwriter of  several open-end mutual
    funds (the  "Accumulation  Funds")  into which  Unitholders  may  choose  to
    reinvest  Trust distributions.  Unitholders may elect  to reinvest principal
    distributions or interest and principal distributions automatically, without
    any sales charge.  Each Accumulation  Fund has  investment objectives  which
    differ  in  certain respects  from those  of  the Trusts  and may  invest in
    securities which would not  be eligible for deposit  in the Trusts.  Further
    information  concerning  the Accumulation  Plan and  a list  of Accumulation
    Funds is set forth in the  Information Supplement of this Prospectus,  which
    may  be obtained by contacting the Trustee at the phone number listed on the
    back cover of this Prospectus.

        Participants may at any  time, by so notifying  the Trustee in  writing,
    elect  to change  the Accumulation Fund  into which  their distributions are
    being reinvested, to change from principal only reinvestment to reinvestment
    of both  principal  and  interest  or vice  versa,  or  to  terminate  their
    participation  in  the  Accumulation  Plan  altogether  and  receive  future
    distributions on  their Units  in cash.  There will  be no  charge or  other
    penalty  for such change of election  or termination. The character of Trust
    distributions for income tax purposes will remain unchanged even if they are
    reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.

    HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?

    The Trustee shall  furnish Unitholders of  a Trust in  connection with  each
    distribution,  a statement of the amount of interest, if any, and the amount
    of  other  receipts  (received  since  the  preceding  distribution)   being
    distributed,  expressed in each case as a dollar amount representing the pro
    rata share of each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of
    all distributions paid  on said Units.  Within a reasonable  period of  time
    after  the end  of each  calendar year,  the Trustee  shall furnish  to each
    person, who at any time during the calendar year was a registered Unitholder
    of a Trust, a statement  with respect to such Trust  (i) as to the  Interest
    Account: interest received (including amounts representing interest received
    upon  any  disposition  of Bonds),  and,  except  for any  State  Trust, the
    percentage of such interest by states in which the issuers of the Bonds  are
    located, deductions for fees and expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units
    and the balance remaining after such distributions and deductions, expressed
    in  each  case  both  as  a  total dollar  amount  and  as  a  dollar amount
    representing the  pro  rata share  of  each  Unit outstanding  on  the  last
    business  day of such calendar  year; (ii) as to  the Principal Account: the
    dates of disposition of  any Bonds and the  net proceeds received  therefrom
    (excluding  any portion representing accrued  interest), the amount paid for
    purchase of Replacement  Bonds, the  amount paid upon  redemption of  Units,
    deductions  for payment  of applicable  taxes and  fees and  expenses of the
    Trustee, and the balance remaining  after such distributions and  deductions
    expressed  both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing
    the pro rata share of each Unit outstanding on the last business day of such
    calendar year;  (iii) a  list of  the Bonds  held and  the number  of  Units
    outstanding  on the last business  day of such calendar  year; (iv) the Unit
    Value based  upon the  last computation  thereof made  during such  calendar
    year;  and (v) amounts  actually distributed during  such calendar year from
    the Interest  Account and  from the  Principal Account,  separately  stated,
    expressed  both as total  dollar amounts and  as dollar amounts representing
    the pro rata  share of  each Unit  outstanding. Each  annual statement  will
    reflect  pertinent information  in respect of  all plans  of distribution so
    that Unitholders may  be informed regarding  the results of  other plans  of
    distribution.

    UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION

    The value of each Trust is determined by the Sponsor on the basis of (1) the
    cash  on hand in the Trust or moneys  in the process of being collected, (2)
    the value of the Bonds in the Trust based on the BID prices of the Bonds and
    (3) interest accrued  thereon not  subject to collection,  LESS (1)  amounts
    representing  taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2)
    the accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided
    by the number of Units of such  Trust outstanding as of the date thereof  to
    determine  the per Unit value ("Unit Value")  of such Trust. The Sponsor may
    determine the value of the Bonds in  each Trust (1) on the basis of  current
    BID  prices of  the Bonds obtained  from dealers or  brokers who customarily
    deal in bonds comparable to those held by a Trust, (2) if bid prices are not
    available for any of the  Bonds, on the basis  of bid prices for  comparable
    bonds,  (3) by  causing the value  of the  Bonds to be  determined by others
    engaged in  the practice  of evaluating,  quoting or  appraising  comparable
    bonds  or (4) by  any combination of  the above. Although  the Unit Value of
    each Trust is  based on  the BID  prices of the  Bonds, the  Units are  sold
    initially  to the public at the Public  Offering Price based on the OFFERING
    prices of the Bonds.

        Because the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of Bonds
    with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to  insured
    Bonds  in  Traditional  Trusts  is  effective  so  long  as  such  Bonds are
    outstanding, such insurance will  be taken into  account in determining  the
    bid  and offering prices of such Bonds and therefore some value attributable
    to such insurance  will be included  in the  value of Units  of Trusts  that
    include such Bonds.

                                       19
<PAGE>
    HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC

    Nuveen,  in addition to  being the Sponsor,  is the sole  Underwriter of the
    Units. It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of National, Long
    Intermediate, Intermediate,  Short Intermediate  and Short  Term Trusts  for
    sale  under the laws of substantially all of the states of the United States
    of America, and Units of State Trusts only in the state for which the  Trust
    is named and selected other states.

        Promptly  following the  deposit of Bonds  in exchange for  Units of the
    Trusts, it is  the practice  of the  Sponsor to place  all of  the Units  as
    collateral  for a letter  or letters of  credit from one  or more commercial
    banks under an agreement to release such  Units from time to time as  needed
    for  distribution. Under  such an  arrangement the  Sponsor pays  such banks
    compensation based  on the  then current  interest rate.  This is  a  normal
    warehousing  arrangement during the  period of distribution  of the Units to
    public investors. To facilitate the handling of transactions, sales of Units
    shall be limited to transactions involving a minimum of either $5,000 or  50
    Units, whichever is less. The Sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole
    or in part, any order for the purchase of Units.

        The  Sponsor  plans  to  allow  a discount  to  brokers  and  dealers in
    connection with  the primary  distribution of  Units and  also in  secondary
    market transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DISCOUNT PER UNIT
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 NATIONAL    LONG INTER-                  SHORT INTER-
                                AND STATE      MEDIATE     INTERMEDIATE      MEDIATE     SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS*                  TRUSTS       TRUSTS         TRUSTS         TRUSTS        TRUSTS
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Less than 500.................    $3.20         $2.90          $2.70          $2.00         $1.50
500 but less than 1,000.......     3.20         2.90           2.70           2.00          1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500.....     3.20         2.70           2.50           1.80          1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000.....     3.20         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000....     2.50         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000...     2.00         2.00           2.00           1.30           .80
25,000 but less than 50,000...     1.75         1.75           1.75           1.30           .60
50,000 or more................     1.75         1.50           1.50           1.00           .60
</TABLE>

    *Breakpoint  sales charges and related  dealer concessions are computed both
     on a dollar basis and on the basis of the number of Units purchased,  using
     the  equivalent of 500 Units  to $50,000, 2,500 Units  to $250,000 etc. and
     will be applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.

        The Sponsor currently intends to  maintain a secondary market for  Units
    of  each Trust. See "MARKET FOR UNITS."  The amount of the dealer concession
    on secondary market  purchases of Trust  Units through the  Sponsor will  be
    computed based upon the value of the Bonds in the Trust portfolio, including
    the  sales charge computed as described in "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
    DETERMINED?", and  adjusted  to  reflect  the cash  position  of  the  Trust
    principal  account, and will vary with the  size of the purchase as shown in
    the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        $50,000   $100,000   $250,000   $500,000   $1,000,000  $2,500,000
                              UNDER       TO         TO         TO         TO          TO          TO      $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY            $50,000    $99,999   $249,999   $499,999   $999,999   $2,499,999  $4,999,999   OR MORE
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Less than 1...............      0          0          0          0          0          0           0           0
1 but less than 2.........    1.00%      .90%       .85%       .80%       .70%        .55%       .467%       .389%
2 but less than 3.........    1.30%      1.20%      1.10%      1.00%      .90%        .73%       .634%       .538%
3 but less than 4.........    1.60%      1.45%      1.35%      1.25%      1.10%       .90%       .781%       .662%
4 but less than 5.........    2.00%      1.85%      1.75%      1.55%      1.40%      1.25%       1.082%      .914%
5 but less than 7.........    2.30%      2.15%      1.95%      1.80%      1.65%      1.50%       1.320%      1.140%
7 but less than 10........    2.60%      2.45%      2.25%      2.10%      1.95%      1.70%       1.496%      1.292%
10 but less than 13.......    3.00%      2.80%      2.60%      2.45%      2.30%      2.00%       1.747%      1.494%
13 but less than 16.......    3.25%      3.15%      3.00%      2.75%      2.50%      2.15%       1.878%      1.606%
16 or more................    3.50%      3.50%      3.40%      3.35%      3.00%      2.50%       2.185%      1.873%
</TABLE>

      *Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both
       on a dollar  basis and on  the basis  of the number  of Units  purchased,
       using  the equivalent of  500 Units to $50,000,  2,500 Units to $250,000,
       etc., and will be applied  on that basis which  is more favorable to  the
       purchaser.

        The   Sponsor  reserves  the  right   to  change  the  foregoing  dealer
    concessions from time to time.

        At the discretion of the Sponsor,  volume incentives can be earned as  a
    marketing allowance by dealer firms who reach cumulative firm sales or sales
    arrangement  levels of  a specified number  of Units of  an individual Trust
    during the primary  offering period  as set forth  in the  table below.  For
    firms  that meet the  necessary volume level for  a Trust, volume incentives
    may be given on all trades involving  that Trust originated from or by  that
    firm during the primary offering period.

                                       20
<PAGE>
    Primary Market Volume Incentives

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PER TRUST SALES LEVEL
AVERAGE MATURITY                     DURING THE PRIMARY      VOLUME INCENTIVE
OF TRUST                              OFFERING PERIOD            PER UNIT
- -------------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------
<S>                              <C>                         <C>
Less than 6 years                      At least 5,000 Units      $    0.05
6 but less than 15 years               At least 2,500 Units      $    0.10
15 years or more                       At least 2,500 Units      $    0.20
</TABLE>

        In addition, a volume incentive of $2.50 per $1,000 of Units sold can be
    earned  by dealer firms as a  marketing allowance for secondary market sales
    of at least $1 million of Nuveen Unit Trust units per calendar quarter.

        Only sales through  the Sponsor  qualify for volume  incentives and  for
    meeting  minimum requirements. The  Sponsor reserves the  right to modify or
    change the volume incentive schedule at any time and make the  determination
    as to which firms qualify for the marketing allowance and the amount paid.

        Registered   investment  advisers,  certified   financial  planners  and
    registered broker-dealers who in each  case either charge periodic fees  for
    financial  planning, investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or
    provide such services in connection with the establishment of an  investment
    account  for which  a comprehensive "wrap  fee" charge is  imposed, and bank
    trust  departments  investing  funds  over  which  they  exercise  exclusive
    discretionary investment authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency,
    custodial  or  similar  capacity, are  not  entitled to  receive  any dealer
    concession for any sales  made to investors  which qualified as  "Discounted
    Purchases"  during the primary or secondary  market. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC
    OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")

        Certain commercial banks  are making  Units of the  Trusts available  to
    their  customers on an agency  basis. A portion of  the sales charge paid by
    these customers is retained by or remitted to the banks in the amounts shown
    in the above table. The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits banks from underwriting
    Trust Units; the Act does,  however, permit certain agency transactions  and
    banking   regulators  have  not  indicated   that  these  particular  agency
    transactions are not permitted under the Act. In Texas and in certain  other
    states,  any bank  making Units  available must  be registered  as a broker-
    dealer under state law.

    OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS

    The ownership  of  Units  is  evidenced  in  Certificated  form  unless  the
    Unitholder  expressly requests that the purchased Units be evidenced by book
    entry positions  recorded on  the  books and  records  of the  Trustee.  The
    Trustee  is authorized to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the
    time is registered as such on the  books of the Trustee. Any Unitholder  who
    holds  a Certificate may change to book entry ownership by submitting to the
    Trustee the  Certificate  along  with  a  written  request  that  the  Units
    represented  by such  Certificate be  held in  book entry  form. Likewise, a
    Unitholder who holds Units in book  entry form may obtain a Certificate  for
    such  Units  by  written  request  to the  Trustee.  Units  may  be  held in
    denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions  of
    Units  are computed to three decimal places. Any Certificates issued will be
    numbered serially for  identification, and  are issued  in fully  registered
    form,  transferable only on the books of the Trustee. Book entry Unitholders
    will receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.

        For Trusts  allowing optional  plans of  distribution, Certificates  for
    Units  will bear an appropriate notation on their face indicating which plan
    of distribution  has been  selected. When  a change  is made,  the  existing
    Certificates  must be surrendered to the Trustee and new Certificates issued
    to reflect the currently  effective plan of distribution.  There will be  no
    charge  for this service. Holders of book  entry Units can change their plan
    of distribution by making a written request to the Trustee, which will issue
    a new Book Entry Position Confirmation to reflect such change.

        Units are transferable by making a  written request to the Trustee  and,
    in  the  case  of  Units  evidenced  by  Certificate(s),  by  presenting and
    surrendering such Certificate(s) to  the Trustee, at  its address listed  on
    the  back  cover of  this Part  B  of the  Prospectus, properly  endorsed or
    accompanied  by  a  written  instrument  or  instruments  of  transfer.  The
    Certificate(s)   should  be  sent  registered  or  certified  mail  for  the
    protection of  the  Unitholder.  Each  Unitholder  must  sign  such  written
    request, and such Certificate(s) or transfer instrument, exactly as his name
    appears  on (a) the face of the  Certificate(s) representing the Units to be
    transferred, or (b) the Book Entry Position Confirmation(s) relating to  the
    Units to be transferred. Such signature(s) must be guaranteed by a guarantor
    acceptable  to the  Trustee. In  certain instances  the Trustee  may require
    additional documents  such  as,  but  not  limited  to,  trust  instruments,
    certificates   of  death,  appointments  as  executor  or  administrator  or
    certificates  of  corporate  authority.   Mutilated  Certificates  must   be
    surrendered  to the  Trustee in  order for  a replacement  Certificate to be
    issued. Although  at  the  date  hereof  no  charge  is  made  and  none  is
    contemplated,  a Unitholder may be required to  pay $2.00 to the Trustee for
    each Certificate reissued  or transfer  of Units  requested and  to pay  any
    governmental charge which may be imposed in connection therewith.

                                       21
<PAGE>
    REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.

    To  obtain a new  Certificate replacing one  that has been  lost, stolen, or
    destroyed,  the  Unitholder  must   furnish  the  Trustee  with   sufficient
    indemnification  and  pay  such  expenses as  the  Trustee  may  incur. This
    indemnification  must  be  in   the  form  of  an   Open  Penalty  Bond   of
    Indemnification.  The  premium  for such  an  indemnity bond  may  vary, but
    currently amounts to 1% of the market value of the Units represented by  the
    Certificate.  In  the  case  however,  of a  Trust  as  to  which  notice of
    termination has been  given, the premium  currently amounts to  0.5% of  the
    market value of the Units represented by such Certificate.

    HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE

    Unitholders  may redeem  all or  a portion  of their  Units by  (1) making a
    written request  for such  redemption (book  entry Unitholders  may use  the
    redemption   form  on  the  reverse  side   of  their  Book  Entry  Position
    Confirmation) to the Trustee at its address listed on the back cover of this
    Part B of the Prospectus (redemptions of 1,000 Units or more will require  a
    signature  guarantee), (2) in the case  of Units evidenced by a Certificate,
    by also  tendering  such  Certificate  to  the  Trustee,  duly  endorsed  or
    accompanied  by proper instruments of transfer with signatures guaranteed as
    explained above, or  provide satisfactory indemnity  required in  connection
    with  lost, stolen or  destroyed Certificates and  (3) payment of applicable
    governmental charges, if any. Certificates should be sent only by registered
    or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being lost or stolen.
    (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.") No redemption fee will be  charged.
    A  Unitholder may authorize the Trustee  to honor telephone instructions for
    the redemption  of Units  held  in book  entry  form. Units  represented  by
    Certificates  may  not  be  redeemed by  telephone.  The  proceeds  of Units
    redeemed by telephone will be sent by check either to the Unitholder at  the
    address  specified on his account or to a financial institution specified by
    the Unitholder for  credit to the  account of the  Unitholder. A  Unitholder
    wishing  to  use  this  method  of  redemption  must  complete  a  Telephone
    Redemption Authorization Form and furnish the Form to the Trustee. Telephone
    Redemption  Authorization  Forms  can   be  obtained  from  a   Unitholder's
    registered representative or by calling the Trustee. Once the completed Form
    is  on file,  the Trustee  will honor  telephone redemption  requests by any
    authorized person.  The  time a  telephone  redemption request  is  received
    determines  the "date of tender" as discussed below. The redemption proceeds
    will be mailed within three business days following the telephone redemption
    request. Only  Units held  in the  name of  individuals may  be redeemed  by
    telephone;  accounts registered in broker  name, or accounts of corporations
    or fiduciaries (including among  others, trustees, guardians, executors  and
    administrators) may not use the telephone redemption privilege.

        On  the third business day following  the date of tender, the Unitholder
    will be entitled to receive in cash  for each Unit tendered an amount  equal
    to  the Unit Value of such Trust determined  by the Trustee, as of 4:00 p.m.
    eastern time,  or as  of any  earlier closing  time on  a day  on which  the
    Exchange  is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time, on the date
    of tender as defined hereafter, plus accrued interest to, but not including,
    the third business day  after the date of  tender ("Redemption Price").  The
    price  received upon redemption may be more  or less than the amount paid by
    the Unitholder depending on the  value of the Bonds  on the date of  tender.
    Unitholders  should check with the Trustee  or their broker to determine the
    Redemption Price before tendering Units.

        The "date of tender" is deemed to  be the date on which the request  for
    redemption  of Units is received in proper  form by the Trustee, except that
    as regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as
    of any earlier closing time on a  day on which the Exchange is scheduled  in
    advance  to close at such earlier time, or  on any day on which the Exchange
    is normally  closed, the  date  of tender  is the  next  day on  which  such
    Exchange  is normally open  for trading and  such request will  be deemed to
    have been  made on  such day  and the  redemption will  be effected  at  the
    Redemption Price computed on that day.

        Accrued interest paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Interest
    Account of the appropriate Trust or, if the balance therein is insufficient,
    from  the  Principal  Account  of  such Trust.  All  other  amounts  paid on
    redemption shall be  withdrawn from  the Principal Account.  The Trustee  is
    empowered  to  sell underlying  Bonds  of a  Trust  in order  to  make funds
    available for redemption. (See "HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE  TRUSTS.")
    Units so redeemed shall be cancelled. To the extent that Bonds are sold from
    a  Trust, the size and  diversity of such Trust  will be reduced. Such sales
    may be required at a time when  Bonds would not otherwise be sold and  might
    result in lower prices than might otherwise be realized.

        The Redemption Price is determined on the basis of the BID prices of the
    Bonds  in each Trust, while the initial  Public Offering Price of Units will
    be determined on the basis  of the OFFERING prices of  the Bonds as of  4:00
    p.m.  eastern time  on any day  on which  the Exchange is  normally open for
    trading, or as of any earlier closing time on a day on which the Exchange is
    scheduled in advance to close at  such earlier time, and such  determination
    is  made. As of any given time,  the difference between the bid and offering
    prices of such  Bonds may be  expected to  average 1/2% to  2% of  principal
    amount.  In the  case of  actively traded  Bonds, the  difference may  be as
    little as 1/4 to 1/2 of 1%, and in the case of inactively traded Bonds  such
    difference usually will not exceed 3%.

                                       22
<PAGE>
        The  right of redemption may be  suspended and payment postponed for any
    period during which the Securities  and Exchange Commission determines  that
    trading  in the municipal bond market  is restricted or an emergency exists,
    as a result of which disposal or  evaluation of the Bonds is not  reasonably
    practicable,  or  for  such other  periods  as the  Securities  and Exchange
    Commission may by order permit.

        Under regulations issued  by the Internal  Revenue Service, the  Trustee
    will  be required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount
    of a Unit  redemption if the  Trustee has not  been furnished the  redeeming
    Unitholder's  tax  identification  number  in the  manner  required  by such
    regulations. Any amount so withheld  is transmitted to the Internal  Revenue
    Service  and may be recovered by the  Unitholder only when filing his or her
    tax return. Under normal circumstances the Trustee obtains the  Unitholder's
    tax   identification  number  from  the  selling  broker  at  the  time  the
    Certificate or Book Entry Return Confirmation is issued, and this number  is
    printed  on  the  Certificate  or  Book  Entry  Return  Confirmation  and on
    distribution statements. If  a Unitholder's tax  identification number  does
    not  appear as described above, or if it is incorrect, the Unitholder should
    contact the Trustee before redeeming Units to determine what action, if any,
    is required to avoid this "back-up withholding."

    HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR

    The Trustee will notify the Sponsor  of any tender of Units for  redemption.
    If  the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at that time equals or exceeds
    the Redemption Price  it may purchase  such Units by  notifying the  Trustee
    before  the close of business  on the second succeeding  business day and by
    making payment therefor to  the Unitholder not later  than the day on  which
    payment  would otherwise have been made by  the Trustee. (See "HOW UNITS MAY
    BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE.")  The Sponsor's current practice  is to bid  at
    the  Redemption Price in the secondary market. Units held by the Sponsor may
    be tendered to the Trustee for redemption as any other Units.

    HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS

    Bonds will be removed  from a Trust  as they mature or  are redeemed by  the
    issuers  thereof.  See  "RISK FACTORS"  in  Part  A of  this  Prospectus and
    "SUMMARY OF  PORTFOLIOS"  herein for  a  discussion of  call  provisions  of
    portfolio Bonds.

        The Indenture also empowers the Trustee to sell Bonds for the purpose of
    redeeming  Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses
    for which income may not be  available. Under the Indenture, the Sponsor  is
    obligated  to provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust
    to be sold in such circumstances. In deciding which Bonds should be sold the
    Sponsor intends to consider, among other things, such factors as: (1) market
    conditions; (2)  market  prices of  the  Bonds;  (3) the  effect  on  income
    distributions to Unitholders of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on
    principal  amount of underlying Bonds per Unit of the sale of various Bonds;
    (5) the financial condition of the issuers;  and (6) the effect of the  sale
    of  various Bonds on the  investment character of the  Trust. Such sales, if
    required, could result in the  sale of Bonds by  the Trustee at prices  less
    than  original cost to the Trust. To the extent Bonds are sold, the size and
    diversity of such Trust will be reduced.

        In addition, the Sponsor is empowered to direct the Trustee to liquidate
    Bonds upon the  happening of certain  other events, such  as default in  the
    payment  of principal  and/or interest,  an action  of the  issuer that will
    adversely affect its  ability to continue  payment of the  principal of  and
    interest  on its Bonds,  or an adverse  change in market,  revenue or credit
    factors affecting the investment character of the Bonds. If a default in the
    payment of the principal of and/or interest on any of the Bonds occurs,  and
    if  the Sponsor fails to instruct the Trustee whether to sell or continue to
    hold such Bonds  within 30  days after notification  by the  Trustee to  the
    Sponsor  of  such default,  the Indenture  provides  that the  Trustee shall
    liquidate said  Bonds forthwith  and shall  not be  liable for  any loss  so
    incurred.  The Sponsor may also  direct the Trustee to  liquidate Bonds in a
    Trust if the Bonds in  the Trust are the  subject of an advanced  refunding,
    generally  considered to be when refunding bonds are issued and the proceeds
    thereof are deposited in irrevocable trust  to retire the refunded Bonds  on
    their redemption date.

        Except  as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right
    of substitution  of  Replacement Bonds  for  Failed Bonds,  and  except  for
    refunding   securities  that  may  be  exchanged  for  Bonds  under  certain
    conditions specified in the Indenture, the Indenture does not permit  either
    the  Sponsor or the Trustee  to acquire or deposit  bonds either in addition
    to, or in substitution for, any of the Bonds initially deposited in a Trust.

    INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE

    The Trustee and its address are stated on  the back cover of this Part B  of
    the Prospectus. The Trustee is subject to supervision and examination by the
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal
    Reserve  System and either the Comptroller  of the Currency or state banking
    authorities.

        The Trustee has assumed no responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy and
    completeness of  the  information not  furnished  by it  contained  in  this
    Prospectus.

                                       23
<PAGE>
    LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE

    The  Sponsor and the Trustee shall be  under no liability to Unitholders for
    taking any action or for refraining  from any action in good faith  pursuant
    to  the Indenture, or for  errors in judgment, but  shall be liable only for
    their own negligence, lack of good faith or willful misconduct. The  Trustee
    shall  not be liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale
    by the Trustee  of any  of the Bonds.  In the  event of the  failure of  the
    Sponsor to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall
    not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.

        The  Trustee shall  not be  liable for  any taxes  or other governmental
    charges imposed upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest thereon
    or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in respect of any Trust
    which the Trustee may be required to pay under any present or future law  of
    the  United  States  of America  or  of  any other  taxing  authority having
    jurisdiction. In addition, the Indenture contains other customary provisions
    limiting the liability of the Trustee.

    SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS

    The Trustee or any successor trustee  may resign by executing an  instrument
    of  resignation in writing  and filing same  with the Sponsor  and mailing a
    copy of a  notice of  resignation to all  Unitholders then  of record.  Upon
    receiving  such  notice,  the  Sponsor is  required  to  promptly  appoint a
    successor trustee. If the Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged
    a bankrupt or insolvent,  or a receiver or  other public officer shall  take
    charge  of its property or  affairs, the Sponsor may  remove the Trustee and
    appoint a successor by written instrument.  The resignation or removal of  a
    trustee  and the appointment  of a successor  trustee shall become effective
    only when  the  successor  trustee  accepts its  appointment  as  such.  Any
    successor  trustee shall be  a corporation authorized  to exercise corporate
    trust powers, having capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than
    $5,000,000. Any corporation into which a trustee may be merged or with which
    it may be  consolidated, or  any corporation  resulting from  any merger  or
    consolidation  to which a trustee  shall be a party,  shall be the successor
    trustee.

        If upon resignation of a trustee no successor has been appointed and has
    accepted the appointment  within 30  days after  notification, the  retiring
    trustee  may apply to a court  of competent jurisdiction for the appointment
    of a successor.

        If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture,
    and no express provision is  made for action by  the Trustee in such  event,
    the  Trustee may, in  addition to its  other powers under  the Indenture (1)
    appoint a successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the
    Trusts.

    INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR

    Since our founding in 1898, Nuveen has been synonymous with investments that
    withstand the test  of time. Today,  we offer a  broad range of  investments
    designed  for mature  investors whose portfolio  is the  principal source of
    their ongoing  financial  security. More  than  1.3 million  investors  have
    entrusted Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently enjoy.

        A  value investing  approach--purchasing securities  of strong companies
    and communities that represent good  long-term value--is the cornerstone  of
    Nuveen's  investment philosophy.  It is  a careful,  long-term strategy that
    offers the potential for attractive returns with moderated risk.  Successful
    value  investing  begins with  in-depth research  and  a discerning  eye for
    marketplace opportunity. Nuveen's team of investment professionals is backed
    by the  discipline,  resources and  expertise  of a  century  of  investment
    experience, including one of the most recognized research departments in the
    industry.

        To  meet the unique circumstances and financial planning needs of mature
    investors, Nuveen offers  a wide  array of taxable  and tax-free  investment
    products--including  equity  and  fixed-income  mutual  funds,  unit trusts,
    exchange-traded  funds,  customized  asset  management  services  and   cash
    management  products.  Nuveen is  a subsidiary  of  The John  Nuveen Company
    which, in turn, is approximately 78%  owned by the St. Paul Companies,  Inc.
    ("ST.  PAUL"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and is principally
    engaged in  providing  property-liability  insurance  through  subsidiaries.
    Nuveen  is a member of the  National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
    and the Securities Industry Association and has its principal office located
    in Chicago (333 West Wacker Drive). Nuveen maintains 8 regional offices.

        To help advisers  and investors better  understand and more  efficiently
    use an investment in the Trusts to reach their investment goals, the Sponsor
    may  advertise  and create  specific  investment programs  and  systems. For
    example, such activities may include presenting information on how to use an
    investment in the  Trusts, alone  or in  combination with  an investment  in
    other  mutual  funds  or  unit investment  trusts  sponsored  by  Nuveen, to
    accumulate assets for future  education needs or  periodic payments such  as
    insurance  premiums. The  Sponsor may  produce software  or additional sales
    literature to promote the advantages of  using the Trusts to meet these  and
    other specific investor needs.

                                       24
<PAGE>
    OTHER INFORMATION
    AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE

    The  Indenture may  be amended  by the Trustee  and the  Sponsor without the
    consent of any of the Unitholders (1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or
    supplement any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent,  or
    (2)  to  make  such  other  provisions as  shall  not  adversely  affect the
    Unitholders, provided, however,  that the  Indenture may not  be amended  to
    increase  the  number of  Units in  any Trust  or to  permit the  deposit or
    acquisition of bonds either  in addition to, or  in substitution for any  of
    the  Bonds initially deposited in any Trust except as stated in "COMPOSITION
    OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of substitution of Replacement  Bonds
    and   except  for  the   substitution  of  refunding   bonds  under  certain
    circumstances. The Trustee  shall advise  the Unitholders  of any  amendment
    promptly after execution thereof.

    TERMINATION OF INDENTURE

    Each  Trust may be liquidated at any time  by written consent of 100% of the
    Unitholders or by the Trustee when the value of such Trust, as shown by  any
    evaluation,  is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust
    and will be liquidated by the Trustee  in the event that Units not yet  sold
    aggregating  more than 60% of the  Units originally created are tendered for
    redemption by the Sponsor  thereby reducing the net  worth of such Trust  to
    less  than 40% of the principal amount  of the Bonds originally deposited in
    the portfolio.  (See "Essential  Information" appearing  in Part  A of  this
    Prospectus.)  The sale of Bonds from  the Trusts upon termination may result
    in realization of a lesser amount  than might otherwise be realized if  such
    sale  were not  required at  such time. For  this reason,  among others, the
    amount realized  by a  Unitholder  upon termination  may  be less  than  the
    principal  amount of Bonds originally represented  by the Units held by such
    Unitholder. The Indenture will terminate upon the redemption, sale or  other
    disposition  of the  last Bond  held thereunder,  but in  no event  shall it
    continue beyond  the  end  of  the  calendar  year  preceding  the  fiftieth
    anniversary  of its execution for National  and State Trusts, beyond the end
    of the calendar year  preceding the twentieth  anniversary of its  execution
    for  Long Intermediate,  and Intermediate  Trusts or  beyond the  end of the
    calendar year preceding  the tenth  anniversary of its  execution for  Short
    Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.

        Written  notice of any termination specifying the time or times at which
    Unitholders may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall
    be given by the Trustee to each  Unitholder at the address appearing on  the
    registration books of a Trust maintained by the Trustee. Within a reasonable
    time  thereafter, the  Trustee shall liquidate  any Bonds in  the Trust then
    held and  shall deduct  from the  assets  of the  Trust any  accrued  costs,
    expenses  or indemnities  provided by the  Indenture which  are allocable to
    such Trust, including  estimated compensation  of the Trustee  and costs  of
    liquidation  and any amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of
    any applicable taxes or other  governmental charges. The Trustee shall  then
    distribute  to Unitholders of such Trust their pro rata share of the balance
    of  the  Interest  and  Principal  Accounts.  With  such  distribution,  the
    Unitholders   shall  be   furnished  a  final   distribution  statement,  in
    substantially the same  form as  the annual distribution  statement, of  the
    amount  distributable. At  such time as  the Trustee in  its sole discretion
    shall determine that any amounts held in reserve are no longer necessary, it
    shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the same manner.

    LEGAL OPINION

    The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
    Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for
    the Trusts for respective  state tax matters are  named in "Tax Status"  for
    each  Trust  appearing  in Part  A  of  this Prospectus.  Carter,  Ledyard &
    Milburn, 2 Wall Street, New York, New  York 10005, has acted as counsel  for
    the  Trustee with respect to  the Series, and, in the  absence of a New York
    Trust from the Series, as special New York tax counsel for the Series.

    AUDITORS

    The "Statement  of  Condition" and  "Schedule  of Investments"  at  Date  of
    Deposit  included in Part A  of this Prospectus have  been audited by Arthur
    Andersen LLP, independent public accountants,  as indicated in their  report
    in  Part A of this Prospectus, and  are included herein in reliance upon the
    authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.

    SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

    Upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee, investors will receive at
    no cost to the investor supplemental information about this Trust, which has
    been filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission  and is intended  to
    supplement  information contained in  Part A and Part  B of this Prospectus.
    The supplemental information includes  more detailed information  concerning
    certain  of the  Bonds included  in the  Trusts contained  in the applicable
    Series and more  specific risk information  concerning the individual  state
    Trusts.  This supplement also includes  additional general information about
    the Sponsor and the Trusts.

                                       25
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
J
Defined Portfolios
</TABLE>

           J

                                            Tax-Free Unit Trusts

                              PROSPECTUS -- PART B
                               SEPTEMBER 1, 1998

<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 SPONSOR             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312.917.7700

                                     Swiss Bank Tower
                                     10 East 50th Street
                                     New York, NY 10022
                                     212.207.2000

                 TRUSTEE             The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                     4 New York Plaza
                                     New York, NY 10004-2413
                                     800.257.8787

           LEGAL COUNSEL             Chapman and Cutler
              TO SPONSOR             111 West Monroe Street
                                     Chicago, IL 60603
             INDEPENDENT             Arthur Andersen LLP
                  PUBLIC             33 West Monroe Street
             ACCOUNTANTS             Chicago, IL 60603
          FOR THE TRUSTS
</TABLE>

                                 --------------

    This Prospectus does not contain complete information about the Unit Trust
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940.

    To obtain copies at proscribed rates--

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
Write:     Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC 20549-6009
Call:      (800) SEC-0330
Visit:     http://www.sec.gov
</TABLE>

    No person is authorized to give any information or representation about the
Trusts not contained in Parts A or B of this Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on any other information.

    When Units of this Fund are no longer available, this Prospectus may be used
as a preliminary Prospectus for a future series, but some of the information in
this Prospectus will be changed for that series.

    UNITS OF ANY FUTURE SERIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED
UNTIL THAT SERIES HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION. NO UNITS CAN BE SOLD WHERE A SALE WOULD BE ILLEGAL.

<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS

                 ---------------------------------------------

                             INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT

                               NUVEEN SERIES 1138

               This Information Supplement provides additional
           information concerning the structure, operations and risks
           of a Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust not found in the
           prospectuses for the Trusts. This Information Supplement
           is not a prospectus and does not include all of the
           information that a prospective investor should consider
           before investing in a Trust. This Information Supplement
           should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the
           Trust in which an investor is considering investing
           ("Prospectus"). Copies of the Prospectus can be obtained
           by calling or writing the Trustee at the telephone number
           and address indicated in Part B of the Prospectus. This
           Information Supplement has been created to supplement
           information contained in the Prospectus.

               This Information Supplement is dated             ,
           1999. Capitalized terms have been defined in the
           Prospectus.

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                 ----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE..............................................           2
  Health Care Facility Revenue Obligations...........................           2
  Single Family and Multi-Family Housing Revenue Obligations.........           2
  Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds...............................           2
  Congregate Care Revenue Obligations................................           3
  Federally Enhanced Obligations.....................................           3
  Public Housing Authority Revenue Obligations.......................           3
  Industrial Revenue Obligations.....................................           3
  Power Revenue Obligations..........................................           4
  Utility Obligations................................................           4
  Transportation Bonds...............................................           4
  Water and/or Sewerage Revenue Obligations..........................           4
  Resource Recovery Revenue Obligations..............................           5
  Education Revenue Obligations......................................           5
  Bridge and Tollroad Revenue Obligations............................           5
  Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue Bonds..............................           5
  Municipal Lease Revenue Bonds......................................           5
  Special Obligation to Crossover....................................           5
  Civic Organization Obligations.....................................           5
  Original Issue Discount Bonds and Stripped Obligations.............           5
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?...................................           6
ACCUMULATION PLAN....................................................           8
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR........................................          10
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS...............................................          11
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE...................................          13
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME...............................          14
Appendix A -- National Disclosure....................................         A-1
Appendix B -- California Disclosure..................................         B-1
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE

    An investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks that such an investment may entail. These include the ability of the
issuer, or, if applicable, an insurer, to make payments of interest and
principal when due, the effects of changes in interest rates generally, early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set forth in the portfolio summaries in Part A of this Prospectus, the Trusts
may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the types of bonds discussed
below. The following paragraphs discuss certain circumstances which may
adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in the portfolio of a
Trust to make payment of principal and interest thereon or which may adversely
affect the ratings of such Bonds; with respect to Insured Trusts, however,
because of the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds,
such changes should not adversely affect an Insured Trust's receipt of principal
and interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA or Moody's Aaa ratings of the Bonds in
the Insured Trust portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of
each such Insured Trust. For economic risks specific to the individual Trusts,
see "Risk Factors" for each Trust.

    HEALTH CARE FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from services provided by
hospitals or other health care facilities, including nursing homes. Ratings of
bonds issued for health care facilities are sometimes based on feasibility
studies that contain projections of occupancy levels, revenues and expenses. A
facility's gross receipts and net income available for debt service may be
affected by future events and conditions including, among other things, demand
for services, the ability of the facility to provide the services required, an
increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing salaries,
physicians' confidence in the facility, management capabilities, economic
developments in the service area, competition from other similar providers,
efforts by insurers and governmental agencies to limit rates, legislation
establishing state rate-setting agencies, expenses, government regulation, the
cost and possible unavailability of malpractice insurance, and the termination
or restriction of governmental financial assistance, including that associated
with Medicare, Medicaid and other similar third party payor programs. Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare program and thereby may have an adverse effect on the ability of such
institutions to satisfy debt service requirements. In the event of a default
upon a bond secured by hospital facilities, the limited alternative uses for
such facilities may result in the recovery upon such collateral not providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.

    Certain hospital bonds provide for redemption at par upon the damage,
destruction or condemnation of the hospital facilities or in other special
circumstances.

    SINGLE FAMILY AND MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the
Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from mortgage loans to housing projects for the elderly or for low to
moderate income families. Such issues are generally characterized by mandatory
redemption at par or, in the case of original issue discount bonds, accreted
value in the event of economic defaults and in the event of a failure of the
operator of a project to comply with certain covenants as to the operation of
the project. The failure of such operator to comply with certain covenants
related to the tax-exempt status of interest on the Bonds, such as provisions
requiring that a specified percentage of units be rented or available for rental
to low or moderate income families, potentially could cause interest on such
Bonds to be subject to Federal income taxation from the date of issuance of the
Bonds. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments will be
affected by events and conditions affecting financed projects, including, among
other things, the achievement and maintenance of sufficient occupancy levels and
adequate rental income, employment and income conditions prevailing in local
labor markets, increases in taxes, utility costs and other operating expenses,
the managerial ability of project managers, changes in laws and governmental
regulations, the appropriation of subsidies, and social and economic trends
affecting the localities in which the projects are located. Occupancy of such
housing projects may be adversely affected by high rent levels and income
limitations imposed under Federal and state programs.

    SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
single family mortgage revenue bonds, which are issued for the purpose of
acquiring from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate income. Mortgage loans are generally partially or completely prepaid
prior to their final maturities as a result of events such as sale of the
mortgaged premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these bonds
are subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from the failure of the originating financial institutions to make mortgage
loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The redemption price
of such issues may be more or less than the offering price of such bonds.
Additionally, unusually high rates of default on the underlying mortgage loans
may reduce revenues available for the payment of principal of or interest on
such mortgage revenue

                                       2
<PAGE>
bonds. Single family mortgage revenue bonds issued after December 31, 1980 were
issued under Section 103A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, or
Section 143 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which Sections contain certain
requirements relating to the use of the proceeds of such bonds in order for the
interest on such bonds to retain its tax-exempt status. In each case, the issuer
of the bonds has covenanted to comply with applicable requirements and bond
counsel to such issuer has issued an opinion that the interest on the bonds is
exempt from Federal income tax under existing laws and regulations. There can be
no assurance that such continuing requirements will be satisfied; the failure to
meet such requirements could cause interest on the Bonds to be subject to
Federal income taxation, possibly from the date of issuance of the Bonds.

    CONGREGATE CARE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from loans to
finance the construction and/or acquisition of congregate care facilities,
including retirement facilities and nursing care units. A facility's gross
receipts and net income available for debt service may be affected by future
events and conditions, including, among other things, demand for services, the
ability of the facility to provide the services required, management
capabilities, an increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in
nursing salaries, economic developments in the service area, competition from
other similar providers, efforts by insurers and governmental agencies to limit
rates, legislation establishing state rate-setting agencies, expenses,
government regulation and the termination or restriction of governmental
financial assistance.

    FEDERALLY ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the mortgages which secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously discussed
Health Care Facility Revenue, Single Family and Multi-Family Housing Revenue,
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Obligations and Congregate Care Revenue Bonds
(the "Obligations") in a Trust may be insured by the Federal Housing
Administration ("FHA"). Under FHA regulations, the maximum insurable mortgage
amount cannot exceed 90% of the FHA's estimated value of the project. The FHA
mortgage insurance does not constitute a guarantee of timely payment of the
principal of and interest on the Obligations. Payment of mortgage insurance
benefits may be (1) less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or
(2) delayed if disputes arise as to the amount of the payment or if certain
notices are not given to the FHA within the prescribed time periods. In
addition, some of the previously discussed Obligations may be secured by
mortgage-backed certificates guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"), a wholly owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States, and/or the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") a
federally chartered and stockholder-owed corporation. GNMA and Fannie Mae
guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on the mortgage-backed
certificates, even where the underlying mortgage payments are not made. While
such mortgage-backed certificates are often pledged to secure payment of
principal and interest on the Obligations, timely payment of interest and
principal on the Obligations is not insured or guaranteed by the United States,
GNMA, Fannie Mae or any other governmental agency or instrumentality. The GNMA
mortgage-backed certificates constitute a general obligation of the United
States backed by its full faith and credit. The obligations of Fannie Mae,
including its obligations under the Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities, are
obligations solely of Fannie Mae and are not backed by, or entitled to, the full
faith and credit of the United States.

    PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust
may be obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from loans to
finance public housing projects. These bonds are guaranteed by the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such issues are generally
characterized by mandatory redemption at par or, in the case of original issue
discount bonds, accreted value in the event of economic defaults. The ability of
such issuers to make debt service payments will be affected by events and
conditions affecting financed projects, including, among other things, the
achievement and maintenance of sufficient occupancy levels, employment and
income conditions prevailing in local labor markets, increases in taxes, utility
costs and other operating expenses, changes in laws and governmental
regulations, and social and economic trends affecting the localities in which
the projects are located. In addition, the federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development may impose regulations and/or limitations which may have an
adverse impact on the Bonds in a Trust.

    INDUSTRIAL REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be
industrial revenue bonds ("IRBs"), which are tax-exempt securities issued by
states, municipalities, public authorities or similar entities to finance the
cost of acquiring, constructing or improving various industrial projects. These
projects are usually operated by corporate entities. Issuers are obligated only
to pay amounts due on the IRBs to the extent that funds are available from the
unexpended proceeds of the IRBs or receipts or revenues of the issuer under an
arrangement between the issuer and the corporate operator of a project. The
arrangement may be in the form of a lease, installment sale agreement,
conditional sale agreement or loan agreement, but in each case the payments to
the issuer are designed to be sufficient to meet the payments of amounts due on
the IRBs. Regardless of the structure, payment of IRBs is solely dependent upon
the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor. Corporate operators or guarantors may be
affected by many factors which may have an adverse impact on the credit quality
of the particular company or industry. These include cyclicality of revenues and
earnings, regulatory and environmental restrictions, litigation resulting from
accidents or environmentally-caused illnesses, extensive competition and
financial deterioration resulting from a corporate restructuring pursuant to a
leveraged buy-out, takeover or otherwise. Such a restructuring may

                                       3
<PAGE>
result in the operator of a project becoming highly leveraged which may have an
impact on such operator's creditworthiness which in turn would have an adverse
impact on the rating and/or market value of such Bonds. Further, the possibility
of such a restructuring may have an adverse impact on the market for and
consequently the value of such Bonds, even though no actual takeover or other
action is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs in a Trust may be subject to
special or extraordinary redemption provisions which may provide for redemption
at par or, in the case of original issue discount bonds, accreted value. The
Sponsor cannot predict the causes or likelihood of the redemption of IRBs in a
Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.

    POWER REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations
of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from pollution control bonds as
well as the sale of electric energy and oil and gas. Some of these obligations
are backed by the credit of an investor owned utility (IOU). The problems faced
by such issuers include the difficulty in obtaining approval for timely and
adequate rate increases from the applicable public utility commissions, the
difficulty of financing large construction programs, increased competition,
reductions in estimates of future demand for electricity in certain areas of the
country, the limitations on operations and increased costs and delays
attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulty of the capital
market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable
prices and the effect of energy conservation. All of such issuers have been
experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees. In addition, Federal,
state and municipal governmental authorities may from time to time review
existing, and impose additional, regulations governing the licensing,
construction and operation of nuclear power plants, which may adversely affect
the ability of the issuers of certain of the Bonds in a Trust to make payments
of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.

    UTILITY OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of
issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from the sale of natural gas or the
combined net revenue of two or more municipal utility systems operating as a
single entity. The problems faced by such issuers include the difficulty in
obtaining approval for timely and adequate rate increases from the applicable
public utility commissions, the difficulty of financing large construction
programs, increased competition, reductions in estimates of future demands for
natural gas in certain areas of the country, the limitations on operations and
increased costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, the
difficulty of the capital market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in
obtaining fuel at reasonable prices and the effect of energy conservation. In
addition, Federal, state and municipal governmental authorities may from time to
time review existing, and impose additional, regulations governing the
licensing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuers of certain of the Bonds in a Trust
to make payments of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.

    TRANSPORTATION BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of
issuers which are payable from and secured by revenues derived from the
ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and ports. The major
portion of an airport's gross operating income is generally derived from fees
received from airlines pursuant to use agreements which consist of annual
payments for airport use, occupancy of certain terminal space, service fees and
leases. Airport operating income may therefore be affected by the ability of the
airlines to meet their obligations under the use agreements. The air transport
industry is experiencing significant variations in earnings and traffic, due to
increased competition, excess capacity, increased costs, deregulation, traffic
constraints and other factors, and several airlines are experiencing severe
financial difficulties. In particular, facilities with use agreements involving
airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a reduction in revenue
due to the possible inability of these airlines to meet their use agreement
obligations because of such financial difficulties and possible bankruptcy. The
Sponsor cannot predict what effect these industry conditions may have on airport
revenues which are dependent for payment on the financial condition of the
airlines and their usage of the particular airport facility. Bonds that are
secured primarily by the revenue collected by a public transit system typically
are additionally secured by a pledge of sales tax receipts collected at the
state or local level, or of other governmental financial assistance. Transit
system net revenues will be affected by variations in utilization, which in turn
may be affected by the degree of local governmental subsidization, demographic
and population shifts, and competition from other forms of transportation; and
by increased costs, including costs resulting from previous deferrals of
maintenance. Port authorities derive their revenues primarily from fees imposed
on ships using the facilities. The rate of utilization of such facilities may
fluctuate depending on the local economy and on competition from competing forms
of transportation such as air, rail and trucks.

    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of water
and/or sewerage services. Such Bonds are generally payable from user fees. The
problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate rate
increases, population decline resulting in decreased user fees, the difficulty
of financing large construction programs, the limitations on operations and
increased costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, the
increasing difficulty of obtaining or discovering new supplies of fresh water,
the effect of conservation programs and the impact of "no-growth" zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.

                                       4
<PAGE>
    RESOURCE RECOVERY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of sewerage or
solid waste disposal services. Such bonds are generally payable from user fees.
The problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate
rate increases, population decline resulting in decreased user fees, the
difficulty of financing large construction programs, the limitations on
operations and increased costs and delays attributable to environmental
considerations, the effect of conservation programs and the impact of
"no-growth" zoning ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing
certain of these problems in varying degrees.

    EDUCATION REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which are, or which govern the operation of, colleges and
universities and whose revenues are derived mainly from tuition, dormitory
revenues, grants and endowments. General problems of such issuers include the
prospect of a declining percentage of the population consisting of "college" age
individuals, possible inability to raise tuitions and fees sufficiently to cover
increased operating costs, the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal
grants and state funding, and government legislation or regulations which may
adversely affect the revenues or costs of such issuers. All of such issuers have
been experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees.

    BRIDGE AND TOLLROAD REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers which derive their payments from bridge, road or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in the availability of fuel to motorists or significant increases in the costs
thereof. Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of vehicles
in the New York City metropolitan area may adversely affect revenues of the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

    DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated source, which revenues are pledged to secure the bonds. The various
types of Bonds described below differ in structure and with respect to the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported Bond has distinct risks, only some of which are set forth below. One
type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax received
on either real property or on sales within a specifically defined geographical
area; such tax generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured by a special tax levied on real property within a defined geographical
area in such a manner that the tax is levied on those who benefit from the
project; such bonds typically provide for a statutory lien on the underlying
property for unpaid taxes. A third type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may be
secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities
or upon the license to pursue certain occupations or upon corporate privileges
within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the ability of
the designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such
bonds may be affected by changes in the local economy, the financial success of
the enterprise responsible for the payment of the taxes, the value of any
property on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in
a timely fashion. Each of these factors will have a different affect on each
distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.

    MUNICIPAL LEASE REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations that are secured by lease payments of a governmental entity. Such
payments are normally subject to annual budget appropriations of the leasing
governmental entity. A governmental entity that enters into such a lease
agreement cannot obligate future governments to appropriate for and make lease
payments but covenants to take such action as is necessary to include any lease
payments due in its budgets and to make the appropriations therefor. A
governmental entity's failure to appropriate for and to make payments under its
lease obligation could result in insufficient funds available for payment of the
obligations secured thereby.

    SPECIAL OBLIGATION TO CROSSOVER.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be issued
with the intention of crossover refunding an outstanding issue at a future date.
These bonds are secured to the crossover date by U.S. Government securities
purchased with the proceeds of the refunding bonds. The revenues of such an
issuer could be adversely affected by problems associated with the outstanding
issue, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions that are not
within the control of the issuer and governmental policies and regulations
affecting the issuer.

    CIVIC ORGANIZATION OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the pledge of civic
organizations, including their assets. The problems faced by such issuers
include the ability to collect pledges made, the unpredictable nature of an
organization's composition and participation, the quality and skill of
management, increased costs and delays attributable to organizations, expenses,
and legislation regarding certain organizational purposes.

    ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT BONDS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS.  Certain of the
Bonds in a Trust may be original issue discount bonds. These Bonds were issued
with nominal interest rates less than the rates then offered by comparable
securities and as a consequence were originally sold at a discount from their
face, or par, values. This original issue discount, the difference between the
initial purchase price and face value, is deemed under current law to accrue on
a

                                       5
<PAGE>
daily basis and the accrued portion is treated as tax-exempt interest income for
federal income tax purposes. On sale or redemption, gain, if any, realized in
excess of the earned portion of original issue discount will be taxable as
capital gain. See "What is the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value of
an original issue discount bond reflects the present value of its face amount at
maturity. In a stable interest rate environment, the market value of an original
issue discount bond would tend to increase more slowly in early years and in
greater increments as the bond approached maturity.

    Certain of the original issue discount bonds in a Trust may be zero coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
of the bond at its maturity. The effect of owning a zero coupon bond is that a
fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect,
on all discount earned during the life of the obligation. This implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit yield,
but at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher
rates in the future. For this reason, zero coupon bonds are subject to
substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market
interest rates than are securities of comparable quality that pay interest
currently.

    Original issue discount bonds, including zero coupon bonds, may be subject
to redemption at prices based on the issue price plus the amount of original
issue discount accreted to redemption (the "accreted value") plus, if
applicable, some premium. Pursuant to such call provisions an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than its
face value. See the "Schedules of Investments" for more information about the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.

    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences of ownership with respect to either the principal amount of or a
payment of interest on a tax-exempt obligation. An obligation is "stripped" by
depositing it with a custodian, which then effects a separation in ownership
between the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable, and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon bonds,
as described above.

    Each Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount
payable at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue Code
treats as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or the
yield to maturity on the basis of the purchase price of the Unitholder's Units
which is allocable to each Stripped Obligation. Original issue discount which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation to the same extent as interest on the underlying obligations. (See
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)

    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the state
and local tax consequences of owning original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable provisions governing determination of state and
local taxes, interest on original issue discount bonds or Stripped Obligations
may be deemed to be received in the year of accrual even though there is no
corresponding cash payment.

WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?

INSURANCE ON BONDS

INSURED TRUSTS--The Insurer's policy unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees
the full and complete payment required to be made by or on behalf of the Issuer
to the Paying Agent or its successor of an amount equal to (i) the principal of
(either at the stated maturity or by an advancement of maturity pursuant to a
mandatory sinking fund payment) and interest on, the Bonds as such payments
shall become due but shall not be so paid (except that in the event of any
acceleration of the due date of such principal by reason of mandatory or
optional redemption or acceleration resulting from default or otherwise, other
than any advancement of maturity pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund payment,
the payments guaranteed by the Insurer's policy shall be made in such amounts
and at such times as such payments of principal would have been due had there
not been any such acceleration); and (ii) the reimbursement of any such payment
which is subsequently recovered from any owner of the Bonds pursuant to a final
judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that such payment constitutes an
avoidable preference to such owner within the meaning of any applicable
bankruptcy law (a "Preference").

    The Insurer's policy does not insure against loss of any prepayment premium
which may at any time be payable with respect to any Bond. The Insurer's policy
does not, under any circumstance, insure against loss relating to: (i) optional
or mandatory redemptions (other than mandatory sinking fund redemptions); (ii)
any payments to be made on an accelerated basis; (iii) payments of the purchase
price of Bonds upon tender by an owner thereof; or (iv) any Preference relating
to (i) through (iii) above. The Insurer's policy also does not insure against
nonpayment of principal of or interest on the Bonds resulting from the
insolvency, negligence or any other act or omission of the Paying Agent or any
other paying agent for the Bonds.

                                       6
<PAGE>
    Upon receipt of telephonic or telegraphic notice, such notice subsequently
confirmed in writing by registered or certified mail, or upon receipt of written
notice by registered or certified mail, by the Insurer from the Paying Agent or
any owner of a Bond the payment of an insured amount for which is then due, that
such required payment has not been made, the Insurer on the due date of such
payment or within one business day after receipt of notice of such nonpayment,
whichever is later, will make a deposit of funds, in an account with State
Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., in New York, New York, or its successor,
sufficient for the payment of any such insured amounts which are then due. Upon
presentment and surrender of such Bonds or presentment of such other proof of
ownership of the Bonds, together with any appropriate instruments of assignment
to evidence the assignment of the insured amounts due on the Bonds as are paid
by the Insurer, and appropriate instruments to effect the appointment of the
Insurer as agent for such owners of the Bonds in any legal proceeding related to
payment of insured amounts on the Bonds, such instruments being in a form
satisfactory to State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A. shall disperse to such owners or the Paying Agent payment of
the insured amounts due on such Bonds, less any amount held by the Paying Agent
for the payment of such insured amounts and legally available therefor.

    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New York
Stock Exchange listed company (the "Company"). The Company is not obligated to
pay the debts of or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the
State of New York and licensed to do business in and subject to regulation under
the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of
the United States and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European
branches, one in the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain.
New York has laws prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and
concentrations of investments and requiring the approval of policy rates and
forms. State laws also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual
risks that may be insured, the payment of dividends by the Insurer, changes in
control and transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required
to maintain contingency reserves on its liabilities in certain amounts and for
certain periods of time.

    Effective February 17, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
stock of Capital Markets Assurance Corporation ("CMAC"), a New York domiciled
financial guarantee insurance company, through a merger with its parent, CapMAC
Holdings, Inc. Pursuant to a reinsurance agreement, CMAC has ceded all of its
net insured risks (including any amounts due but unpaid from third party
reinsurers), as well as its unearned premiums and contingency reserves, to the
Insurer. The Company is not obligated to pay the debts of or claims against
CMAC.

    As of December 31, 1998, the Insurer had admitted assets of $6.5 billion
(audited), total liabilities of $4.2 billion (audited), and total capital and
surplus of $2.3 billion (audited) determined in accordance with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. As of June 30, 1999, MBIA had admitted assets of $6.8 billion
(unaudited), total liabilities of $4.5 billion (unaudited), and total capital
and surplus of $2.3 billion (unaudited) determined in accordance with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities.

    Furthermore, copies of the Insurer's year end financial statements prepared
in accordance with statutory accounting practices are available without charge
from the Insurer. A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company is
available from the Insurer or the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504. The telephone
number of the Insurer is (914) 273-4545.

YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE

    MBIA, Inc. is actively managing a high-priority Year 2000 (Y2K) program. The
company has established an independent Y2K testing lab in its Armonk
headquarters, with a committee of business unit managers overseeing the project.
MBIA has a budget of $1.13 million for its 1998-2000 Y2K efforts. Expenditures
are proceeding as anticipated, and we do not expect the project budget to
materially exceed this amount. MBIA has initiated a comprehensive Y2K plan that
includes assessment, remediation, testing and contingency planning. This plan
covers "mission-critical" internally developed systems, vendor software,
hardware and certain third-party entities through which we conduct our business.
Testing to date indicates that functions critical to the financial guarantee
business, both domestic and international, were Y2K-ready as of December 31,
1998. Additional testing will continue throughout 1999.

    Moody's Investors Service rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer
"Aaa".

    Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the McGraw Hill Companies,
Inc., rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer "AAA".

    Fitch IBCA, Inc. (formerly known as Fitch Investors Service, L.P.) rates the
financial strength of the Insurer "AAA."

    Each rating of the Insurer should be evaluated independently. The ratings
reflect the respective rating agency's current assessment of the
creditworthiness of the Insurer and its ability to pay claims on its policies of
insurance. Any further explanation as to the significance of the above ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.

                                       7
<PAGE>
    The above ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of any of the above ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. The Insurer does
not guaranty the market price of the Bonds nor does it guaranty that the ratings
on the Bonds will not be revised or withdrawn.

TRADITIONAL TRUSTS--Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of all
principal and interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional Trust may have been
obtained by the Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds involved
or by another party. Such insurance, which provides coverage substantially the
same as that obtained with respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts as described
above, is effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer
remains in business. Insurance relates only to the particular Bond and not to
the Units offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a
rating of "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and/or "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Corporation in recognition of such insurance.

    If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the Schedule of Investments in
Part A of this Prospectus will identify the insurer. Such insurance will be
provided by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("FGIC"), AMBAC Assurance
Corporation ("AMBAC"), Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance Company, now known as
MBIA Corp. of Illinois ("BIG"), Capital Guaranty Insurance Company ("CGIC"),
Financial Security Assurance, Inc. ("FSA"), Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(the "Association"), MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") or Connie Lee Insurance
Company ("ConnieLee"). The Sponsor to date has purchased and presently intends
to purchase insurance for Bonds in Traditional Trusts exclusively from MBIA (see
the preceding disclosure regarding MBIA). There can be no assurance that any
insurer listed therein will be able to satisfy its commitments in the event
claims are made in the future. However, Standard & Poor's Corporation has rated
the claims-paying ability of each insurer "AAA," and Moody's Investors Service
has rated all bonds insured by each such insurer, except ConnieLee, "Aaa."
Moody's Investor's Service gives no ratings for bonds insured by ConnieLee.

    Because any such insurance will be effective so long as the insured Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in determining the
market value of such Bonds and therefore some value attributable to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that includes
such Bonds. The insurance does not, however, guarantee the market value of the
Bonds or of the Units.

ACCUMULATION PLAN

    The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, is also the principal
underwriter of the Accumulation Funds listed in the following table. Each of
these funds is an open-end, diversified management investment company into which
Unitholders may choose to reinvest Trust distributions automatically, without
any sales charge. Unitholders may reinvest both interest and principal
distributions or principal distributions only. Each Accumulation Fund has
investment objectives which differ in certain respects from those of the Trusts
and may invest in securities which would not be eligible for deposit in the
Trusts. The investment adviser to each Accumulation Fund is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Sponsor. Unitholders should contact their financial adviser or
the Sponsor to determine which of the Accumulation Funds they may reinvest into,
as reinvestment in certain of the Accumulation Funds may be restricted to
residents of a particular state or states. Unitholders may obtain a prospectus
for each Accumulation Fund through their financial adviser or through the
Sponsor at (800) 621-7227. For a more detailed description, Unitholders should
read the prospectus of the Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.

    The following is a complete list of the Accumulation Funds currently
available, as of the Date of Deposit of this Prospectus, to Unitholders under
the Accumulation Plan. The list of available Accumulation Funds is subject to
change without the consent of any of the Unitholders.

ACCUMULATION FUNDS

MUTUAL FUNDS

NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MUNICIPAL TRUST

      Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship All-American Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST I

      Nuveen Flagship Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Florida Municipal Bond Fund

                                       8
<PAGE>
      Nuveen Flagship Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Virginia Municipal Bond Fund

NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST II

      Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen California Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New York Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen New York Insured Municipal Bond Fund

NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST III

      Nuveen Flagship Alabama Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund

NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST IV

      Nuveen Flagship Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund

Flagship Utility Income Fund

Nuveen Investment Trust

Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund

Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund

Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund

Nuveen European Value Fund
Nuveen Investment Trust II

      Nuveen Rittenhouse Growth Fund

MONEY MARKET FUNDS

Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund

Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Money Market Fund

Nuveen New York Tax-Free Money Market Fund

Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.

    Each person who purchases Units of a Trust may become a participant in the
Accumulation Plan and elect to have his or her distributions on Units of the
Trust invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds. Reinvesting
Unitholders may select any interest distribution plan. Thereafter, each
distribution of interest income or principal on the participant's Units
(principal only in the case of a Unitholder who has chosen to reinvest only
principal distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the next
day on which the New York Stock Exchange is normally open ("business day") if
the distribution date is not a business day, automatically be received by the
transfer agent for each of the Accumulation Funds, on behalf of such participant
and applied on that date to purchase shares (or fractions thereof) of the
Accumulation Fund chosen at net asset value as computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on each such date. All

                                       9
<PAGE>
distributions will be reinvested in the Accumulation Fund chosen and no part
thereof will be retained in a separate account. These purchases will be made
without a sales charge.

    The Transfer Agent of the Accumulation Fund will mail to each participant in
the Accumulation Plan a quarterly statement containing a record of all
transactions involving purchases of Accumulation Fund shares (or fractions
thereof) with Trust interest distributions or as a result of reinvestment of
Accumulation Fund dividends. Any distribution of principal used to purchase
shares of an Accumulation Fund will be separately confirmed by the Transfer
Agent. Unitholders will also receive distribution statements from the Trustee
detailing the amounts transferred to their Accumulation Fund accounts.

    Participants may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect
to change the Accumulation Fund into which their distributions are being
reinvested, to change from principal only reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units in
cash. There will be no charge or other penalty for such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust distributions for income tax purposes will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR

    Since our founding in 1898, Nuveen has been synonymous with investments that
withstand the test of time. Today, we offer a broad range of investments
designed for mature investors whose portfolio is the principal source of their
ongoing financial security. More than 1.3 million investors have entrusted
Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently enjoy.

    A value investing approach--purchasing securities of strong companies and
communities that represent good long-term value--is the cornerstone of Nuveen's
investment philosophy. It is a careful, long-term strategy that offers the
potential for attractive returns with moderated risk. Successful value investing
begins with in-depth research and a discerning eye for marketplace opportunity.
Nuveen's team of investment professionals is backed by the discipline, resources
and expertise of a century of investment experience, including one of the most
recognized research departments in the industry.

    To meet the unique circumstances and financial planning needs of mature
investors, Nuveen offers a wide array of taxable and tax-free investment
products--including equity and fixed-income mutual funds, unit trusts,
exchange-traded funds, customized asset management services and cash management
products. Nuveen is a subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
approximately 78% owned by the St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("ST. PAUL"). St. Paul
is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and is principally engaged in providing
property-liability insurance through subsidiaries. Nuveen is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the Securities Industry
Association and has its principal office located in Chicago (333 West Wacker
Drive). Nuveen maintains 8 regional offices.

    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in the Trusts to reach their investment goals, the Sponsor may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trusts, alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs or periodic payments such as insurance premiums. The Sponsor may produce
software or additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the
Trusts to meet these and other specific investor needs.

                                       10
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*

    STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.  A description of the applicable Standard &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:

    A Standard & Poor's rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness
of an obligor with respect to a specific debt obligation. This assessment may
take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees.

    The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security,
inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor.

    The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard
& Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on
occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such
information, or for other circumstances.

    The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

     I.  Likelihood of default--capacity and willingness of the obligor as to
         the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
         with the terms of the obligation;

     II.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation;

    III.  Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
          the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangements under
          the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

    AAA--This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to a debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

    AA--Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal, and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

    A--Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.

    BBB--Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the higher rated categories.

    PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.

    PROVISIONAL RATINGS: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is
provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the
project being financed by the issuance of the bonds being rated and indicates
that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon
the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while
addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no
comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of default upon failure of, such
completion. Accordingly, the investor should exercise his own judgment with
respect to such likelihood and risk.

    NOTE RATINGS: A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less
will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.

    Note rating symbols are as follows:

        SP-1  Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
              Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
              characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.

        SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

    MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.  A brief description of the applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:

    Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues. Their safety is so absolute that,

- ---------
*As published by the rating companies.

                                       11
<PAGE>
with the occasional exception of oversupply in a few specific instances,
characteristically, their market value is affected solely by money market
fluctuations.

    Aa--Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities. Their market value is virtually immune to all but money market
influences, with the occasional exception of oversupply in a few specific
instances.

    A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. The market
value of A-rated bonds may be influenced to some degree by economic performance
during a sustained period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods
of normalcy, A-rated bonds frequently move in parallel with Aaa and Aa
obligations, with the occasional exception of oversupply in a few specific
instances.

    Moody's bond rating symbols may contain numerical modifiers of a generic
rating classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the high
end of its category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.

    Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well. The market value of Baa-rated
bonds is more sensitive to changes in economic circumstances, and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa market
valuations move in parallel with Aaa, Aa and A obligations during periods of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.

    Con. (--)--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some
act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are
bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.

NOTE RATINGS:

    MIG 1  This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
           protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
           demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

    MIG 2  This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
           ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

    FITCH IBCA, INC. (formerly Fitch Investors Service, L.P.) A brief
description of the applicable Fitch IBCA, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings
follow:

    AAA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.

    AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments.

    A--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

    BBB--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

    To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.

NOTE RATINGS:

    FIN-1  Notes assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest
           degree of assurance for timely payment.

                                       12
<PAGE>
    FIN-2  Notes assigned this rating reflect a degree of assurance for timely
           payment only slightly less in degree than the highest category.

HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE

    The Sponsor may compare the estimated returns of the Trust with the returns
or yields of other tax-free and taxable investments, often on a taxable
equivalent basis. In addition, the Sponsor from time to time may quote various
performance measures and studies in order to compare the historical returns
available from an investment in municipal securities with investments in both
tax-free and taxable securities.

    Nuveen Research prepared one such study which compared the after-tax value
of $100,000 initially invested in 1977 in various asset classes including
municipal bonds, treasury bonds and corporate bonds. As indicated in the chart
provided below, the 20-year study shows that municipal bonds significantly
outperformed corporate and treasury bonds once the effects of taxes were
factored in. In fact, over the 20-year period, municipal bond returns in dollars
were almost double those of treasury bonds.

                 AFTER-TAX VALUE OF $100,000 INVESTED IN 1977*

    The graph appearing on this page of the Information Supplement compares
after-tax total returns of $100,000 initially in 1977 in each of the Lehman
Brothers MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index.
As indicated in the graph, such an investment in the Lehman Brothers MuniBond
Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index would have
appreciated to $511,039, $274,434, and $298,682, respectively at the end of
1996. The graph assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the
respective index rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20% of
the assets in each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested
in the respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns were based upon the income and capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1977-1996 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$500,000 in 1996. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent the return or
performance of any Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust and is not intended to predict
future results.

    * The graph compares after-tax total returns using the Lehman Brothers
MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index. The
graph assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the respective index
rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20% of the assets in
each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested in the
respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns were based upon the income and capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1977-1996 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$100,000 in 1996. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent the return or
performance of any Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust and is not intended to predict
future results.

    A comparison of the estimated returns of the Trust and the historic
performance of municipal bonds to the returns and performance of other
investments is one element to consider in making an informed investment
decision. Taxable investments have investment characteristics that differ from
those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds are long-term investments backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to federal
income tax but are exempt from state income taxes. Bank CDs are generally
short-term FDIC insured investments, which pay fixed principal and interest but
are subject to fluctuating rollover rates. Both bank CDs and corporate bonds are
generally subject to both federal and state income taxes. Money market funds are
short term investments with stable net asset values, fluctuating yields and
special features that enhance liquidity.

                                       13
<PAGE>
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME

    The examples provided below illustrate how to calculate the estimated annual
income generated by a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each respective Trust.
The illustrations assume that the investment was made on the day prior to the
date of deposit by an investor electing the monthly distribution plan and that
the portfolio contains all the securities described in the portfolio. These
hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to
reflect or predict the results of any actual investment and do not contemplate
changes to the portfolio or expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:

    NATIONAL INSURED PORTFOLIO
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>

    $10,000                    DIVIDED BY $                            =
    Investment                           Offering price and                       # of units purchased
    (as of         )                     accrued interest

<CAPTION>
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>

                              X          $                             =          $
    # of units purchased                 Annual income per unit                   annual income
                                         (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:

    CALIFORNIA INSURED PORTFOLIO
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>

    $10,000                    DIVIDED BY $                            =
    Investment                           Offering price and                       # of units purchased
    (as of         )                     accrued interest

<CAPTION>
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>

                              X          $                             =          $
    # of units purchased                 Annual income per unit                   annual income
                                         (monthly plan)
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A

                              NATIONAL DISCLOSURE

NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(NATIONAL INSURED TRUST)

    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals that are equivalent to tax-exempt estimated current returns
under published 1999 marginal Federal tax rates. The tables illustrate what you
would have to earn on taxable investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated
current return for your income tax bracket. A taxpayer's marginal tax rate is
affected by both his taxable income and his adjusted gross income. Locate your
adjusted gross income and your taxable income (which is your adjusted gross
income reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket
based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to the equivalent taxable
estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free income.

  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 43.05 $    0-126.60      15.0   %     5.00    5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06
  43.05-104.05      0-126.60      28.0         5.90    6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33
               126.60-189.95      29.0         5.99    6.34    6.69    7.04    7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45
 104.05-158.55      0-126.60      31.0         6.16    6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70
               126.60-189.95      32.0         6.25    6.62    6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82
               189.95-312.45      34.5         6.49    6.87    7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16
 158.55-283.15 126.60-189.95      37.0         6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52
               189.95-312.45      40.5         7.18    7.56    7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08
                 Over 312.45      37.0   2     6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52
   Over 283.15 189.95-312.45      44.5         7.66    8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81
                 Over 312.45      41.0   3     7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
</TABLE>

  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 25.75 $    0-126.60      15.0   %     5.00    5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06
  25.75- 62.45      0-126.60      28.0         5.90    6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33
  62.45-130.25      0-126.60      31.0         6.16    6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70
               126.60-249.10      32.5         6.30    6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89
 130.25-283.15 126.60-249.10      38.0         6.85    7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68
                 Over 249.10      37.0   2     6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52
   Over 283.15   Over 249.10      41.0   3     7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
</TABLE>

- ------------------

    1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the deduction for personal exemptions. They were designed to phase out
certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined state and
Federal tax rate to approximately 44.27 percent for taxpayers filing a joint
return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to approximately 40.79
percent for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to only one personal
exemption. These limitations are subject to certain maximums, which depend on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions. For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a
taxpayer to lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with
certain exceptions.

    2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on
itemized deductions has been met.

    3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on
itemized deductions has been met.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A

                             CALIFORNIA DISCLOSURE

TAX STATUS CALIFORNIA

    For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of the Prospectus.

    In the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, L.L.P. special California
counsel to the Trust, under existing California income and property tax law
applicable to individuals who are California residents:

        The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income
    of the Trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the
    income tax laws of California.

        Interest on the underlying securities (which may include bonds or other
    obligations issued by the governments of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
    Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands) which is exempt from tax under
    California personal income tax and property tax laws when received by the
    Trust will, under such laws, retain its status as tax-exempt interest when
    distributed to Unitholders. However, interest on the underlying securities
    attributed to a Unitholder which is a corporation subject to the California
    franchise tax laws may be includable in its gross income for purposes of
    determining its California franchise tax.

        Under California income tax law, each Unitholder in the Trust will have
    a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a security (whether by sale,
    exchange, redemption or payment at maturity) or when the Unitholder redeems
    or sells Units. Because of the requirement that tax cost basis be reduced to
    reflect amortization of bond premium, under some circumstances a Unitholder
    may realize taxable gain when Units are sold or redeemed for an amount equal
    to, or less than, their original cost. The total tax cost of each Unit to a
    Unitholder is allocated among each of the bond issues held in the Trust (in
    accordance with the proportion of the Trust comprised by each bond issue) in
    order to determine his per unit tax cost for each bond issue; and the tax
    cost reduction requirements relating to amortization of bond premium will
    apply separately to the per unit cost of each bond issue. Unitholders' bases
    in their Units, and the bases for their fractional interest in each Trust
    asset, may have to be adjusted for their pro rata share of accrued interest
    received, if any, on securities delivered after the Unitholders' respective
    settlement dates.

        Under the California personal property tax laws, bonds (including the
    bonds in the Trust as well as "regular-way" and "when-issued" contracts for
    the purchase of bonds) or any interest therein is exempt from such tax.

        Any proceeds paid under the insurance policy issued to the Trustee of
    the fund with respect to the bonds in the Trust as well as "regular-way" and
    "when-issued" contracts for the purchase of bonds which represent maturing
    interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee will be exempt from
    California personal income tax if, and to the same extent as, such interest
    would have been so exempt if paid by the issuer of the defaulted
    obligations.

        Under Section 17280(b)(2) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code,
    interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units of
    the Trust is not deductible for the purposes of the California personal
    income tax. While there presently is no California authority interpreting
    this provision, Section 17280(b)(2) directs the California Franchise Tax
    Board to prescribe regulations determining the proper allocation and
    apportionment of interest costs for this purpose. The Franchise Tax Board
    has not yet proposed or prescribed such regulations. In interpreting the
    generally similar Federal provision, the Internal Revenue Service has taken
    the position that such indebtedness need not be directly traceable to the
    purchase or carrying of Units (although the Service has not contended that a
    deduction for interest on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a
    personal residence or to purchase goods or services for personal consumption
    will be disallowed). In the absence of conflicting regulations or other
    California authority, the California Franchise Tax Board generally has
    interpreted California statutory tax provisions in accord with Internal
    Revenue Service interpretations of similar Federal provisions.

ECONOMIC FACTORS--CALIFORNIA

    As described above, except to the extent the Fund invests in temporary
investments, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in California
Municipal Obligations. The Fund is therefore susceptible to political, economic
or regulatory factors affecting issuers of California Municipal Obligations.

    These include the possible adverse effects of certain California
constitutional amendments, legislative measures, voter initiatives and other
matters that are described below. The following information provides only a
brief summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in
California (the "State") and is derived from sources that are generally
available to investors and are believed to be accurate. No independent
verification has been made of the accuracy or completeness of any of the
following information. It is based in part on information obtained from various
State and local agencies in California or contained in Official Statements for
various California Municipal Obligations.

    During the early 1990's, California experienced significant financial
difficulties, which reduced its credit standing, but the state's finances have
improved since 1994. The ratings of certain related debt of other issuers for
which California has an outstanding lease purchase, guarantee or other
contractual obligation (such as for state-insured hospital beds) are generally
linked directly to California's rating. Should the financial condition of
California deteriorate again, its credit

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
ratings could be further reduced, and the market value and marketability of all
outstanding notes and bonds issued by California, its public authorities or
local governments could be adversely affected.

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

    California's economy is the largest among the 50 states and one of the
largest in the world. The State's population of more than 32 million represents
over 12% of the total United States population and grew by 27% in the 1980s.
Total personal income in the State, at an estimated $703 billion in 1994,
accounts for almost 13% of all personal income in the nation. Total employment
is over 14 million, the majority of which is in the service, trade and
manufacturing sectors.

    From mid-1990 to late 1993, the State suffered a recession with the worst
economic, fiscal and budget conditions since the 1930s. Construction,
manufacturing (especially aerospace), and financial services, among others, were
all severely affected, particularly in Southern California. Job losses were the
worst of any post-war recession. Employment levels stabilized by late 1993 and
steady growth has occurred since early 1994. Pre-recession job levels are
expected to be reached in 1996. Unemployment, while remaining higher than the
national average, has come down substantially from its 10% peak in January.
Economic indicators show a steady recovery underway in California since the
start of 1994. However, any delay or reversal of the recovery may create new
shortfalls in State revenues.

CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY LIMITATIONS ON TAXES AND APPROPRIATIONS

    LIMITATION ON TAXES. Certain California Municipal Obligations may be
obligations of issuers which rely in whole or in part, directly or indirectly,
on AD VALOREM property taxes as a source of revenue. The taxing powers of
California local governments and districts are limited by Article XIIIA of the
California Constitution, enacted by the voters in 1978 and commonly known as
"Proposition 13." Briefly, Article XIIIA limits to 1% of full cash value the
rate of AD VALOREM property taxes on real property and generally restricts the
reassessment of property to 2% per year, except upon new construction or change
of ownership (subject to a number of exemptions). Taxing entities may, however,
raise AD VALOREM taxes above the 1% limit to pay debt service on voter-approved
bonded indebtedness.

    Under Article XIIIA, the basic 1% AD VALOREM tax levy is applied against the
assessed value of property as of the owner's date of acquisition (or as of March
1, 1975, if acquired earlier), subject to certain adjustments. This system has
resulted in widely varying amounts of tax on similarly situated properties.
Several lawsuits have been filed challenging the acquisition-based assessment
system of Proposition 13, and on June 18, 1992 the U.S. Supreme Court announced
a decision upholding Proposition 13.

    Article XIIIA prohibits local governments from raising revenues through AD
VALOREM property taxes above the 1% limit; it also requires voters of any
governmental unit to give two-thirds approval to levy any "special tax." Court
decisions, however, allowed a non-voter approved levy of "general taxes" which
were not dedicated to a specific use. In response to these decisions, the voters
of the State in 1986 adopted an initiative statute which imposed significant new
limits on the ability of local entities to raise or levy general taxes, except
by receiving majority local voter approval. Significant elements of this
initiative, "Proposition 62," have been overturned in recent court cases. An
initiative proposed to re-enact the provisions of Proposition 62 as a
constitutional amendment was defeated by the voters in November 1990, but such a
proposal may be renewed in the future.

    APPROPRIATIONS LIMITS. The State and its local governments are subject to an
annual "appropriations limit" imposed by Article XIIIB of the California
Constitution, enacted by the voters in 1979 and significantly amended by
Propositions 98 and 111 in 1988 and 1990, respectively. Article XIIIB prohibits
the State or any covered local government from spending "appropriations subject
to limitation" in excess of the appropriations limit imposed. "Appropriations
subject to limitation" are authorizations to spend "proceeds of taxes," which
consist of tax revenues and certain other funds, including proceeds from
regulatory licenses, user charges or other fees, to the extent that such
proceeds exceed the cost of providing the product or service, but "proceeds of
taxes" exclude most State subventions to local governments. No limit is imposed
on appropriations of funds which are not "proceeds of taxes," such as reasonable
user charges or fees, and certain other non-tax funds, including bond proceeds.

    Among the expenditures not included in the Article XIIIB appropriations
limit are (1) the debt service cost of bonds issued or authorized prior to
January 1, 1979, or subsequently authorized by the voters, (2) appropriations
arising from certain emergencies declared by the Governor, (3) appropriations
for certain capital outlay projects, (4) appropriations by the State of
post-1989 increases in gasoline taxes and vehicle weight fees, and (5)
appropriations made in certain cases of emergency.

    The appropriations limit for each year is adjusted annually to reflect
changes in cost of living and population, and any transfers of service
responsibilities between government units. The definitions for such adjustments
were liberalized in 1990 to follow more closely growth in the State's economy.

    "Excess" revenues are measured over a two-year cycle. Local governments must
return any excess to taxpayers by rate reductions. The State must refund 50% of
any excess, with the other 50% paid to schools and community colleges. With more
liberal annual adjustment factors since 1988, and depressed revenues since 1990
because of the recession, few governments are currently operating near their
spending limits, but this condition may change over time. Local governments may
by voter approval exceed their spending limits for up to four years. During
Fiscal Year 1986-87, State receipts from proceeds of taxes exceeded its
appropriations limit by $1.1 billion, which was returned to taxpayers. Since

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
that year, appropriations subject to limitation have been under the State limit.
State appropriations were $6.5 billion under the limit for Fiscal Year 1995-96.

    A 1986 initiative statute, called "Proposition 62," imposed additional
limits on local governments, by requiring either majority or 2/3 voter approval
for any increases in "general taxes" or "special taxes," respectively (other
than property taxes, which are unchangeable). Court decisions had struck down
most of Proposition 62 and many local governments, especially cities, had
enacted or raised local "general taxes" without voter approval. In September,
1995, the California Supreme Court overruled the prior cases, and upheld the
constitutionality of Proposition 62. Many aspects of this decision remain
unclear (such as its impact on charter (home rule) cities, and whether it will
have retroactive effect), but its future effect will be to further limit the
fiscal flexibility of many local governments.

    Because of the complex nature of Articles XIIIA and XIIIB of the California
Constitution, the ambiguities and possible inconsistencies in their terms, and
the impossibility of predicting future appropriations or changes in population
and cost of living, and the probability of continuing legal challenges, it is
not currently possible to determine fully the impact of Article XIIIA or Article
XIIIB on California Municipal Obligations or on the ability of the State or
local governments to pay debt service on such California Municipal Obligations.
It is not possible, at the present time, to predict the outcome of any pending
litigation with respect to the ultimate scope, impact or constitutionality of
either Article XIIIA or Article XIIIB, or the impact of any such determinations
upon State agencies or local governments, or upon their ability to pay debt
service on their obligations. Future initiatives or legislative changes in laws
or the California Constitution may also affect the ability of the State or local
issuers to repay their obligations.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

    Under the California Constitution, debt service on outstanding general
obligation bonds is the second charge to the General Fund after support of the
public school system and public institutions of higher education. Total
outstanding general obligation bonds and lease purchase debt of California
increased from $9.4 billion at June 30, 1987 to $23.8 billion at February 1,
1996. In FY 1994-95, debt service on general obligation bonds and lease purchase
debt was approximately 5.3% of General Fund revenues.

RECENT FINANCIAL RESULTS.

    The principal sources of General Fund revenues in 1994-95 were the
California personal income tax (43% of total revenues), the sales tax (34%),
bank and corporation taxes (13%), and the gross premium tax on insurance (3%).
The State maintains a Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties (the "Economic
Uncertainties Fund"), derived from General Fund revenues, as a reserve to meet
cash needs of the General Fund, but which is required to be replenished as soon
as sufficient revenues are available. Year-end balances in the Economic
Uncertainties Fund are included for financial reporting purposes in the General
Fund balance. In most recent years, the State has budgeted to maintain the
Economic Uncertainties Fund at around 3% of General Fund expenditures but
essentially no reserve was budgeted from 1992-93, to 1995-96 because revenues
had been reduced by the recession and an accumulated budget deficit had to be
repaid.

    GENERAL. Throughout the 1980's, State spending increased rapidly as the
State population and economy also grew rapidly, including increased spending for
many assistance programs to local governments, which were constrained by
Proposition 13 and other laws. The largest State program is assistance to local
public school districts. In 1988, an initiative (Proposition 98) was enacted
which (subject to suspension by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and the
Governor) guarantees local school districts and community college districts a
minimum share of State General Fund revenues (currently about 35%).

    Since the start of 1990-91 Fiscal Year, the State has faced adverse
economic, fiscal, and budget conditions. The economic recession seriously
affected State tax revenues. It also caused increased expenditures for health
and welfare programs. The State is also facing a structural imbalance in its
budget with the largest programs supported by the General Fund (education,
health, welfare and corrections) growing at rates significantly higher than the
growth rates for the principal revenue sources of the General Fund. These
structural concerns will be exacerbated in coming years by the expected need to
substantially increase capital and operating funds for corrections as a result
of a "Three Strikes" law enacted in 1994.

    RECENT BUDGETS. As a result of these factors, among others, from the late
1980's until 1992-93, the State had a period of nearly chronic budget imbalance,
with expenditures exceeding revenues in four out of six years, and the State
accumulated and sustained a budget deficit in the budget reserve, the SFEU
approaching $2.8 billion at its peak at June 30, 1993. Starting in the 1990-91
Fiscal Year and for each year thereafter, each budget required multibillion
dollar actions to bring projected revenues and expenditures into balance and to
close large "budget gaps" which were identified. The Legislative and Governor
eventually agreed on a number of different steps to produce Budget Acts in the
years 1991-92 to 1995-96, including:

  - significant cuts in health and welfare program expenditures;

  - transfers of program responsibilities and some funding sources from the
  State to local governments, coupled with some reduction in mandates on local
    government;

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
  - transfer of about $3.6 billion in annual local property tax revenues from
  cities, counties, redevelopment agencies and some other districts to local
    school districts, thereby reducing state funding for schools;

  - reduction in growth of support for higher education programs, coupled with
  increases in student fees;

  - revenue increases (particularly in the 1992-93 Fiscal Year budget), most of
  which were for a short duration;

  - increased reliance on aid from the federal government to offset the costs of
  incarcerating, educating and providing health and welfare services to
    undocumented aliens (although these efforts have produced much less federal
    aid than the State Administration had requested); and

  - various one-time adjustment and accounting changes.

    Despite these budget actions, the effects of the recession led to large
unanticipated deficits in the SFEU, as compared to projected positive balances.
By the start of the 1993-94 Fiscal Year, the accumulated deficit was so large
(almost $2.8 billion) that it was impractical to budget to retire it in one
year, so a two-year program was implemented, using the issuance of revenue
anticipation warrants to carry a portion of the deficit over the end of the
Fiscal Year. When the economy failed to recover sufficiently in 1993-94, a
second two-year plan was implemented in 1994-95 to carry the final retirement of
the deficit into 1995-96.

    The combination of stringent budget actions cutting State expenditures, and
the turnaround of the economy by late 1993, finally led to the restoration of
positive financial results. While General Fund revenues and expenditures were
essentially equal in FY 1992-93 (following two years of excess expenditures over
revenues), the General Fund had positive operating results in FY 1993-94,
1994-95, and 1995-96 which have reduced the accumulated budget deficit to about
$70 million as of June 30, 1996.

    A consequence of the accumulated budget deficits in the early 1990's,
together with other factors such as disbursement of funds to local school
districts "borrowed" from future Fiscal Years and hence not shown in the annual
budget, was to significantly reduce the State's cash resources available to pay
its ongoing obligations. When the Legislature and the Governor failed to adopt a
budget for the 1992-93 Fiscal Year by July 1, 1992, which would have allowed the
State to carry out its normal annual cash flow borrowing to replenish its cash
reserves, the State Controller was forced to issue approximately $3.8 billion of
registered warrants ("IOUs") over a 2-month period to pay a variety of
obligations representing prior years' or continuing appropriations, and mandates
from court orders.

    The State's cash condition became so serious that from late spring 1992
until 1995, the State had to rely on issuance of short term notes which matured
in a subsequent Fiscal Year to finance its ongoing deficit, and pay current
obligations. With the repayment of the last of these deficit notes in April,
1996, the State does not plan to rely further on external borrowing across
Fiscal Years, but will continue its normal cash flow borrowings during a Fiscal
Year.

    CURRENT BUDGET. For the first time in four years, the State entered the
1995-96 Fiscal Year with strengthening revenues based on an improving economy.
The major feature of the Governor's proposed Budget, a 15% phased cut in
personal income and business taxes, was rejected by the Legislature.

    The 1995-96 Budget Act was signed by the Governor on August 3, 1995, 34 days
after the start of the Fiscal Year. The Budget Act projected General Fund
revenues and transfers of $44.1 billion, a 3.5 percent increase from the prior
years. Expenditures were budgeted at $43.4 billion, a 4 percent increase. A
principal feature of the 1995-96 Budget Act, in addition to those noted above
was the first significant increase in per-pupil funding for public schools and
community colleges in four years.

    In its regular budget update in May, 1996, the Department of Finance
indicated that, with the strengthening economy, State General Fund revenues for
1995-96 would be about $46.1 billion, some $2 billion higher than originally
estimated. Because of mandated spending for public schools, the failure to
receive expected federal aid for illegal immigrants, and the failure of Congress
to enact welfare reform which the Administration had expected would reduce State
costs, expenditures for 1995-96 were also increased, to about $45.4 billion. As
a result, the Department estimated that the accumulated budget deficit would be
reduced to about $70 million as of June 30, 1996.

    As a result of the improved revenues, that State's cash position has
substantially recovered. Only $2 billion of cash flow borrowing was needed
during 1995-96, and only about $3 billion is projected for 1996-97, with no
external borrowing over the end of the Fiscal Year.

    The Governor's proposed budget for 1996-97 projects $47.1 billion of
revenues and transfers, and $46.5 billion of expenditures, resulting in a budget
reserve at June 30, 1997 of about $500 million. A number of issues related to
the 1996-97 budget still have to be resolved, including the Governor's tax
reduction proposals, and his proposals for further health and welfare cuts.

    BOND RATING.   State general obligation bonds are currently rated A1 by
Moody's and A+ by S&P. Both of these ratings have been reduced in several stages
from AAA levels which the State held until late 1991.

    There can be no assurance that such ratings will be maintained in the
future. It should be noted that the creditworthiness of obligations issued by
local California issuers may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of obligations
issued by the State of California, and that there is no obligation on the part
of the State to make payment on such local obligations in the event of default.

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

    The State is involved in certain legal proceedings (described in the State's
recent financial statements) that, if decided against the State, may require the
State to make significant future expenditures or may substantially impair
revenues. Trial courts have recently entered tentative decisions or injunctions
which would overturn several parts of the state's recent budget compromises. The
matters covered by these lawsuits include a deferral of payments by California
to the Public Employees Retirement System, reductions in welfare payments, and
the use of certain cigarette tax funds for health costs. All of these cases are
subject to further proceedings and appeals, and if California eventually loses,
the final remedies may not have to be implemented in one year.

OBLIGATIONS OF OTHER ISSUERS

    OTHER ISSUERS OF CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. There are a number of
state agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the State that
issue Municipal Obligations, some of which may be conduit revenue obligations
payable from payments from private borrowers. These entities are subject to
various economic risks and uncertainties, and the credit quality of the
securities issued by them may vary considerably from the credit quality of
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the State.

    STATE ASSISTANCE. Property tax revenues received by local governments
declined more than 50% following passage of Proposition 13. Subsequently, the
California Legislature enacted measures to provide for the redistribution of the
State's General Fund surplus to local agencies, the reallocation of certain
State revenues to local agencies and the assumption of certain governmental
functions by the State to assist municipal issuers to raise revenues. Total
local assistance from the State's General Fund was budgeted at approximately 75%
of General Fund expenditures in recent years, including the effect of
implementing reductions in certain aid programs. To reduce State General Fund
support for school districts, the 1992-93 and 1993-94 Budget Acts caused local
governments to transfer $3.9 billion of property tax revenues to school
districts, representing loss of the post-Proposition 13 "bailout" aid. Local
governments have in return received greater revenues and greater flexibility to
operate health and welfare programs. To the extent the State should be
constrained by its Article XIIIB appropriations limit, or its obligation to
conform to Proposition 98, or other fiscal considerations, the absolute level,
or the rate of growth, of State assistance to local governments may continue to
be reduced. Any such reductions in State aid could compound the serious fiscal
constraints already experienced by many local governments, particularly
counties. At least one rural county (Butte) publicly announced that it might
enter bankruptcy proceedings in August 1990, although such plans were put off
after the Governor approved legislation to provide additional funds for the
county. Other counties have also indicated that their budgetary condition is
extremely grave. Los Angeles County, the largest in the State, faced a nominal
$1.2 billion gap in its 1995-96 budget, half of which was in the County health
care system. The gaps were closed only with significant cuts in services and
personnel, particularly in the health care system, federal aid, and transfer of
some funds from other local governments to the County pursuant to special
legislation. The County's debt was downgraded by Moody's and S&P in the summer
of 1995. Orange County, just emerged from Federal Bankruptcy Court protection in
June 1996, has significantly reduced county services and personnel, and faces
strict financial conditions following large investment fund losses in 1994 which
resulted in bankruptcy.

    ASSESSMENT BONDS. California Municipal Obligations which are assessment
bonds may be adversely affected by a general decline in real estate values or a
slowdown in real estate sales activity. In many cases, such bonds are secured by
land which is undeveloped at the time of issuance but anticipated to be
developed within a few years after issuance. In the event of such reduction or
slowdown, such development may not occur or may be delayed, thereby increasing
the risk of a default on the bonds. Because the special assessments or taxes
securing these bonds are not the personal liability of the owners of the
property assessed, the lien on the property is the only security for the bonds.
Moreover, in most cases the issuer of these bonds is not required to make
payments on the bonds in the event of delinquency in the payment of assessments
or taxes, except from amounts, if any, in a reserve fund established for the
bonds.

    CALIFORNIA LONG-TERM LEASE OBLIGATIONS. Certain California long-term lease
obligations, though typically payable from the general fund of the municipality,
are subject to "abatement" in the event the facility being leased is unavailable
for beneficial use and occupancy by the municipality during the term of the
lease. Abatement is not a default, and there may be no remedies available to the
holders of the certificates evidencing the lease obligation in the event
abatement occurs. The most common cases of abatement are failure to complete
construction of the facility before the end of the period during which lease
payments have been capitalized and uninsured casualty losses to the facility
(E.G., due to earthquake). In the event abatement occurs with respect to a lease
obligation, lease payments may be interrupted (if all available insurance
proceeds and reserves are exhausted) and the certificates may not be paid when
due.

    Several years ago the Richmond Unified School District (the "District")
entered into a lease transaction in which certain existing properties of the
District were sold and leased back in order to obtain funds to cover operating
deficits. Following a fiscal crisis in which the District's finances were taken
over by a State receiver (including a brief period under bankruptcy court
protection), the District failed to make rental payments on this lease,
resulting in a lawsuit by the Trustee for the Certificate of Participation
holders, in which the State was a named defendant (on the grounds that it
controlled the District's finances). One of the defenses raised in answer to
this lawsuit was the invalidity of the original lease transaction. The trial
court has upheld the validity of the District's lease, and the case has been
settled. Any judgment in any future case against the position asserted by the
Trustee in the Richmond case may have adverse implications for lease
transactions of a similar nature by other California entities.

                                      B-5
<PAGE>
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.

    The repayment of industrial development securities secured by real property
may be affected by California laws limiting foreclosure rights of creditors.
Securities backed by healthcare and hospital revenues may be affected by changes
in State regulations governing cost reimbursements to health care providers
under Medi-Cal (the State's Medicaid program), including risks related to the
policy of awarding exclusive contracts to certain hospitals.

    Limitations on AD VALOREM property taxes may particularly affect "tax
allocation" bonds issued by California redevelopment agencies. Such bonds are
secured solely by the increase in assessed valuation of a redevelopment project
area after the start of redevelopment activity. In the event that assessed
values in the redevelopment project decline (E.G., because of a major natural
disaster such as an earthquake), the tax increment revenue may be insufficient
to make principal and interest payments on these bonds. Both Moody's and S&P
suspended ratings on California tax allocation bonds after the enactment of
Articles XIIIA and XIIIB, and only resumed such ratings on a selective basis.

    Proposition 87, approved by California voters in 1988, requires that all
revenues produced by a tax rate increase go directly to the taxing entity which
increased such tax rate to repay that entity's general obligation indebtedness.
As a result, redevelopment agencies (which, typically, are the issuers of tax
allocation securities) no longer receive an increase in tax increment when taxes
on property in the project area are increased to repay voter-approved bonded
indebtedness.

    The effect of these various constitutional and statutory changes upon the
ability of California municipal securities issuers to pay interest and principal
on their obligations remains unclear. Furthermore, other measures affecting the
taxing or spending authority of California or its political subdivisions may be
approved or enacted in the future. Legislation has been or may be introduced
which would modify existing taxes or other revenue-raising measures or which
either would further limit or, alternatively, would increase the abilities of
state and local governments to impose new taxes or increase existing taxes. It
is not possible, at present, to predict the extent to which any such legislation
will be enacted. Nor is it possible, at present, to determine the impact of any
such legislation on California Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may
invest, future allocations of state revenues to local governments or the
abilities of state or local governments to pay the interest on, or repay the
principal of, such California Municipal Obligations.

    Substantially all of California is within an active geologic region subject
to major seismic activity. Northern California in 1989 and Southern California
in 1994 experienced major earthquakes causing billions of dollars in damages.
The federal government provided more than $13 billion in aid for both
earthquakes, and neither event is expected to have any long-term negative
economic impact. Any California Municipal Obligation in the Fund could be
affected by an interruption of revenues because of damaged facilities, or,
consequently, income tax deductions for casualty losses or property tax
assessment reductions. Compensatory financial assistance could be constrained by
the inability of (i) an issuer to have obtained earthquake insurance coverage at
reasonable rates; (ii) an insurer to perform on its contracts of insurance in
the event of widespread losses; or (iii) the federal or State government to
appropriate sufficient funds within their respective budget limitations.

                                      B-6
<PAGE>
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

    A.  Bonding Arrangements of Depositor:

    The Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for its
officers, directors and employees:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                                      AMOUNT

    Reliance Insurance Company                                            $26,000,000
    B 262 6895
</TABLE>

    B.  THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING PAPERS AND
DOCUMENTS:

                                  The facing sheet

                                   The Prospectus

                                   The signatures

                                Consents of Counsel

                                      Exhibits

    C.  EXPLANATORY NOTE:

    The Registration Statement will contain multiple separate prospectuses. Each
prospectus will relate to an individual unit investment trust and will consist
of a Part A, a Part B and an Information Supplement. Each prospectus will be
identical with the exception of the respective Part A which will contain the
financial information specific to such underlying unit investment trust.

    D.  UNDERTAKINGS:

    1.  The Information Supplement to the Trust will not include third party
financial information.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 1138 has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on September 30, 1999.

                                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES
                                          1138
                                                             (Registrant)

                                          By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                                             (Depositor)

                                          By:  William Adams
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Vice President

                                          Attest:  Karen L. Healy
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Assistant Secretary

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                        TITLE*                 DATE
<S>                            <C>                              <C>        <C>
Timothy T. Schwertfeger        Chairman, Board of Directors         )
                               Chief Executive Officer and          )
                               Director                             )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
John P. Amboian                Chief Financial Officer and          )             Larry W. Martin
                               Executive Vice President             )           Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                                    )
                                                                    )           September 30, 1999
Margaret E. Wilson             Vice President and Controller        )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
</TABLE>

- --------------
* The titles of the persons named herein represent their capacity in and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.

** The powers of attorney for Messrs. Amboian and Schwertfeger were filed as
Exhibit 6 to form N-8b-2 (File No. 811-08103) and for Ms. Wilson as Exhibit 6.2
to Nuveen Unit Trusts, Series 12 (File No. 333-49197).
<PAGE>
                         CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

    The consent of Chapman and Cutler to the use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.

                              CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL

    The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the use
of their names in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be
filed by amendment.

                      CONSENT OF KENNY S&P EVALUATION SERVICES

    The consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.

                        CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN

    The consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.

                           CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

    The consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to the use of its report and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement
will be filed by amendment.
<PAGE>
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
1.1(a)      Copy of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
            Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee. Filed as Exhibit 1.1(A) to the
            Sponsor's Registration Statement filed with respect to Series 823 (File No. 33-62325)
            and is incorporated herein by reference.
1.1(b)      Trust Indenture and Agreement (to be supplied by amendment).
1.2*        Copy of Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
            Depositor.
1.3**       Copy of amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing name of Depositor to John
            Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.
2.1         Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1(A) and Incorporated herein by
            reference).
3.1         Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered (to be supplied by
            amendment).
3.2         Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities being registered (to
            be supplied by amendment).
3.3         Consents of special state counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to use of their
            names in the Prospectus (to be supplied by amendment).
3.4         Corporate opinion of Trustee's counsel (to be supplied by amendment).
3.5         Opinion of Trustee's counsel as to New York tax status (to be supplied by amendment).
4.1         Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services (to be supplied by amendment).
4.2         Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn (to be supplied by amendment).
4.3         Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (to be supplied by amendment).
6.1         List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated
            by reference to Form S-6 [File No. 33-62325] filed on September 7, 1995 on behalf of
            Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 823).
</TABLE>

- --------------

* Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-1547) filed on behalf
of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 16.

** Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-2198) filed on behalf
of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 37.


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission