NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 766
487, 1994-11-16
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<PAGE>


                                                      File No. 33-55907
                                                      40 Act File No. 811-2271


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-6

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

A.  Exact name of Trust:     NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766

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:  James J. Wesolowski
                             333 West Wacker Drive
                             Chicago, Illinois 60606

                             CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                             Attn:  Daniel C. Bird, Jr.
                             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 (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

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

- -----
- -----    on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486

E.  Title and amount of securities being registered:  An indefinite number of
    Units as permitted by Rule 24f-2.

F.  Proposed maximum offering price to the public of the securities being
    registered:  Not presently determinable.

G.  Amount of filing fee:  $500 in accordance with Rule 24f-2.

H.  Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:

    As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration
    Statement.
______
          Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
  X       on 11/16/94 at 1:30 p.m. pursuant to Rule 487.
______



<PAGE>
   
                               NOVEMBER 16, 1994
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 766
             November 16, 1994
    
INTEREST  INCOME TO THE  TRUSTS AND TO  UNITHOLDERS, IN THE  OPINION OF COUNSEL,
UNDER EXISTING LAW IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX. CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, ARE
SUBJECT TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE  OPINION
OF  COUNSEL,  EXEMPT,  TO THE  EXTENT  INDICATED,  FROM STATE  AND  LOCAL TAXES.
INTEREST INCOME OF ANY TRUST  OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST  MAY BE SUBJECT TO  STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
 
CURRENTLY  OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE--EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
 
   
THE NUVEEN  TAX-EXEMPT  UNIT  TRUST,  SERIES 766  consists  of  five  underlying
separate  unit investment trusts  designated as Maryland  Traditional Trust 301,
California Insured Trust 235, Florida  Insured Trust 200, Massachusetts  Insured
Trust  120 and  New York  Insured Trust  226. Each  Trust initially  consists of
delivery statements relating  to contracts  to purchase  Bonds and,  thereafter,
will consist of a diversified portfolio of obligations issued by or on behalf of
states  and  territories  of the  United  States and  authorities  and political
subdivisions thereof (see SCHEDULES OF  INVESTMENTS), the interest on which  is,
in  the opinion of bond  counsel to the issuers,  exempt from Federal income tax
under existing law. In addition, the interest  on Bonds in each State Trust  is,
in  the opinion of bond  counsel to the issuers  of the obligations, exempt from
such State's income taxes, if any. All obligations in each Traditional Trust are
rated in the category "A" or better by Standard & Poor's Corporation or  Moody's
Investors  Service, Inc. on the Date of Deposit. All obligations in each Insured
Trust are covered  by policies  of insurance  obtained from  the Municipal  Bond
Investors  Assurance Corporation guaranteeing payment  of principal and interest
when due.  All  such policies  of  insurance remain  effective  so long  as  the
obligations  are outstanding. As a  result of such insurance,  the Bonds in each
portfolio of  the Insured  Trusts have  received a  rating of  "Aaa" by  Moody's
Investors  Service, Inc. and  the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts  and the Units of
each  such  Trust  have  received  a  rating  of  "AAA"  by  Standard  &  Poor's
Corporation.  INSURANCE RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS  IN THE INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT
TO THE UNITS OFFERED HEREBY OR TO THEIR MARKET VALUE. (See Section 5.)
    
 
THE OBJECTIVES of the Trusts are  tax-exempt income and conservation of  capital
through  a diversified  investment in tax-exempt  Bonds. (SEE SECTIONS  2, 3 AND
11.) The payment of interest and  the preservation of principal are, of  course,
dependent upon the continuing ability of the issuers of Bonds and of any insurer
thereof  to meet  their obligations thereunder.  There is no  guarantee that the
Trusts' objectives will be achieved. (SEE PAGE A-1.)
DISTRIBUTIONS of  interest received  by each  Trust will  be made  semi-annually
unless  the Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly. (SEE SECTION
13.) Distribution of funds in the Principal Account, if any, will ordinarily  be
made semi-annually.
 
FOR  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders in
each Trust on the  business day prior to  the Date of Deposit.  (SEE PAGE 3  AND
SECTION 9.)
 
THE  PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  per Unit of  each Trust during  the initial offering
period is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in  such
Trust's  portfolio plus  a sales charge  of up  to 4.90% of  the Public Offering
Price (equivalent to  5.152% of the  net amount invested);  the sales charge  is
somewhat  lower on Trusts  with lesser average maturities.  (SEE SECTION 6.) The
Secondary Market Public Offering Price per Unit for each Trust will be equal  to
a  pro rata share of the  sum of BID prices of the  Bonds in such Trust plus the
sales charges determined based on the number of years remaining to the  maturity
of  each  Bond. Accrued  interest from  the  preceding Record  Date to,  but not
including, the settlement date (normally  five business days after purchase)  is
added  to the Public Offering Price. The  sales charge is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales involving at least $50,000  or 500 Units and will be applied  on
whichever basis is more favorable to the purchaser. (SEE SECTION 6.)
 
A  UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee, United States Trust
Company of New York, at prices based upon the BID prices of the Bonds. The price
received  upon  redemption  may  be  more  or  less  than  the  amount  paid  by
Unitholders,  depending upon the  value of the  Bonds on the  date of tender for
redemption. (SEE  SECTION 19.)  The Sponsor,  although not  required to  do  so,
intends  to make a secondary market for the  Units of the Trusts at prices based
upon the BID  prices of the  Bonds in  the respective Trusts.  (SEE SECTION  7.)
RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      INDEX                                             SECTION         PAGE
<C>   <S>                                              <C>        <C>
      SPECIFIC TRUST MATTERS
      Maryland Traditional Trust 301                          3         9-15
      California Insured Trust 235                            3        16-28
      Florida Insured Trust 200                               3        29-37
      Massachusetts Insured Trust 120                         3        38-48
      New York Insured Trust 226                              3        49-62
      GENERAL MATTERS
      Accrued Interest                                        8         A-17
      Accumulation Plan                                      14         A-24
      Bonds, How Selected                                     3            8
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price         10         A-19
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                    4          A-7
      Bond Ratings                                            3         9-62
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-33
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     9-62,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-19
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            6
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-23
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   9-62, A-23
      Distribution of Units to the Public                    17         A-29
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts             --            4
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current
      Return                                                  9      3, A-18
      Evaluation                                             16         A-28
      Expenses to Fund                                       12         A-22
      Insurance on Bonds in the Insured Trusts                5         A-10
      Insurance on Certain Bonds in the Traditional
      Trusts                                                  5         A-12
      Interest Income to Trust                                3         9-62
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         9-62
      Legality of Units                                      24         A-37
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee       22        A-34
      Market for Units                                        7         A-16
      Minimum Transaction                                    17         A-29
      Objectives of the Trusts                                2            7
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-23
      Other Information                                      24         A-36
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                        18         A-30
      Public Offering Price of Units                          6         A-13
      Quantity Purchases                                      6         A-13
      Record Dates                                           13         A-23
      Ratings, Description of                                24         A-38
      Redemption of Units by Trustee                         19         A-31
      Reports to Unitholders                                 15         A-28
      Repurchase of Units by Sponsor                         20         A-33
      Risk Factors                                            3          A-1
      Sales Charge                                            6         A-13
      Sponsor, Information About                             23         A-35
      State Tax Status                                        3         9-62
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                        22         A-34
      Tax Status of Unitholders                              11         A-19
      Trustee, Information About                             22         A-34
      Trust Indenture, Amendment and Termination             24         A-36
      Unit Value                                             16         A-28
</TABLE>
 
                  2
<PAGE>
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
                                      AND
                    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS FOR THE TRUSTS
 
Following  are the  Estimated Long Term  and Estimated Current  Returns for each
Trust on the  business day  prior to  the Date  of Deposit,  under the  monthly,
quarterly and semi-annual plans of distribution (SEE SECTION 3):
 
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Maryland Traditional Trust 301...........      6.36%         6.39%           6.41%
  California Insured Trust 235.............      6.53%         6.56%           6.59%
  Florida Insured Trust 200................      6.42%         6.45%           6.47%
  Massachusetts Insured Trust 120..........      6.44%         6.48%           6.50%
  New York Insured Trust 226...............      6.48%         6.51%           6.53%
</TABLE>
 
                           ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Maryland Traditional Trust 301...........      6.20%         6.23%           6.25%
  California Insured Trust 235.............      6.34%         6.38%           6.40%
  Florida Insured Trust 200................      6.18%         6.22%           6.24%
  Massachusetts Insured Trust 120..........      6.20%         6.23%           6.25%
  New York Insured Trust 226...............      6.25%         6.29%           6.31%
</TABLE>
 
    The  Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to
the investor 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 to
a  specified date of any premium over  or discount from the par (maturity) value
in the bond's  purchase price. In  calculating Estimated Long  Term Return,  the
average  yield for  the 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. Once the average portfolio yield is  computed,
this  figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of the
maximum sales  charge paid  by investors.  The Estimated  Long Term  Return  and
Estimated  Current Return calculations do 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 the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the 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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated  Current Returns or  the Estimated Long  Term Returns  quoted
herein will be realized in the future. 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. For more  information,
see Section 9. 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.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
                 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS ON
                               NOVEMBER 15, 1994+
    
           Sponsor and Evaluator...... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
           Trustee........... United States Trust Company of New York
                  -------------------------------------------
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders   choosing
distributions  quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher returns
because of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE  SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         MARYLAND           CALIFORNIA            FLORIDA
                                                        TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 301           TRUST 235           TRUST 200
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,198,648      $    2,980,110      $    3,077,730
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        91.39      $        85.15      $        87.94
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.71      $         4.39      $         4.53
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        96.10      $        89.54      $        92.47
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        90.91      $        84.65      $        87.44
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        91.39      $        85.15      $        87.94
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.19      $         4.89      $         5.03
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit.......  $         4.71      $         4.39      $         4.53
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       6.1888      $       5.9250      $       5.9554
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2336      $        .2441      $        .2426
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.9552      $       5.6809      $       5.7128
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01654      $       .01578      $       .01586
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           6.20%               6.34%               6.18%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           6.36%               6.53%               6.42%
BECAUSE  CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE  TRUSTS WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO  THE TRUSTEE UNTIL AFTER THE SETTLEMENT
DATE FOR A PURCHASE OF UNITS MADE  ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST  THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE BONDS BETWEEN  THE
DATE  OF DEPOSIT AND SUCH  DELIVERY DATE WILL BE TREATED  AS A RETURN OF  PRINCIPAL RATHER THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT
INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH RETURN OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL INTEREST INCOME SHOWN ABOVE.
FOR THE VARIOUS TRUSTS, THE FOLLOWING SETS FORTH THE LATEST SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY DATE, THE AMOUNT PER UNIT
THAT WILL BE TREATED AS  A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL TO  UNITHOLDERS WHO PURCHASE ON THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT, AND  THE
ESTIMATED  CURRENT RETURN AFTER THE FIRST  YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND  ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT
VARY FROM THAT SET FORTH ABOVE (SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 12 AND THE "SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS"):
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  FLORIDA INSURED TRUST.........   DECEMBER 7, 1994   $           .04                     6.22        %
<FN>
- ----------
Evaluations for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day  next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 *  National and State, 5.152%; Long  Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%; Short  Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term, 2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(1) Units are offered at the Public  Offering Price plus accrued interest from the  preceding Record Date to, but not  including,
    the  date of settlement (normally five business days after purchase). The  Date of Deposit of the Fund has been designated as
    the First Record  Date for all  plans of distribution  of the Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date  of
    Deposit,  the following  amounts of accrued  interest to  the Settlement Date  will be  added to the  Public Offering Prices:
    Maryland Traditional Trust--$.12, California Insured Trust--$.11 and Florida Insured Trust--$.11. (See Section 8.)
(2) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount  on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3)  The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in Section
    3.
(4) Estimated Long Term Return  for each Trust represents  the average of the yields  to maturity (or call)  of the Bonds in  the
    Trust's  portfolio calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices  and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges.
    Estimated Current Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price, and in
    contrast to Estimated Long Term  Return does not reflect the  amortization of premium or accretion  of discount, if any.  For
    more information see page 3 and Section 9.
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders   choosing
distributions  quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher returns
because of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE  SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       MASSACHUSETTS         NEW YORK
                                                          INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 120           TRUST 226
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,078,431      $    3,142,177
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        87.96      $        89.78
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.53      $         4.63
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        92.49      $        94.41
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        87.50      $        89.33
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        87.96      $        89.78
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         4.99      $         5.08
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit.......  $         4.53      $         4.63
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.9696      $       6.1478
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2397      $        .2458
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.7299      $       5.9020
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01591      $       .01639
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           6.20%               6.25%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           6.44%               6.48%
BECAUSE  CERTAIN OF THE  BONDS IN THE TRUSTS  WILL NOT BE DELIVERED  TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL
AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR A PURCHASE OF  UNITS MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT,  INTEREST
THAT  ACCRUES ON THOSE BONDS BETWEEN  THE DATE OF DEPOSIT AND  SUCH DELIVERY DATE WILL BE
TREATED AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH
RETURN OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT  INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL INTEREST  INCOME SHOWN ABOVE. FOR  THE
VARIOUS  TRUSTS, THE FOLLOWING  SETS FORTH THE  LATEST SCHEDULED BOND  DELIVERY DATE, THE
AMOUNT PER UNIT THAT  WILL BE TREATED AS  A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL  TO UNITHOLDERS WHO  PUR-
CHASE  ON THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT,  AND THE ESTIMATED  CURRENT RETURN AFTER  THE FIRST YEAR,
ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO  AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL  EXPENSES DO  NOT VARY FROM  THAT SET  FORTH
ABOVE (SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 12 AND THE "SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS"):
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  NEW YORK INSURED TRUST........   DECEMBER 8, 1994   $           .04                     6.30        %
<FN>
- ----------
Evaluations  for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 * National and State, 5.152%;  Long Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%;  Short Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term,  2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(1)  Units are offered at the Public  Offering Price plus accrued interest from the  preceding Record Date to, but not including,
    the date of settlement (normally five business days after purchase).  The Date of Deposit of the Fund has been designated  as
    the  First Record  Date for all  plans of distribution  of the Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date of
    Deposit, the following  amounts of accrued  interest to  the Settlement Date  will be  added to the  Public Offering  Prices:
    Massachusetts Insured Trust--$.11 and New York Insured Trust--$.12. (See Section 8.)
(2)  Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3) The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in  Section
    3.
(4)  Estimated Long Term Return  for each Trust represents  the average of the yields  to maturity (or call)  of the Bonds in the
    Trust's portfolio calculated in accordance with accepted bond  practices and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales  charges.
    Estimated Current Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price, and in
    contrast  to Estimated Long Term  Return does not reflect the  amortization of premium or accretion  of discount, if any. For
    more information see page 3 and Section 9.
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Record Dates............................................................See Section 13
Distribution Dates......................................................See Section 13
Minimum Principal Distribution..........................................$0.10 Per Unit
Date Trusts Established..............................................November 16, 1994
Settlement Date......................................................November 23, 1994
Mandatory Termination Date..............................................See Section 24
Minimum Value of Each Trust.............................................See Section 24
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.............$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Trustee's Annual Fees:
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ------------------------------------------
                    TRUST                        MONTHLY       QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ----------     ----------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
  Maryland Traditional Trust 301...........     $  1.7052      $  1.3852      $   1.1952
  California Insured Trust 235.............        1.8104         1.4904          1.3004
  Florida Insured Trust 200................        1.7950         1.4750          1.2850
  Massachusetts Insured Trust 120..........        1.7658         1.4458          1.2558
  New York Insured Trust 226...............        1.8273         1.5073          1.3173
  ------------
  * Each Trustee 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.
</TABLE>
 
                          ---------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 766
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766?
    
 
   
Series  766 of the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt 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. This Series consists of five underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts,  combined  under  one  trust  indenture  and
agreement, designated Maryland Traditional  Trust 301, California Insured  Trust
235,  Florida Insured  Trust 200, Massachusetts  Insured Trust 120  and New York
Insured Trust 226. The various 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 November 16,
1994  (the "Indenture") between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated (the "Sponsor")
and United States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee").
    
 
    The 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) in the principal amount
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
of   $17,500,000  (the  "Bonds"),  which  initially  constitute  the  underlying
securities of  the  Trusts.  Bonds  may  include  fixed  rate  obligations  with
regularly   scheduled  interest   payments,  zero  coupon   bonds  and  stripped
obligations, which represent  evidences of ownership  interests with respect  to
either  a principal payment or a payment  of interest on a tax-exempt obligation
("Stripped  Obligations").  See  "SUMMARY  OF  PORTFOLIOS"  and  "GENERAL  TRUST
INFORMATION" for a discussion of zero coupon bonds and Stripped Obligations. The
following  principal amounts  were deposited  in each  Trust: $3,500,000  in the
Maryland  Traditional  Trust,  $3,500,000  in  the  California  Insured   Trust,
$3,500,000 in the Florida Insured Trust, $3,500,000 in the Massachusetts Insured
Trust  and  $3,500,000 in  the  New York  Insured  Trust. 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 "Schedules  of Investments" and  Section 4. 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 Section 4.
    
 
    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 Section  5.) 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 for 35,000 Units
of the Maryland Traditional Trust, 35,000 Units of the California Insured Trust,
35,000 Units of  the Florida Insured  Trust, 35,000 Units  of the  Massachusetts
Insured  Trust and 35,000  Units of the  New York Insured  Trust, which together
represent ownership of the entire Series, 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 of  10 Units for each
$1,000 principal value of Bonds initially deposited in such Trust.
    
 
2.  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. Bonds in any State Trust have been issued
primarily by  or on  behalf of  the  State for  which such  Trust is  named  and
counties,  municipalities, authorities  and political  subdivisions thereof, the
interest on which Bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from  Federal
and  certain state income tax and intangibles  taxes, if any, for purchasers who
qualify as residents of that  State. 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 Municipal Bond
Investors  Assurance  Corporation,  and  as  a  result  of  such  insurance  the
obligations  in the Insured Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. and "AAA" by Standard & Poor's Corporation. (SEE SECTION 5) All obligations
in each Traditional Trust are rated in the category "A" or better (SP-1 or MIG 2
or better  in the  case  of short  term obligations  included  in a  Short  Term
Traditional  Trust)  by  Standard  &  Poor's  Corporation  or  Moody's Investors
Service, Inc.  (including  provisional  or conditional  ratings).  In  addition,
certain  Bonds  in  certain  Traditional  Trusts  may  be  covered  by insurance
guaranteeing the timely payment,
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
when due, of  all principal  and interest. (SEE  SECTION 3.)  The portfolios  of
National  and State  Trusts consist  of long-term  (approximately 15  to 40 year
maturities)  obligations;  those   of  Long  Intermediate   Trusts  consist   of
intermediate  to long term (approximately 11 to 19 year maturities) obligations;
those of Intermediate Trusts consist of intermediate term (approximately 5 to 15
year maturities)  obligations; those  of Short  Intermediate Trusts  consist  of
short  to intermediate term (approximately 3  to 7 year maturities) obligations;
and those of Short Term Trusts consist of short term (approximately 1 to 5  year
maturities)  obligations. 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 this Prospectus.
 
    Each Trust consists  of fixed-rate  municipal debt  obligations. Because  of
this  an investment in a Trust should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in such debt obligations may entail, including the risk that
the value of the debt obligations and  therefore of the Units will decline  with
increases  in  interest  rates. In  general,  the  longer the  period  until the
maturity of a  Bond, the more  sensitive its  value will be  to fluctuations  in
interest rates. During the past decade, there have been substantial fluctuations
in  interest  rates, and,  accordingly, in  the value  of debt  obligations. The
Sponsor cannot predict whether such fluctuations will recur.
 
3.  SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
In selecting  Bonds for  the  respective Trusts,  the following  factors,  among
others,  were considered:  (i) the Standard  & Poor's Corporation  rating of the
Bonds or the Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating of the Bonds (see Section  2
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 Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance on such
Bonds.
 
    In  order for Bonds in the Insured  Trusts to be eligible for Municipal Bond
Investors Assurance Corporation insurance, they must have credit characteristics
which, in the opinion of the  insurer, would qualify them as "investment  grade"
obligations.  Insurance is not a  substitute for the basic  credit of an issuer,
but supplements the existing credit  and provides additional security  therefor.
(SEE SECTION 5.)
 
    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. Under the Indenture,  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.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   
MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 301
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Maryland  Traditional Trust 301  consists of 7 obligations
issued by  entities located  in Maryland.  Two Bonds  in the  Trust are  general
obligations  of the  governmental entities  issuing them  and are  backed by the
taxing powers thereof. Five Bonds in the  Trust are payable as to principal  and
interest  from  the  income of  a  specific  project or  authority  and  are not
supported by the issuer's power to levy taxes. The sources of payment for  these
Bonds  are divided as  follows: Dedicated-Tax Supported  Revenue, 1; College and
University Revenue,  1;  Electrical  System Revenue,  2;  Health  Care  Facility
Revenue,  1.  Seven  issues  in  the  Trust  were  rated  by  Standard  & Poor's
Corporation as follows: 3--AAA,  1--AA, 1--AA-, 1--A+,  1--A. Seven issues  were
rated  by Moody's  Investors Service,  Inc. as  follows: 3--Aaa,  1--Aa1, 1--Aa,
1--A1, 1--A2.
    
 
   
    At the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the  Maryland
Traditional Trust is 25.0 years. The average maturity of the Bonds in a Trust is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect  to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from the sale of electric energy.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered  into contracts  to acquire  the Bonds  on November  15,
1994.  The following  summarizes certain information  about the Bonds  as of the
business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,182,476       $16,172           $216,606      $3,181,773                 .48%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the Maryland Traditional Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to  accrue
at  the  rate  of  $.01668  per  Unit per  day  under  the  semi-annual  plan of
distribution, $.01663 per Unit per day under the quarterly plan of  distribution
and  $.01654 per  Unit per  day under  the monthly  plan of  distribution. It is
anticipated that the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each  year
under  each plan  of distribution will  initially be substantially  equal to the
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Maryland Traditional Trust
under the various plans appear in  the following table based upon estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST                                              1995                                          PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        1/1            2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       1/15           2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7443(1)                                                               $  5.9552
                                                              --------   $.4962 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7443(1)   $   .4989(2)   $  1.4967      $  1.4967      $  1.4967      $  5.9872
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7443(1)                  $  2.0016(3)                  $  3.0024      $  6.0062
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution  may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2)  The  second distribution  under the  quarterly distribution  plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution  under the semi-annual  distribution plan represents a  4-month distribution; subsequent  semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The  accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST
 
    For  a discussion  of the  Federal tax status  of income  earned on Maryland
Traditional Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The  assets   of   the   Maryland  Traditional   Trust   will   consist   of
interest-bearing  obligations issued by  or on behalf of  the State of Maryland,
its political subdivisions and authorities and, provided the interest thereon is
exempt from State income  taxes by the  laws or treaties  of the United  States,
obligations  issued  by  or  on  behalf of  the  United  States'  territories or
possessions, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands, their political
subdivisions and authorities (the "Maryland Bonds").
 
    In the  opinion of  Venable, Baetjer  and Howard,  special counsel  for  the
Series for Maryland tax matters, under existing law:
 
        For   Maryland  state  and  local  income  tax  purposes,  the  Maryland
    Traditional Trust will not be taxable  as an association, and the income  of
    the  Maryland  Traditional  Trust  will  be treated  as  the  income  of the
    Unitholders.
 
        For Maryland  state and  local tax  purposes, interest  on the  Maryland
    Bonds which is exempt from Maryland state and local income tax when received
    by  the Maryland Traditional Trust, and  which would be exempt from Maryland
    state and local income tax if received directly by a Unitholder, will retain
    its status as tax-exempt interest when received by the Maryland  Traditional
    Trust and distributed to the Unitholders.
 
        Interest  derived from  the Maryland  Traditional Trust  by a Unitholder
    with respect to the Maryland Bonds will not be subject to Maryland state  or
    local  income  taxes;  provided that  interest  or profit  derived  from the
    Maryland Traditional Trust by a financial institution, as defined in Section
    8-101(c) of the Tax-General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland,  will
    be   subject   to   the   Maryland   state   franchise   tax   on  financial
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    institutions, except to the  extent such interest  is expressly exempt  from
    the  Maryland  state  franchise  tax by  the  statutes  which  authorize the
    issuance of  such Maryland  Bonds  (See Section  8-204  of the  Tax  General
    Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland).
 
        A  Unitholder will not be subject to  Maryland state or local income tax
    with respect  to gain  realized when  Maryland Bonds  held in  the  Maryland
    Traditional  Trust  are sold,  redeemed, or  paid  at maturity,  except with
    respect to gain realized upon a  sale, redemption or payment at maturity  of
    such  Maryland  Bonds  as  are  issued by  or  on  behalf  of  United States
    territories or possessions,  their political  subdivisions and  authorities;
    such  gain will equal the proceeds of  sale, redemption or payment, less the
    tax basis of the Maryland Bonds (adjusted to reflect (a) the amortization of
    Bond premium or discount,  and (b) the deposit  in the Maryland  Traditional
    Trust  after the Unitholder's settlement date of Maryland Bonds with accrued
    interest).
 
        Although the  matter  is  not  free  from  doubt,  gain  realized  by  a
    Unitholder  from the  redemption, sale  or other  disposition of  a Maryland
    Traditional Trust Unit  (i) will  be subject  to Maryland  state income  tax
    except in the case of individual Unitholders who are not Maryland residents,
    and  (ii)  will be  subject  to Maryland  local income  tax  in the  case of
    individual Unitholders who are Maryland residents.
 
        If interest on  indebtedness incurred  or continued by  a Unitholder  to
    purchase  Units  in the  Maryland Traditional  Trust  is not  deductible for
    Federal income  tax purposes,  it will  also be  nondeductible for  Maryland
    state income tax purposes and, if applicable, local income tax purposes.
 
        Maryland Traditional Trust Units will be subject to Maryland inheritance
    and  estate tax  only if  held by  Maryland residents.  Neither the Maryland
    Bonds nor the Maryland Traditional Trust  Units will be subject to  Maryland
    personal property tax, sales tax or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--MARYLAND
 
    Some of the significant financial considerations relating to the investments
of  the Maryland  Traditional Trust  are summarized  below. This  information is
derived principally from official statements and preliminary official statements
released on or before May 13,  1992, relating to issues of Maryland  obligations
and does not purport to be a complete description.
 
    The  State's total expenditures  for the fiscal years  ending June 30, 1990,
June 30,  1991 and  June 30,  1992 were  $11.019, $11.304  and $11.657  billion,
respectively.  As of January 13, 1993,  it was estimated that total expenditures
for fiscal 1993 would be $11.897 billion. The State's General Fund, representing
approximately 55%-60% of each year's total budget, had a surplus on a  budgetary
basis  of $57 million in fiscal year 1990, $55 thousand in fiscal year 1991, and
a deficit of $56 million in fiscal 1992. The Governor of Maryland reduced fiscal
1993 appropriations by $56 million to offset the fiscal 1992 deficit. The  State
Constitution mandates a balanced budget.
 
    The  1993 fiscal year budget was enacted  in April 1992 which, together with
legislation enacted in 1992,  involved the transfer of  certain funds, new  fees
and  taxes, and alteration of certain statutory State expenditure programs. When
the 1993 budget was enacted, it was  estimated that the General Fund surplus  at
June  30, 1993 would be  approximately $10 million on  a budgetary basis. During
the final months of fiscal year 1992 and the initial months of fiscal year 1993,
collections  of   State   revenues   were  below   the   levels   estimated   at
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
the  time  of the  adoption of  the 1993  budget. The  Governor proposed  a cost
containment plan to address  this revenue shortfall and  to provide reserves  to
finance potential deficiency appropriations. On September 30, 1992, the Board of
Public   Works  approved  the   Governor's  proposal  to   reduce  General  Fund
appropriations by $168  million. The  Board of  Public Works  also approved  the
Governor's proposal to reduce the special fund appropriations for the Department
of Transportation by $30 million. Legislation was introduced at the 1993 session
of  the General Assembly  to transfer this  $30 million to  the General Fund, as
well as $10 million from various other special funds. In a special session  held
in  November, 1992, the General Assembly  enacted legislation reducing State aid
to local  governments  by $147  million.  In  addition, other  elements  of  the
governor's   original  cost  containment  plan  are  in  the  process  of  being
implemented or revised.
 
    The public indebtedness  of Maryland  and its  instrumentalities is  divided
into  three  basic types.  The  State issues  general  obligation bonds,  to the
payment of which the State ad  valorem property tax is exclusively pledged,  for
capital improvements and for various State-sponsored projects. The Department of
Transportation   of  Maryland  issues  limited,  special  obligation  bonds  for
transportation purposes payable primarily from specific, fixed-rate excise taxes
and other  revenues related  mainly to  highway use.  Certain authorities  issue
obligations  payable solely from  specific non-tax enterprise  fund revenues and
for which  the  State  has  no  liability and  has  given  no  moral  obligation
assurance.
 
    According  to the most recent available ratings, general obligation bonds of
the State of Maryland are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and "AAA" by Standard &  Poor's
Corporation,  as  are those  of Baltimore  County,  a separate  political entity
surrounding Baltimore  City.  General  obligation bonds  of  Montgomery  County,
located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and "AAA"
by  Standard & Poor's  Corporation. General obligation  bonds of Prince George's
County, the second largest metropolitan county, which is also in the suburbs  of
Washington,  D.C., are  rated "A1"  by Moody's  and "AA-"  by Standard  & Poor's
Corporation. The general obligation bonds of  those other counties of the  State
that  are rated  by Moody's carry  an "A" rating  or better except  for those of
Allegany County,  which  are rated  "Baa".  The most  populous  municipality  in
Maryland  is Baltimore City, the general obligaton bonds of which are rated "A1"
by Moody's and "A"  by Standard & Poor's  Corporation. The majority of  Maryland
Health  and Higher  Education Authority  and State  Department of Transportation
revenue bond issues have received an "A" rating or better from Moody's.
 
    While the ratings and other  factors mentioned above indicate that  Maryland
and  its principal subdivisions  and agencies are addressing  the effects of the
economic recession and, overall, are in satisfactory economic health, there can,
of course,  be no  assurance that  this will  continue or  that particular  bond
issues  may not be adversely  affected by changes in  state or local economic or
political conditions.
 
MARYLAND TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal  Federal
tax  rates and marginal state tax rates  currently available and scheduled to be
in effect*.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers  that were included in the  Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Except
as indicated below, for cases in which more than one state bracket falls  within
a  Federal  bracket, the  highest  state bracket  is  combined with  the Federal
bracket. The
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
combined state and Federal  tax brackets shown reflect  the fact that state  tax
payments   are  currently  deductible  for  Federal  tax  purposes.  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  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.
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
                 ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS      STATE* AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      21.5   %     6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      33.5         7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15
                 111.8-167.7      34.0         7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      36.0         7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55
                 111.8-167.7      37.0         7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
                 167.7-290.2      39.5         8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
   140.0-150.0   111.8-167.7      42.0         8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
                 167.7-290.2      44.5         9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
   150.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      42.5         8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
                 167.7-290.2      45.5         9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                  Over 290.2      42.5   2     8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      49.0         9.80   10.29   10.78   11.27   11.76   12.25   12.75   13.24
                  Over 290.2      46.0   3     9.26    9.72   10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04   12.50
                COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
                 ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS      STATE* AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      21.5         6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      33.5         7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15
    55.1-100.0       0-111.8      36.0         7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55
                 111.8-234.3      37.5         8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80
   100.0-115.0   111.8-234.3      38.5         8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      43.5         8.85    9.29    9.73   10.18   10.62   11.06   11.50   11.95
                  Over 234.3      42.5   2     8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      46.0   3     9.26    9.72   10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04   12.50
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
     * These tables approximate the effect of the exemption of distributions  of
tax-exempt  income from  the Maryland Trust  from county taxes,  assuming a rate
equal to  50% of  the applicable  Maryland state  income tax  rate. In  general,
Maryland   local  income  taxes  imposed  by   various  counties  are  equal  to
approximately 50% of the state  income tax liability, although Worcester  County
currently imposes an income tax equal to 30% of the state income tax liability.
 
        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 Federal  tax
rate  to  approximately 44.0  percent for  taxpayers filing  a joint  return and
entitled to  four personal  exemptions  and to  approximately 41.0  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 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
the Trust and returns over specified periods on other
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
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
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 Trust are described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
NOVEMBER 16, 1994
MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 301
(SERIES 766)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   475,000      Maryland Health and Higher Educational              2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       427,733
                   Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds, Maryland
                   General Hospital Issue, Series 1994, 6.20%
                   Due 7/1/24. (MBIA Insured.)
    500,000      City of Baltimore, Maryland (Mayor and City         2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa             448,615
                   Council of Baltimore), Convention Center
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 6.00% Due 9/1/17.
                   (FGIC Insured.)
    500,000      Calvert County, Maryland, Pollution Control         2004 at 102         A          A2              418,475
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds (Baltimore Gas and
                   Electric Company Project), Series 1993, 5.55%
                   Due 7/15/14.
    500,000      Carroll County, Maryland, General Obligation        2004 at 102        AA-         Aa              477,815
                   Bonds, County Commissioners of Carroll
                   County, Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds
                   of 1994, 6.50% Due 10/1/24.
    500,000      Morgan State University, Maryland, Academic      No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             456,110
                   Fees and Auxiliary Facilities Fees, Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series, 6.05% Due
                   7/1/15. (MBIA Insured.)
    500,000      Prince George's County, Maryland, Pollution         2003 at 102         A+         A1              458,865
                   Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Potomac
                   Electric Project), 1993 Series, 6.375% Due
                   1/15/23.
    525,000      Washington Suburban Sanitary District, Maryland     2004 at 100         AA         Aa1             511,035
                   (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties,
                   Maryland), General Construction Bonds of
                   1994, 6.625% Due 6/1/19. (General Obligation
                   Bonds.) (When issued.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,198,648
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 63.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
CALIFORNIA INSURED TRUST 235
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of  California Insured  Trust 235  consists of  7 obligations
issued by entities located in California.  Seven Bonds in the Trust are  payable
as  to principal and interest from the income of a specific project or authority
and are  not supported  by the  issuer's power  to levy  taxes. The  sources  of
payment  for these Bonds  are divided as follows:  Electrical System Revenue, 2;
Health Care Facility Revenue, 2; Municipal Lease Revenue, 1; Water and/or  Sewer
Revenue, 1; Miscellaneous Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds in the Trust, as insured,
are  rated AAA  by Standard  & Poor's Corporation  and Aaa  by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At the Date of Deposit, the average maturity of the Bonds in the  California
Insured  Trust is 28.7  years. The average maturity  of the Bonds  in a Trust is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow  to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity  of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from the sale of electric energy.
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered  into contracts  to acquire  the Bonds  on November 15,
1994. The following  summarizes certain information  about the Bonds  as of  the
business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $2,968,772       $11,338           $207,375      $2,962,610                 .50%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither   cost  to  Sponsor  nor  profit   (or  loss)  to  Sponsor  reflects
underwriting profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through  its
participation   in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as  a
manager  or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the California Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01592 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01586  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01578
per Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated  that
the  amount of interest to be distributed per  Unit in each year under each plan
of distribution  will initially  be  substantially equal  to the  Estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    Details  of interest distributions per Unit  of the California Insured Trust
under the various plans appear in  the following table based upon estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
CALIFORNIA INSURED TRUST                                                1995                                          PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        1/1            2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       1/15           2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7101(1)                                                               $  5.6809
                                                              --------   $.4734 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7101(1)   $   .4758(2)   $  1.4274      $  1.4274      $  1.4274      $  5.7129
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7101(1)                  $  1.9104(3)                  $  2.8656      $  5.7319
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution  may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2)  The  second distribution  under the  quarterly distribution  plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution  under the semi-annual  distribution plan represents a  4-month distribution; subsequent  semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The  accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--CALIFORNIA INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion of the  Federal tax status of  income earned on California
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, special California counsel
to the Series, under existing California income and property tax law  applicable
to individuals who are California residents:
 
        The  California  Insured  Trust  is  not  an  association  taxable  as a
    corporation and the income of the  California Insured 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
    California  Insured  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 California
    Insured Trust will have  a taxable event when  the California Insured  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
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    allocated among each of the bond issues held in the California Insured Trust
    (in accordance with the proportion of the California Insured 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 California Insured 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  California  Insured  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 California Insured 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 California  Insured 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.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    There  can  be  no  assurance that  future  statewide  or  regional economic
difficulties, and the resulting impact  on State or local governmental  finances
generally,  will not adversely  affect the market  value of California Municipal
Obligations held  in the  portfolio of  the Fund  or the  ability of  particular
obligors  to make  timely payments  of debt  service on  (or relating  to) those
obligations.
 
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 almost  32 million represents
12.3% of the total United States population and grew by 27% in the 1980s.  Total
personal income in the State, at an estimated $662 billion in 1992, accounts for
13% of all personal income in the nation. Total employment is almost 14 million,
the majority of which is in the service, trade and manufacturing sectors.
 
    Reports issued by the State Department of Finance and other sources indicate
that  the State's economy is suffering its worst recession since the 1930s, with
prospects for recovery  slower than for  the nation  as a whole.  The State  has
experienced  the worst job losses in any postwar recession and employment levels
are not expected to stabilize until late 1994 or 1995. Pre-recession job  levels
may not be reached until near the end of the decade. The largest job losses have
been  in Southern California, led by  declines in the aerospace and construction
industries. Weakness statewide occurred in manufacturing, construction, services
and trade and will be  hurt in the next few  years by continued cuts in  federal
defense spending and base closures. Unemployment averaged over 9% in 1993 and is
expected  to remain high in  1994. The State's economy  is only expected to pull
out of the recession  slowly, following the national  recovery which has  begun.
Delay in recovery will exacerbate shortfalls in State revenues.
 
CONSTITUTIONAL 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  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
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
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. California 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
consists  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" excludes 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 California's economy.
 
    "Excess" revenues are measured over a two-year cycle. Local governments must
return  any excess to taxpayers by rate  reduction. 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.
 
    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 California or
local governments to pay debt service on such California Municipal  Obligations.
It  is not presently possible  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.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    OBLIGATIONS  OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. As of April 1, 1994, California had
approximately $18.1 billion  of general obligation  bonds outstanding, and  $5.6
billion  remained authorized  but unissued. In  addition, at June  30, 1993, the
State had lease-purchase obligations, payable from the State's General Fund,  of
approximately $4.0 billion. Four general obligation bond propositions, totalling
$5.9  billion, will  be on the  June 1994  ballot. In fiscal  year 1992-93, debt
service on general  obligation bonds and  lease-purchase debt was  approximately
4.1%  of General Fund revenues. The State has paid the principal of and interest
on its general obligation bonds, lease-purchase debt and short-term  obligations
when due.
 
    RECENT  FINANCIAL RESULTS. The principal sources of General Fund revenues in
1992-93 were the  California personal income  tax (44% of  total revenues),  the
sales  tax (38%), bank and corporation taxes (12%), and the gross premium tax on
insurance (3%). California 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.
 
    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 34%).
 
    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 higher than the growth rates
for the principal revenue sources  of the General Fund.  As a result, the  State
entered  a period of budget imbalance,  with expenditures exceeding revenues for
four of the five fiscal years ending in 1991-92.
 
    As the State fell  into a deep  recession in the summer  of 1990, the  State
budget  fell sharply  out of  balance in the  1990-91 and  1991-92 fiscal years,
despite  significant  expenditure  cuts  and   tax  increases.  The  State   had
accumulated  a $2.8 billion budget  deficit by June 30,  1992. This deficit also
severely reduced the State's cash resources, so that it had to rely on  external
borrowing in the short-term markets to meet its cash needs.
 
    1992-93  FISCAL YEAR.  With  the failure to enact a  budget by July 1, 1992,
the State had no legal authority to pay many of its vendors until the budget was
passed;  nevertheless,  certain  obligations  (such  as  debt  service,   school
apportionments, welfare payments, and employee salaries) were payable because of
continuing  or  special  appropriations,  or court  orders.  However,  the State
Controller did not have enough cash to pay as they came due all of these ongoing
obligations, as well as valid obligations incurred in the prior fiscal year.
 
    Because of the delay in enacting the  budget, the State could not carry  out
its normal cash flow borrowing and, starting on July 1, 1992, the Controller was
required  to issue  "registered warrants" in  lieu of normal  warrants backed by
cash  to  pay  many   State  obligations.  Available  cash   was  used  to   pay
constitutionally mandated and priority obligations. Between July 1 and September
3,  1992, the  Controller issued an  aggregate of approximately  $3.8 billion of
registered warrants, all  of which were  called for redemption  by September  4,
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
1992  following enactment of the 1992-93 Budget Act and issuance by the State of
$3.3 billion of Interim Notes.
 
    The 1992-93 Budget Act, when finally adopted, was projected to eliminate the
State's accumulated deficit, with additional expenditure cuts and a $1.3 billion
transfer of State education funding costs to local governments by shifting local
property taxes to school districts.  However, as the recession continued  longer
and  deeper than expected,  revenues once again were  far below projections, and
only reached a level just equal to  the amount of expenditures. Thus, the  State
continued to carry its $2.8 billion budget deficit at June 30, 1993.
 
    The  1993-94  Budget Act  was  similar to  the  prior year,  in  reliance on
expenditure cuts  and an  additional $2.6  billion transfer  of costs  to  local
government,  particularly counties. A major feature of the budget was a two-year
plan to eliminate the accumulated deficit  by borrowing into the 1994-95  fiscal
year.  With the  recession still  continuing longer  than expected,  the 1994-95
Governor's Budget now projects that in the 1993-94 Fiscal Year, the General Fund
will have $900 million  less revenue and $800  million higher expenditures  than
budgeted.  As  a result  revenues will  only exceed  expenditures by  about $400
million. If this projection is  met, it will be  the first operating surplus  in
four  years; however,  some budget  analysts outside  the Department  of Finance
project revenues in the balance of 1993-94 will not even meet the revised, lower
projection. In addition,  the General  Fund may  have some  unplanned costs  for
relief related to the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake.
 
    The  State has implemented  its short-term borrowing as  part of the deficit
elimination plan,  and has  also borrowed  additional sums  to cover  cash  flow
shortfalls  in the spring  of 1994, for a  total of $3.2  billion, coming due in
July and  December,  1994. Repayment  of  these short-term  notes  will  require
additional  borrowing, as  the State's cash  position continues  to be adversely
affected.
 
    The Governor's 1994-95 Budget proposal recognizes  the need to bridge a  gap
of around $5 billion by June 30, 1995. Over $3.1 billion of this amount is being
requested  from the federal government as  increased aid, particularly for costs
associated with  incarcerating,  educating  and  providing  health  and  welfare
services to undocumented immigrants. However, President Clinton has not included
these  costs in his proposed  Fiscal 1995 Budget. The rest  of the budget gap is
proposed to be closed  with expenditure cuts and  projected $600 million of  new
revenue assuming the State wins a tax case presently pending in the U.S. Supreme
Court.  Thus the State  will once again face  significant uncertainties and very
difficult choices in the 1994-95 budget, as tax increases are unlikely and  many
cuts and budget adjustments have been made in the past three years.
 
    The  State's  severe financial  difficulties  for the  current  and upcoming
budget  years  will  result  in   continued  pressure  upon  almost  all   local
governments,  particularly school districts  and counties which  depend on State
aid. Despite efforts in recent years  to increase taxes and reduce  governmental
expenditures, there can be no assurance that the State will not face budget gaps
in the future.
 
    BOND  RATING.   State  general obligation bonds are  currently rated "Aa" by
Moody's and "A+" by S&P.  Both of these ratings  were reduced 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
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
that  there is no  obligation on the part  of the State to  make payment on such
local obligations in the event of default.
 
    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. The U.S. Supreme Court has granted review of two
cases  challenging  California's  "unitary"   method  of  taxing   multinational
corporations.  Although this taxing method has  since been changed, if the State
loses these cases, it could be liable for tax refunds and lost receipts of taxes
assessed totalling $3.5 billion to $4 billion.
 
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 the
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 (including public schools)  accounted for approximately 75% of
General Fund expenditures,  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  all
of  the post-Proposition 13 "bailout" aid.  The largest share of these transfers
came  from  counties,  and  the  balance  from  cities,  special  districts  and
redevelopment  agencies. In  order to  make up  this shortfall,  the Legislature
proposed and voters approved  dedicating 0.5% of the  sales tax to counties  and
cities for public safety purposes. In addition, the Legislature has changed laws
to relieve local governments of certain mandates, allowing them to reduce costs.
 
    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 be reduced. Any such reductions in State aid
could compound the serious fiscal constraints already experienced by many  local
governments, particularly counties. The Richmond Unified School District (Contra
Costa  County) entered  bankruptcy proceedings in  May 1991  but the proceedings
have been dismissed.
 
    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
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
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  District's lease. The  trial court has
upheld the validity of the lease and the case has been settled. Any judgment  in
a  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.
 
    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 health care 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.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    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 presently possible  to predict the extent  to which any such  legislation
will  be enacted. Nor  is it presently  possible 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. Any California Municipal Obligation in the California
Insured Trust  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.
 
    On  January 17, 1994, a major earthquake  with an estimated magnitude of 6.8
on the Richter scale struck the  Los Angeles area, causing significant  property
damage  to public and private facilities, presently estimated at $15-20 billion.
While over $9.5 billion of  federal aid, and a  projected $1.9 billion of  State
aid,  plus insurance proceeds, will  reimburse much of that  loss, there will be
some ultimate loss of wealth and income  in the region, in addition to costs  of
the  disruption  caused  by  the  event.  Short-term  economic  projections  are
generally neutral, as the  infusion of aid will  restore billions of dollars  to
the  local economy within a few  months; already the local construction industry
has picked up. Although the earthquake  will hinder recovery from the  recession
in  Southern California, already hard-hit, its  long-term impact is not expected
to be material in the context of  the overall wealth of the region. Almost  five
years  after the event, there are few  remaining effects of the 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake in northern  California (which,  however, caused  less severe  damage
than Northridge).
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
CALIFORNIA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax  rates currently available and scheduled to  be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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 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.
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS      STATE* AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      20.0   %     6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44    8.75    9.06
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      34.5         8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07
                 111.8-167.7      35.5         8.53    8.91    9.30    9.69   10.08   10.47   10.85   11.24
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      37.5         8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
                 111.8-167.7      38.5         8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
                 167.7-214.9      40.5         9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34   11.76   12.18
   140.0-214.9   111.8-167.7      43.0         9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40   11.84   12.28   12.72
                 167.7-214.9      45.5        10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39   12.84   13.30
                 214.9-239.9      46.5        10.28   10.75   11.21   11.68   12.15   12.62   13.08   13.55
                 239.9-290.2      46.0        10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04   12.50   12.96   13.43
                  Over 290.2      43.5   2     9.73   10.18   10.62   11.06   11.50   11.95   12.39   12.83
   214.9-250.0   167.7-214.9      46.0        10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04   12.50   12.96   13.43
                 214.9-239.9      47.0        10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74   13.21   13.68
                 239.9-290.2      46.5        10.28   10.75   11.21   11.68   12.15   12.62   13.08   13.55
                  Over 290.2      44.0   2     9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50   12.95
   250.0-429.9   239.9-290.2      50.0        11.00   11.50   12.00   12.50   13.00   13.50   14.00   14.50
                  Over 290.2      47.0   3    10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74   13.21   13.68
    Over 429.9    Over 290.2      47.5   3    10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38   12.86   13.33   13.81
</TABLE>
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS      STATE* AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-107.5      20.0   %     6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44    8.75    9.06
    22.8- 55.1       0-107.5      34.5         8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07
    55.1-107.5       0-107.5      37.5         8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
                 107.5-111.8      38.0         8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69
                 111.8-132.5      39.5         9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16   11.57   11.98
                 132.5-234.3      39.0         9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66   11.07   11.48   11.89
   107.5-115.0       0-107.5      38.0         8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69
                 107.5-111.8      38.5         8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
                 111.8-132.5      40.0         9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67   12.08
                 132.5-234.3      39.5         9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16   11.57   11.98
   115.0-214.9   111.8-132.5      44.5         9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
                 132.5-234.3      44.5         9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
                  Over 234.3      44.0   2     9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50   12.95
   214.9-250.0   132.5-234.3      45.0        10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82   12.27   12.73   13.18
                  Over 234.3      44.5   2     9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      47.5   3    10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38   12.86   13.33   13.81
<FN>
- ------------------
    * The State tax rates assumed take into account the adjustment  of tax brackets based on changes in the Consumer Price  Index
for 1994.
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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. The table also reflects California income tax
laws that increase state income tax rates for high income  taxpayers, limit itemized deductions and phase out the benefit of  the
personal exemption credit and the dependent exemption credit in a manner similar to Federal tax law.
      2  Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% and the state tax rate reverts to the applicable stated maximum rate after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions, under federal or state law, as appropriate has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
NOVEMBER 16, 1994
CALIFORNIA INSURED TRUST 235
(SERIES 766)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      California Statewide Communities Development        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       429,460
                   Authority, Certificates of Participation,
                   Sharp Healthcare Obligated Group, 6.00% Due
                   8/15/24.
    500,000      California Statewide Communities Development        2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             397,335
                   Authority, Certificates of Participation,
                   Sutter Health Obligated Group, 5.50% Due
                   8/15/23.
    500,000      State Public Works Board of the State of            2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             491,300
                   California, Lease Revenue Bonds (Department
                   of Corrections), 1994 Series A (California
                   State Prison-Monterey County (Soledad II)),
                   7.00% Due 11/1/19.
    500,000      Department of Water and Power of The City of        2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             420,770
                   Los Angeles (California), Electric Plant
                   Refunding Revenue Bonds, Issue of 1993,
                   5.875% Due 9/1/30.
    500,000      Otay Water District (California), Water Revenue     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             411,955
                   Certificates of Participation (1993 Water
                   Facilities Project), 5.70% Due 9/1/23.
    500,000      Sacramento Municipal Utility District               2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             416,280
                   (California), Electric Revenue Bonds, 1993
                   Series E, 5.75% Due 5/15/22.
    500,000      San Diego Regional Building Authority               2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             413,010
                   (California), Refunding Lease Revenue Bonds,
                   Series 1993A (San Miguel Consolidated Fire
                   Protection District Project), 5.65% Due
                   1/1/20.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     2,980,110
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 63.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 200
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Florida Insured Trust 200 consists of 7 obligations issued
by entities located in Florida. One Bond in the Trust is a general obligation of
the governmental entity issuing  it and is backed  by the taxing power  thereof.
Six  Bonds in the Trust are payable as to principal and interest from the income
of a specific project or authority and  are not supported by the issuer's  power
to  levy taxes. The sources  of payment for these  Bonds are divided as follows:
Dedicated-Tax  Supported   Revenue,  1;   Health  Care   Facility  Revenue,   2;
Transportation  Facility Revenue, 1;  Water and/or Sewer Revenue,  2. All of the
Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are  rated AAA by Standard & Poor's  Corporation
and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Florida
Insured Trust is 25.2  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect  to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from the sale of water and/or sewerage services.
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds between November 14,
1994 and November 15, 1994.  The following summarizes certain information  about
the Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,068,031       $9,699            $209,750      $3,060,230                 .50%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither   cost  to  Sponsor  nor  profit   (or  loss)  to  Sponsor  reflects
underwriting profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through  its
participation   in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as  a
manager  or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Florida Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01601 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01595 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01586
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed  per Unit in each year under each  plan
of  distribution  will initially  be substantially  equal  to the  Estimated Net
Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details of  interest distributions  per Unit  of the  Florida Insured  Trust
under  the various plans appear in the  following table based upon estimated Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST                                                   1995                                          PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        1/1            2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       1/15           2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7186(1)                                                               $  5.7503
                                                              --------   $.4791 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7186(1)   $   .4818(2)   $  1.4454      $  1.4454      $  1.4454      $  5.7823
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7186(1)                  $  1.9332(3)                  $  2.8998      $  5.8013
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May  1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1)  The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders,  regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--FLORIDA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a  discussion of  the Federal  tax status  of income  earned on  Florida
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The assets of the Florida Insured Trust (the "Trust") will consist solely of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida, its
political  subdivisions and authorities  or by the  Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa,  or the Northern Mariana Islands  (the
"Florida Bonds").
 
    In  the opinion  of Carlton, Fields,  Ward, Emmanuel, Smith  & Cutler, P.A.,
special counsel for the Trust for Florida tax matters, under existing law:
 
        For Florida state income tax purposes, the Trust will not be subject  to
    the  Florida income tax imposed by the Florida Code so long as the Trust has
    no income subject to federal  taxation. In addition, political  subdivisions
    of Florida do not impose any income taxes.
 
        Because   Florida  does  not  impose   an  income  tax  on  individuals,
    non-corporate Unitholders will not be subject  to any Florida income tax  on
    income  realized by the Trust. Each  corporate Unitholder will be subject to
    Florida income taxation  on its share  of the income  realized by the  Trust
    notwithstanding  the tax  exempt status  of the  interest received  from any
    bonds under Section 103(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other
    federal law,  unless the  interest  income constitutes  nonbusiness  income.
    Nevertheless,  any corporate Unitholder that  has its commercial domicile in
    Florida will be taxable  under the Florida  Code on its  share of the  Trust
    income which constitutes nonbusiness income.
 
        Trust  Units will  be subject  to Florida  estate tax  only if  owned by
    Florida residents,  certain natural  persons not  domiciled in  Florida,  or
    certain  natural persons  not residents of  the United  States. However, the
    Florida estate tax is  limited to the amount  of the credit allowable  under
    the  applicable Federal  Revenue Act  (currently Section  2011 (and  in some
    cases Section 2102) of  the Internal Revenue Code  of 1986, as amended)  for
    death taxes actually paid to the several states.
 
        Neither  the Florida Bonds nor the Units  will be subject to the Florida
    ad valorem property tax or Florida sales or use tax.
 
        Because  Bonds  issued  by  the  State  of  Florida  or  its   political
    subdivisions  or  by  the  Commonwealth of  Puerto  Rico,  Guam,  the Virgin
    Islands, American Samoa and the
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    Northern  Mariana  Islands  are  exempt  from  Florida  intangible  personal
    property taxation under Chapter 199, Florida Statutes, as amended, the Trust
    will  not  be  subject  to  Florida  intangible  personal  property  tax. In
    addition, the Unitholders will not be subject to Florida intangible personal
    property tax on the Units.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--FLORIDA
 
    POPULATION.  In  1980, Florida was  the seventh most  populous state in  the
U.S.  The State has grown dramatically since then and as of April 1, 1993, ranks
fourth with an estimated  population of 13.4  million. Florida's attraction,  as
both a growth and retirement state, has kept net migration fairly steady with an
average of 292,988 new residents a year from 1983 through 1993. The U.S. average
population  increase since  1982 is about  1% annually,  while Florida's average
annual rate  of increase  is about  2.5%. Florida  continues to  be the  fastest
growing  of the ten largest states. This  strong population growth is one reason
the State's economy is performing better than the nation as a whole. In addition
to attracting senior citizens to Florida as a place for retirement, the State is
also recognized as attracting a  significant number of working age  individuals.
Since  1983, the prime  working age population  (18-44) has grown  at an average
annual rate of 2.6%. The share of Florida's total working age population (18-59)
to total State population  is approximately 54%. This  share is not expected  to
change appreciably into the twenty-first century.
 
    INCOME.   The  State's personal  income has  been growing  strongly the last
several years and has generally  outperformed both the U.S.  as a whole and  the
southeast  in particular, according  to the U.S. Department  of Commerce and the
Florida Consensus Economic Estimating Conference. This  is due to the fact  that
Florida's population has been growing at a very strong pace and, since the early
1970's,  the State's economy has diversified so as to provide greater insulation
from national  economic  downturns.  As  a result,  Florida's  real  per  capita
personal  income has tracked  closely with the national  average and has tracked
above the southeast. From 1984 through 1993, the State's real per capita  income
rose  at an average of 5.4% per year,  while the national real per capita income
increased at an average of 5.5% per year.
 
    Because Florida  has a  proportionately greater  retirement age  population,
property  income (dividends, interest,  and rent) and  transfer payments (Social
Security and pension  benefits, among  other sources of  income) are  relatively
more  important  sources  of  income. For  example,  Florida's  total  wages and
salaries and other labor income in 1993 was 62% of total personal income,  while
a  similar  figure  for the  nation  for  1990 was  72%.  Transfer  payments are
typically less  sensitive to  the  business cycle  than employment  income  and,
therefore, act as stabilizing forces in weak economic periods.
 
    The State's per capita personal income in 1992 of $19,711 was slightly below
the  national  average  of  $20,105  and significantly  ahead  of  that  for the
southeast United States, which was $17,296. Real personal income in the State is
estimated to  increase 5.5%  in  1993-94 and  4.7% in  1994-95.  By the  end  of
1994-95,  real personal income per  capita in the State  is projected to average
6.7% higher than its 1992-93 level.
 
    EMPLOYMENT.  Since 1980, the State's  job creation rate is almost twice  the
rate for the nation as a whole, and its growth rate in new non-agricultural jobs
is  the fastest of the 11 most populous states, second only to California in the
absolute number of new jobs created.  Contributing to the State's rapid rate  of
growth  in employment and income is international trade. Since 1980, the State's
unemployment rate has  generally been below  that of the  U.S. In recent  years,
however,  as the State's economic growth has slowed from its previous highs, the
State's unemployment rate has  tracked above the  national average. The  average
rate  in Florida since  1980 has been  6.5% while the  national average is 7.1%.
According to the U.S.  Department of Commerce, the  Florida Department of  Labor
and   Employment  Security,  and  the   Florida  Consensus  Economic  Estimating
Conference (together, the "Organization"), the
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
State's unemployment  rate  was  8.2%  during 1992.  As  of  January  1994,  the
Organization  estimates that the unemployment rate  will be 6.7% for 1993-94 and
6.1% in 1994-95.
 
    The rate of job creation in Florida's manufacturing sector has exceeded that
of the U.S. From the beginning of 1980 through 1993, the State added over 50,000
new manufacturing  jobs, an  11.7% increase.  During the  same period,  national
manufacturing  employment declined ten out of the  fourteen years, for a loss of
2,977,000 jobs.
 
    Total non-farm employment in Florida is expected to increase 2.7% in 1993-94
and rise  3.8%  in 1994-95.  Trade  and services,  the  two largest  sources  of
employment  in  the State,  account for  more  than half  of the  total non-farm
employment. Employment in the service sector's should experience an increase  of
3.9% in 1993-94, while growing 4.9% in 1994-95. Trade is expected to expand 2.2%
in  1994  and  3.4% in  1995.  The service  sector  is now  the  State's largest
employment category.
 
    CONSTRUCTION.  The State's economy has in the past been highly dependent  on
the   construction  industry   and  construction   related  manufacturing.  This
dependency has declined in recent  years and continues to do  so as a result  of
continued  diversification of the  State's economy. For  example, in 1980, total
contract construction employment  as a  share of total  non-farm employment  was
just  over 7.0%, and in 1993 the share had edged downward to 5.0%. This trend is
expected to continue  as the  State's economy continues  to diversify.  Florida,
nevertheless,  has a dynamic construction industry, with single and multi-family
housing starts accounting for  8.5% of total U.S.  housing starts in 1993  while
the  State's population is 5.3% of  the U.S. total population. Florida's housing
starts since  1980 have  represented an  average of  11.0% of  the U.S.'s  total
annual  starts, and  since 1980,  total housing  starts have  averaged 156,450 a
year.
 
    A driving  force  behind the  State's  construction industry  has  been  the
State's  rapid rate  of population growth.  Although the State  currently is the
fourth most populous  state, its annual  population growth is  now projected  to
decline  as the number of people moving into the State is expected to hover near
the mid  250,000 range  annually throughout  the 1990's.  This population  trend
should   provide  plenty  of  fuel  for  business  and  home  builders  to  keep
construction activity lively in  Florida for some time  to come. However,  other
factors  do  influence the  level  of construction  in  the State.  For example,
federal tax reform in 1986 and other changes to the federal income tax code have
eliminated tax deductions for  owners of more than  two residential real  estate
properties   and  have  lengthened  depreciation  schedules  on  investment  and
commercial properties.  Economic  growth and  existing  supplies of  homes  also
contribute to the level of construction activity in the State.
 
    Hurricane Andrew left some parts of south Florida devastated. Post-Hurricane
Andrew clean up and rebuilding have changed the outlook for the State's economy.
Single  and  multi-family housing  starts in  1993-94 are  projected to  reach a
combined level  of 118,000,  and to  increase to  134,300 next  year.  Lingering
recessionary  effects on consumers and tight credit  are some of the reasons for
relatively slow core construction  activity, as well  as lingering effects  from
the 1986 tax reform legislation discussed above. However, construction is one of
the  sectors most severely affected by  Hurricane Andrew. Low interest rates and
pent up  demand  combined  with  improved consumer  confidence  should  lead  to
improved  housing  starts.  The construction  figures  above  include additional
housing  starts  as  a  result   of  destruction  by  Hurricane  Andrew.   Total
construction  expenditures  are  forecasted  to  increase  15.6%  this  year and
increase 13.3% next year.
 
    The  State  has   continuously  been  dependent   on  the  highly   cyclical
construction  and  construction  related  manufacturing  industries.  While that
dependency has  decreased, the  State is  still  somewhat at  the mercy  of  the
construction and construction related manufacturing industries. The construction
industry  is driven to a great extent by the State's rapid growth in population.
There   can   be   no   assurance   that   population   growth   will   continue
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
throughout  the 1990's  in which case  there could  be an adverse  impact on the
State's economy  through  the  loss of  construction  and  construction  related
manufacturing jobs. Also, while interest rates remain low currently, an increase
in  interest rates  could significantly  adversely impact  the financing  of new
construction within  the State,  thereby  adversely impacting  unemployment  and
other  economic  factors within  the  State. In  addition,  available commercial
office space has tended to remain high over the past few years. So long as  this
glut  of commercial rental  space continues, construction of  this type of space
will likely continue to remain slow.
 
    TOURISM.    Tourism  is  one  of  the  State's  most  important  industries.
Approximately  41.1 million tourists  visited the State in  1993, as reported by
the Florida Department of  Commerce. In terms of  business activities and  state
tax  revenues, tourists in Florida in  1993 represented an estimated 4.5 million
additional residents. Visitors to  the State tend to  arrive equally by air  and
car.  The State's tourism industry over the years has become more sophisticated,
attracting visitors year-round and, to  a degree, reducing its seasonality.  The
dollar's  depreciation  has  enhanced  the  State's  tourism  industry.  Tourist
arrivals are  expected to  decline by  almost  two percent  this year,  but  are
expected  to recover next year with 5.0%  growth. Tourist arrivals to Florida by
air and car are  expected to diverge  from each other,  air decreasing 5.6%  and
auto  increasing  1.6%. By  the end  of  the State's  current fiscal  year, 41.0
million domestic and  international tourists  are expected to  have visited  the
State. In 1994-95 tourist arrivals should approximate 43.0 million.
 
    REVENUES  AND EXPENSES.  Estimated fiscal  year 1993-94 General Revenue plus
Working Capital funds available  to the State total  $13,582.7 million, an  8.4%
increase  over 1992-93.  This reflects  a transfer  of $190  million, out  of an
estimated $220.0 million in non-recurring revenue due to Hurricane Andrew, to  a
hurricane  relief trust fund. Of the  total General Revenue plus Working Capital
funds available to the  State, $12,943.5 million of  that is Estimated  Revenues
(excluding  the Hurricane Andrew  impact), which represents  an increase of 7.3%
over the previous  year's Estimated  Revenues. With  effective General  Revenues
plus  Working  Capital Fund  appropriations  at $13,276.9  million, unencumbered
reserves at the end of 1993-94 are estimated at $302.8 million. Estimated fiscal
year 1994-95 General Revenue plus Working Capital and Budget Stabilization funds
available total $14,573.7  million, a  7.3% increase over  1993-94. This  amount
reflects  a transfer of $159.0 million in non-recurring revenue due to Hurricane
Andrew to a hurricane relief fund.  The $13,860.8 million in Estimated  Revenues
(excluding  Hurricane  Andrew impact)  represent an  increase  of 7.1%  over the
previous year's Estimated Revenues.  The massive effort  to rebuild and  replace
destroyed or damaged property in the wake of Hurricane Andrew is responsible for
the  substantial positive revenue impacts  shown here. Most of  the impact is in
the increase in the State's sales tax.
 
    In fiscal  year  1992-93, approximately  62%  of the  State's  total  direct
revenue  to its three operating funds was derived from State taxes, with Federal
grants and other special revenue accounting for the balance. State sales and use
tax, corporate income  tax, intangible  personal property tax  and beverage  tax
amounted  to 68%, 7%,  4% and 4%,  respectively, of total  General Revenue Funds
available during fiscal 1992-93. In that same year, expenditures for  education,
health  and welfare, and  public safety amounted to  approximately 49%, 30%, and
11%, respectively, of total expenditures from the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State's sales and use tax (6%) currently accounts for the State's single
largest source of tax receipts. Sightly less  than 10% of the State's sales  and
use tax is designated for local governments and is distributed to the respective
counties  in which  collected for  use by  the counties,  and the municipalities
therein. In  addition to  this distribution,  local governments  may assess  (by
referendum)  a 0.5%  or a 1.0%  discretionary sales surtax  within their county.
Proceeds from  this local  option  sales tax  are  earmarked for  funding  local
infrastructure programs and acquiring land for public recreation or conservation
or protection of
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
natural  resources  as provided  under applicable  Florida law.  Certain charter
counties have other additional taxing powers, and non-consolidated counties with
a population in  excess of 800,000  may levy a  local option sales  tax to  fund
indigent  health care. It  alone cannot exceed  0.5% and when  combined with the
infrastructure surtax cannot  exceed 1.0%. For  the fiscal year  ended June  30,
1993,  sales and use tax receipts (exclusive  of the tax on gasoline and special
fuels) totalled $9,426.0 million, an increase of 12.5% over fiscal year 1991-92.
 
    The second largest source of State tax  receipts is the tax on motor  fuels.
However,  these revenues are almost entirely  dedicated trust funds for specific
purposes and are not included in the State's General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State imposes an alcoholic beverage wholesale tax (excise tax) on  beer,
wine,  and  liquor. This  tax  is one  of the  State's  major tax  sources, with
revenues totalling $442.2 million in fiscal year ending June 30, 1993. Alcoholic
beverage tax  receipts  increased  1.6%  from the  previous  year's  total.  The
revenues  collected from this tax are deposited into the State's General Revenue
Fund.
 
    The State imposes  a corporate  income tax.  All receipts  of the  corporate
income  tax are credited to the General  Revenue Fund. For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1993,  receipts from this  source were $846.6  million, an increase  of
5.6% from fiscal year 1991-92.
 
    The  State  imposes a  documentary stamp  tax on  deeds and  other documents
relating to  realty,  corporate  shares, bonds,  certificates  of  indebtedness,
promissory  notes, wage assignments, and retail charge accounts. The documentary
stamp tax  collections totalled  $639.0 million  during fiscal  year 1992-93,  a
27.0%  increase from the previous fiscal year. Beginning in fiscal year 1992-93,
71.29% of these taxes is to be deposited to the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State  imposes  a gross  receipts  tax  on electric,  natural  gas,  and
telecommunications  services. All  gross receipt  utilities tax  collections are
credited to the State's Public Education  Capital Outlay and Debt Service  Trust
Fund. In fiscal year 1992-93, this amounted to $447.9 million.
 
    The  State imposes  an intangible  personal property  tax on  stocks, bonds,
including bonds secured by liens  in Florida real property, notes,  governmental
leaseholds,  and certain other intangibles not secured by a lien on Florida real
property. The  annual  rate  of  tax  is  2  mils.  The  State  also  imposes  a
non-recurring  2 mil tax on mortgages and  other obligations secured by liens on
Florida real  property.  In  fiscal  year  1992-93,  total  intangible  personal
property  tax collections  were $783.4  million, a  33% increase  over the prior
year. Of the tax proceeds, 66.5% is distributed to the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State's severance tax taxes oil, gas and sulphur production, as well  as
the severance of phosphate rock and other solid minerals. Total collections from
severance  taxes total $64.5 million during  fiscal year 1992-93, down 4.0% from
the previous year. Currently  60% of this amount  is transferred to the  General
Revenue Fund.
 
    The  State began its  own lottery in  1988. State law  requires that lottery
revenues be  distributed  50.0%  to the  public  in  prizes, 38.0%  for  use  in
enhancing  education, and  the balance,  12.0%, for  costs of  administering the
lottery. Fiscal  year  1992-93  lottery ticket  sales  totalled  $2.13  billion,
providing education with approximately $810.4 million.
 
    DEBT-BALANCED  BUDGET REQUIREMENT.  At the end of fiscal 1993, approximately
$5.61 billion in principal amount of debt  secured by the full faith and  credit
of  the State was outstanding. In addition, since July 1, 1993, the State issued
about $1.13 billion in principal amount of full faith and credit bonds.
 
    The State Constitution  and statutes  mandate that  the State  budget, as  a
whole,  and each separate fund within the  State budget, be kept in balance from
currently available revenues each  fiscal year. If  the Governor or  Comptroller
believe  a deficit will occur in any State fund, by statute, he must certify his
opinion to the Administrative Commission, which then is
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
authorized to  reduce all  State agency  budgets and  releases by  a  sufficient
amount  to prevent a  deficit in any fund.  Additionally, the State Constitution
prohibits issuance of State obligations to fund State operations.
 
    LITIGATION.  Currently under litigation are several issues relating to State
actions or State taxes that put  at risk substantial amounts of General  Revenue
Fund  monies.  Accordingly, there  is  no assurance  that  any of  such matters,
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on the
State's financial position.
 
    Florida law provides preferential tax  treatment to insurers who maintain  a
home  office in the State. Certain  insurers challenged the constitutionality of
this tax preference  and sought a  refund of taxes  paid. Recently, the  Florida
Supreme  Court ruled  in favor of  the State.  This case and  others, along with
pending refund claims, total about $150 million.
 
    The State imposes a $295  fee on the issuance  of certificates of title  for
motor  vehicles previously titled outside the State.  The State has been sued by
plaintiffs alleging  that this  fee violates  the Commerce  Clause of  the  U.S.
Constitution.  The Circuit Court in which the case was filed has granted summary
judgment for the plaintiffs  and has enjoined further  collection of the  impact
fee  and  has ordered  refunds to  all those  who  have paid  the fee  since the
collection of the fee went into effect. The State has appealed the lower Court's
decision and an  automatic stay has  been granted  to the State  allowing it  to
continue  to collect the fee.  The potential refund exposure  to the State if it
should lose the case may be in excess of $100 million.
 
    The State  maintains a  bond rating  of  Aa and  AA from  Moody's  Investors
Service  and Standard & Poor's Corporation, respectively, on the majority of its
general obligation bonds, although the rating of a particular series of  revenue
bonds  relates primarily to the project,  facility, or other revenue source from
which such series derives funds for  repayment. While these ratings and some  of
the  information  presented above  indicate that  the  State is  in satisfactory
economic health, there can be no assurance  that there will not be a decline  in
economic  conditions or that particular Florida Bonds purchased by the fund will
not be adversely affected by any such changes.
 
    The sources for the information presented above include official  statements
and  financial statements  of the  State of Florida.  While the  Sponsor has not
independently verified this information,  it has no reason  to believe that  the
information is not correct in all material respects.
 
FLORIDA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  published  1994  marginal  Federal  tax  rates.  The  tables  incorporate
increased tax  rates  for higher-income  taxpayers  that were  included  in  the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. 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  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.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      15.0   %     6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24    8.53
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      28.0         7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72   10.07
                 111.8-167.7      29.0         7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80    9.15    9.51    9.86   10.21
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      31.0         7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14   10.51
                 111.8-167.7      32.0         8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93   10.29   10.66
                 167.7-290.2      34.5         8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07
   140.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      37.0         8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
                 167.7-290.2      40.0         9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67   12.08
                  Over 290.2      37.0   2     8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      44.0         9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50   12.95
                  Over 290.2      41.0   3     9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      15.0   %     6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24    8.53
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      28.0         7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72   10.07
    55.1-115.0       0-111.8      31.0         7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14   10.51
                 111.8-234.3      32.5         8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37   10.74
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      38.0         8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69
                  Over 234.3      37.0   2     8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      41.0   3     9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
<FN>
- ------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled  to
four  personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
NOVEMBER 16, 1994
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 200
(SERIES 766)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      State of Florida, State Board of Education,         2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       447,100
                   Public Education Capital Outlay Bonds, 1994
                   Series A, 6.00% Due 6/1/19. (General
                   Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      City of Edgewater, Florida, Water and Sewer         2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             407,100
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993, 5.50%
                   Due 10/1/21.
    500,000      Hillsborough County Aviation Authority,             2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             412,945
                   Florida, Tampa International Airport Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series B, 5.60% Due
                   10/1/19.
    500,000      Lee County, Florida, Capital and Transportation     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             410,515
                   Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1993A, 5.60% Due 10/1/21.
    500,000      City of Tallahassee, Florida, Health Facilities     2002 at 102        AAA         Aaa             442,840
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1992B
                   (Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical
                   Center, Inc. Project), 6.00% Due 12/1/15.
    500,000      City of Tampa, Florida, Allegany Health System      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             469,105
                   Revenue Bonds, St. Joseph's Hospital, Inc.
                   Issue, Series 1994, 6.50% Due 12/1/23.
    500,000     * City of West Melbourne, Florida, Water and         2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             488,125
                   Sewer Revenue Refunding and Improvement
                   Bonds, Series 1994, 6.75% Due 10/1/17. (When
                   issued.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,077,730
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 63.
 
   
* These  Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the normal
  settlement date. Their expected delivery  date is December 7, 1994.  Contracts
  relating  to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement for
  purchase made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 14%  of  the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
   
MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 120
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Massachusetts Insured Trust  120 consists of 7 obligations
issued by  entities located  in  Massachusetts. Three  Bonds  in the  Trust  are
general  obligations of the governmental entities issuing them and are backed by
the taxing powers thereof. Four Bonds in  the Trust are payable as to  principal
and  interest from  the income of  a specific  project or authority  and are not
supported by the issuer's power to levy taxes. The sources of payment for  these
Bonds  are divided  as follows: College  and University Revenue,  1; Health Care
Facility Revenue, 2;  Water and/or Sewer  Revenue, 1.  All of the  Bonds in  the
Trust,  as insured, are  rated AAA by  Standard & Poor's  Corporation and Aaa by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the  Date  of  Deposit,  the  average  maturity  of  the  Bonds  in  the
Massachusetts  Insured Trust is 24.3 years. The average maturity of the Bonds in
a Trust is  calculated based upon  the stated  maturities of the  Bonds in  such
Trust  (or, with respect to Bonds for which funds or securities have been placed
in escrow to  redeem such  Bonds on  a stated call  date, based  upon such  call
date).  The average maturity  of the Bonds  in a Trust  may increase or decrease
from time to time as Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds between November 10,
1994  and November 15, 1994. The  following summarizes certain information about
the Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,063,576       $14,855           $208,938      $3,062,181                 .46%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the Massachusetts Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue
at the  rate  of  $.01605  per  Unit per  day  under  the  semi-annual  plan  of
distribution,  $.01600 per Unit per day under the quarterly plan of distribution
and $.01591 per  Unit per  day under  the monthly  plan of  distribution. It  is
anticipated  that the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each year
under each plan  of distribution will  initially be substantially  equal to  the
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details  of  interest distributions  per Unit  of the  Massachusetts Insured
Trust under the various plans appear in the following table based upon estimated
Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST                                             1995                                          PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        1/1            2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       1/15           2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7159(1)                                                               $  5.7299
                                                              --------   $.4773 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7159(1)   $   .4800(2)   $  1.4400      $  1.4400      $  1.4400      $  5.7619
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7159(1)                  $  1.9260(3)                  $  2.8890      $  5.7809
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May  1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1)  The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders,  regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST
 
    For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Massachusetts
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In the opinion  of Edwards &  Angell, special Massachusetts  counsel to  the
Trust, based on rulings by the Commissioner of Revenue and under existing law:
 
        For  Massachusetts income tax purposes, each  Trust will be treated as a
    corporate trust under Section 8 of  Chapter 62 of the Massachusetts  General
    Laws  ("M.G.L.") and not  as a grantor  trust under Section  10(e) of M.G.L.
    Chapter 62.
 
        The Trust will not be held  to be engaging in business in  Massachusetts
    within  the meaning of said Section 8 and will, therefore, not be subject to
    Massachusetts income tax.
 
        Unitholders who  are  subject  to Massachusetts  income  taxation  under
    M.G.L. Chapter 62 will not be required to include their respective shares of
    the  earnings of  or distributions from  the Massachusetts  Insured Trust in
    their Massachusetts  gross  income  to  the extent  that  such  earnings  or
    distributions represent tax-exempt interest excludable from gross income for
    Federal  income tax purposes received by  the Massachusetts Insured Trust on
    obligations  issued   by   Massachusetts,  its   counties,   municipalities,
    authorities,  political subdivisions or instrumentalities or by Puerto Rico,
    the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or other  possessions
    of  the United States within  the meaning of Section  103(c) of the Internal
    Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Massachusetts Obligations").
 
        In the  case  of a  Massachusetts  Insured Trust,  Unitholders  who  are
    subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62 will not be
    required   to  include  their  respective  shares  of  the  earnings  of  or
    distributions from such  Trust in  their Massachusetts gross  income to  the
    extent  that such earnings or distributions are derived from the proceeds of
    insurance obtained  by  the  Sponsor of  such  Trust  or by  the  issuer  or
    underwriter  of an  obligation held  by such  Trust that  represent maturing
    interest on defaulted obligations  held by the Trustee,  if and to the  same
    extent  that such earnings or distributions  would have been excludable from
    the gross income of  such Unitholders if derived  from interest paid by  the
    issuer of the defaulted obligation.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
        Unitholders  which  are corporations  subject  to taxation  under M.G.L.
    Chapter 63  will be  required  to include  their  respective shares  of  the
    earnings  of or  distributions from the  Trust in  their Massachusetts gross
    income to the extent that such earnings or distributions represent  interest
    from  bonds, notes  or indebtedness  of any  state, including Massachusetts,
    except for interest which is specifically exempted from such tax by the acts
    authorizing issuance of said Massachusetts Obligations.
 
        The Massachusetts Insured  Trust's capital gains  and/or capital  losses
    which  are includable  in the  Federal gross  income of  Unitholders who are
    subject to  Massachusetts  income  taxation  under  M.G.L.  Chapter  62,  or
    Unitholders  which are corporations subject  to Massachusetts taxation under
    M.G.L. Chapter 63  will be included  as capital gains  and/or losses in  the
    Unitholders'  Massachusetts gross income,  except for capital  gain which is
    specifically  exempted  from  taxation  under  such  Chapters  by  the  acts
    authorizing issuance of said Massachusetts Obligations.
 
        Unitholders  which are corporations subject  to tax under M.G.L. Chapter
    63 and which  are tangible  property corporations  will not  be required  to
    include  the Units  when determining the  value of  their tangible property.
    Unitholders which are intangible property  corporations will be required  to
    include the Units when determining their net worth.
 
        Gains or losses realized on sales or redemptions of Units by Unitholders
    who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62, or
    Unitholders  which are corporations subject to Massachusetts income taxation
    under M.G.L. Chapter  63, will  be includable in  their Massachusetts  gross
    income.  In  determining such  gain or  loss Unitholders  will, to  the same
    extent required for Federal tax purposes, have to adjust their tax bases for
    their  Units  for  accrued  interest  received,  if  any,  on  Massachusetts
    Obligations  delivered to  the Trustee after  the Unitholders  pay for their
    Units, for amortization  of premiums, if  any, on Massachusetts  Obligations
    held  by the  Massachusetts Insured  Trust, and  for accrued  original issue
    discount with respect to  each Massachusetts Obligation  which, at the  time
    the Massachusetts Obligation was issued, had original issue discount.
 
        The  Units of the  Trust are not  subject to any  property tax levied by
    Massachusetts or any political  subdivision thereof, nor  to any income  tax
    levied  by any such political subdivision.  They are includable in the gross
    estate of a deceased holder who is a resident of Massachusetts for  purposes
    of the Massachusetts Estate Tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--MASSACHUSETTS
 
    Without  intending  to be  complete,  the following  briefly  summarizes the
current financial situation, as  well as some of  the complex factors  affecting
the   financial   situation,   in  the   Commonwealth   of   Massachusetts  (the
"COMMONWEALTH"). It  is derived  from sources  that are  generally available  to
investors  and is based in part on information obtained from various agencies in
Massachusetts. No  independent verification  has been  made of  the accuracy  or
completeness of the following information.
 
    There  can  be no  assurance that  current or  future statewide  or regional
economic difficulties,  and  the  resulting  impact  on  Commonwealth  or  local
governmental  finances generally, will not adversely  affect the market value of
Massachusetts Obligations in the Trust or the ability of particular obligors  to
make timely payments of debt service on (or relating to) those obligations.
 
    Since  1988, there  has been  a significant  slowdown in  the Commonwealth's
economy, as indicated by  a rise in  unemployment, a slowing  of its per  capita
income growth and declining
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
state  revenues.  In  fiscal  1991, the  Commonwealth's  expenditures  for state
government programs exceeded current revenues, and although fiscal 1992 revenues
exceeded expenditures, no assurance  can be given that  lower than expected  tax
revenues will not resume and continue.
 
    1993  FISCAL  YEAR  BUDGET.    On July  20,  1992  the  Governor  signed the
Commonwealth's budget  for  fiscal  1993.  This budget  is  based  on  estimated
budgeted  revenue and  other sources of  $14.641 billion,  including current tax
revenue estimates of $9.940 billion. Based on December 31, 1992 tax collections,
tax revenues for the fiscal 1993 budget were revised upwards on January 27, 1993
from the  original  consensus tax  estimate  of $9.685  billion.  Estimated  tax
revenues  for  fiscal 1993  are approximately  $456.4  million greater  than tax
revenues for fiscal  1992. As  modified by  legislation enacted  since July  20,
1992,  the fiscal 1993  budget provides for  estimated budgeted expenditures and
other uses of $14.976  billion, which equals the  sum of projected revenues  and
other  sources plus approximately $319.4 million of the estimated $549.4 million
positive budgetary fund balances  existing as of the  close of fiscal 1992.  The
projected  fiscal  1993  budgeted  expenditures  and  other  uses  represents an
increase of 11.6% from  fiscal 1992. The fiscal  1993 budget remains subject  to
certain  of  the Governor's  line-item vetoes,  which may  be overridden  by the
legislature.
 
    With regard to revenues, the fiscal  1993 budget depends on certain  non-tax
revenue  sources, the availability of which is subject to certain contingencies.
The fiscal  1993  budget assumes  continued  federal reimbursements  related  to
uncompensated  care  payments,  which  is expected  to  be  approximately $212.7
million in fiscal 1993.
 
    The fiscal 1993  budget also assumes  that the sale  of certain assets  will
generate  approximately $45.0  million in  non-tax revenues,  however, there are
currently no agreements to sell  such assets and the market  for some or all  of
such  assets  in unfavorable.  The fiscal  1993 budget  also assumes  receipt of
approximately $80.0  million from  the  Massachusetts Water  Resource  Authority
("MWRA")  under an arrangement which would, among other things, relieve the MWRA
of certain comparable future financial commitments to the Commonwealth.
 
    1992 FISCAL YEAR.  The  Commonwealth's budgeted expenditures and other  uses
were  approximately $13.420 billion  in fiscal 1992, which  is $238.7 million or
1.7% lower than fiscal  1991 budgeted expenditures.  Final fiscal 1992  budgeted
expenditures  were $300  million more  than the  initial July  1991 estimates of
budgetary expenditures,  due in  part  to increases  in certain  human  services
programs,  including an increase of $268.7  million for the Medicaid program and
$50.0 million  for  mental  retardation consent  decree  requirements.  Budgeted
revenues and other sources for fiscal 1992 totaled approximately $13.728 billion
(including   tax  revenues  of  $9.484   billion),  reflecting  an  increase  of
approximately 0.7% from  fiscal 1991  to 1992  and an  increase of  5.4% in  tax
revenues  for the same period.  Overall, fiscal 1992 is  estimated to have ended
with an excess of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other uses of
$312.3 million. After payment in full of the quarterly distribution of local aid
to the Commonwealth's  cities and towns  ("LOCAL AID") in  the amount of  $514.0
million  due  on June  30, 1992,  retirement  of the  Commonwealth's outstanding
commercial paper  (except for  approximately $50  million of  bond  anticipation
notes)  and certain other short term borrowings, as of June 30, 1992, the end of
fiscal 1992, the Commonwealth showed  a year-end cash position of  approximately
$731 million, as compared with the Commonwealth's cash balance of $182.3 million
at the end of fiscal 1991.
 
    1991  FISCAL YEAR.  Budgeted expenditures for fiscal 1991 were approximately
$13.659 billion, as against budgeted revenues and other sources of approximately
$13.634 billion. The  Commonwealth suffered an  operating loss of  approximately
$21.2 million. Application
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
of  the adjusted fiscal 1990  fund balances of $258.3  resulted in a fiscal 1991
budgetary surplus of $237.1 million. State law requires that approximately $59.2
million of the fiscal year  ending balances of $237.1  million be placed in  the
Stabilization  Fund, a reserve from which funds  can be appropriated (i) to make
up any difference  between actual  state revenues in  any fiscal  year in  which
actual revenues fall below the allowable amount, (ii) to replace state and local
losses  by  federal  funds  or  (iii)  for  any  event,  as  determined  by  the
legislature, which threatens the health, safety or welfare of the people or  the
fiscal stability of the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions.
 
    Upon  taking office in January  1991, the new Governor  proposed a series of
legislative and  administrative  actions, including  withholding  of  allotments
under  Section 9C of Chapter  29 of the General  Laws, intended to eliminate the
projected deficits.  The  new Governor's  review  of the  Commonwealth's  budget
indicated  projected spending of $14.105 billion  with an estimated $850 million
in budget balancing measures that would be  needed prior to the close of  fiscal
1991.  At that time, estimated tax revenues were revised to $8.845 billion, $903
million less than was estimated at the time the fiscal 1991 budget was  adopted.
The  Legislature  adopted a  number of  the  Governor's recommendations  and the
Governor took certain administrative actions not requiring legislative approval,
including the adoption of a state employee furlough program. It is estimated  by
the  Commonwealth that spending reductions  achieved through savings initiatives
and withholding of  allotments total approximately  $484.3 million in  aggregate
for  fiscal  1991.  However,  these  savings  and  reductions  may  be  impacted
negatively by  litigation pursued  by third  parties concerning  the  Governor's
action under Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the General Laws and with regard to the
state employee furlough program.
 
    In  addition, the new administration  in May 1991 filed  an amendment to its
Medicaid state  plan that  enables  it to  claim  50% federal  reimbursement  on
uncompensated  care payments  for certain  hospitals in  the Commonwealth.  As a
result, in fiscal 1991 the Commonwealth obtained additional non-tax revenues  in
the  form  of  federal reimbursements  equal  to approximately  $513  million on
account of uncompensated care payments. This reimbursement claim was based  upon
recent  amendments of federal law contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act  of  1990  and,  consequently,  on  relatively  undeveloped  federal   laws,
regulations  and guidelines. At the request of the federal Health Care Financing
Administration, the Office of Inspector General of the United States  Department
of  Health and Human Services  has commenced an audit  of the reimbursement. The
administration, which had  reviewed the  matter with the  Health Care  Financing
Administration   prior  to   claiming  the  reimbursement,   believes  that  the
Commonwealth will prevail in  the audit. If the  Commonwealth does not  prevail,
the  Commonwealth  would have  the  right to  contest  an appeal,  but  could be
required to pay all or part of Medicaid reimbursements with interest and to have
such amount deducted from future reimbursement payments.
 
    1990, 1989 AND 1988 FISCAL YEARS.  In July 1989, the former Governor  vetoed
certain provisions included in the budget legislation for fiscal 1990, including
approximately  $273 million  of the  fiscal 1990  appropriations, including $100
million for Local Aid. One of the Governor's vetoes occasioned a default by  the
Commonwealth  on  a September  1,  1989 payment  of  $2.5 million  on  a general
obligation  contract  with  the  Massachusetts  Community  Development   Finance
Corporation  to which its full faith and  credit had been pledged, which payment
was made on September 17, 1990  after a supplemental appropriation was  proposed
by  the Governor  and passed  by the  legislature. The  legislature overrode the
Governor's veto of  $100 million of  Local Aid and  the Governor then  indicated
that he was withholding the allotment for such expenditure. The Supreme Judicial
Court invalidated the Governor's
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
withholding of $210 million of appropriated funds for certain Local Aid purposes
in May 1990.
 
    Budgeted  expenditures for fiscal 1988,  1989 and 1990 totaled approximately
$11.6 billion, $12.6 billion and $13.3 billion, respectively. Budgeted  revenues
for  fiscal  1988,  1989 and  1990  totaled approximately  $11.3  billion, $12.0
billion and $12.0 billion, respectively.
 
    EMPLOYMENT.  Reversing  a trend  of relatively low  unemployment during  the
early   and  mid  1980s,  the  Massachusetts  unemployment  rate  has  increased
significantly  during  the  last  three   years  to  where  the   Commonwealth's
unemployment  rate exceeds the national unemployment  rate. In 1989, the average
Massachusetts unemployment rate was 4.0%, representing an 0.8% increase over the
average 1987 unemployment  rate, while  the average  United States  unemployment
rate  was 5.3%, representing a 0.9% decrease over the average 1987 United States
unemployment rate. During  1990, the Massachusetts  unemployment rate  increased
from  4.5%  in January  to 6.1%  in July  to  6.7% in  August. During  1991, the
Massachusetts unemployment rate  averaged 9.0% while  the average United  States
unemployment  rate was 6.7%. The Massachusetts unemployment rate in October 1992
was  8.4%,  down  from  8.6%  for  September  1992.  Other  factors  which   may
significantly  and  adversely affect  the  employment rate  in  the Commonwealth
include the recently announced proposal  by the Clinton Administration to  close
United   States  military  bases  and  reduce  federal  government  spending  on
defense-related industries. Due to this  and other considerations, there can  be
no  assurances that  unemployment in the  commonwealth will not  increase in the
future.
 
    DEBT RATINGS.   S&P  currently rates  the Commonwealth's  uninsured  general
obligation bonds at A, having upgraded the rating from BBB on September 9, 1992.
At  the same time, S&P upgraded the rating of state and agency notes from SP2 to
SP1. In raising  the ratings,  S&P cited the  Commonwealth's improved  financial
status  as key to the  upgrade. Prior to these  actions by S&P, the Commonwealth
had experienced a steady decline in its S&P rating, with its most recent decline
beginning in May 1989, when S&P lowered its rating on the Commonwealth's general
obligation  bonds  and  other  Commonwealth  obligations  from  AA+  to  AA  and
continuing  a series of further reductions until March 1992, when the rating was
affirmed at BBB.
 
    Moody's currently  rates  the Commonwealth's  uninsured  general  obligation
bonds at A, having upgrade the rating from Baa on September 9, 1992. Moody's, in
raising  the rating on  the bonds, pointed to  the Commonwealth's application of
conservative revenue assumptions  and efforts to  impose spending discipline  as
having  reduced the state's financial vulnerability and restored fiscal control.
Prior to this increase, the Commonwealth had experienced a steady decline in its
rating by Moody's since May 1989. In May 1989, Moody's lowered its rating on the
Commonwealth's notes from MIG-1 to MIG-2,  and its rating on the  Commonwealth's
commercial  paper  from  P-1  to  P-2. On  June  21,  1989  Moody's  reduced the
Commonwealth's general obligation  rating from Aa  to A. On  November 15,  1989,
Moody's  reduced the rating on the  Commonwealth's general obligations from A to
Baa1, citing the Commonwealth's lowering  of revenue estimates, its fiscal  year
1990  deficit and to the legislature's apparent lack of consensus on how to deal
with it. On  March 9,  1990, Moody's reduced  the rating  of the  Commonwealth's
general  obligation  bonds  from  Baa1 to  Baa,  citing  "extended  inaction" in
resolving the Commonwealth's growing budget  deficit. There can be no  assurance
that these ratings will continue.
 
    In  recent  years, the  Commonwealth and  certain of  its public  bodies and
municipalities have faced serious financial difficulties which have affected the
credit standing  and borrowing  abilities of  Massachusetts and  its  respective
entities  and may have contributed to higher interest rates on debt obligations.
The continuation of, or an increase in, such financial
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
difficulties could result in  declines in the market  values of, or default  on,
existing  obligations including  Massachusetts Obligations in  the Trust. Should
there  be  during  the  term  of  the  Trust  a  financial  crisis  relating  to
Massachusetts,  its  public  bodies  or  municipalities,  the  market  value and
marketability of all outstanding bonds issued by the Commonwealth and its public
authorities or  municipalities including  the Massachusetts  Obligations in  the
Trust and interest income to the Trust could be adversely affected.
 
    TOTAL  BOND  AND  NOTE  LIABILITIES.    The  total  general  obligation bond
indebtedness of the Commonwealth  as of January 1,  1993 was approximately  $7.9
billion.  There  were also  outstanding  approximately $339  million  in general
obligation notes and other  short term general obligation  debt. The total  bond
and  note  liabilities of  the  Commonwealth as  of  January 1,  1993, including
guaranteed bond and contingent liabilities, was approximately $12.4 billion.
 
    DEBT SERVICE.    During  the  1980s,  capital  expenditures  were  increased
substantially,  which  has had  a short  term impact  on the  cash needs  of the
Commonwealth and also  accounts for a  significant rise in  debt service  during
that  period. Payments for debt service on Commonwealth general obligation bonds
and notes have risen at an average  annual rate of 18.7% from $563.7 million  in
fiscal 1988 to an estimated $942.3 million in fiscal 1991. Debt service payments
in  fiscal  1992 were  $898.3  million. Debt  service  payments for  fiscal 1992
reflect a $261 million one-time reduction  achieved as a result of the  issuance
of  the refunding bonds in September and October 1991. Debt service expenditures
are projected to be $1.195 billion for fiscal 1993 and $1.311 billion for fiscal
1994. The amounts  represented do not  include debt service  on notes issued  to
finance  the  fiscal  1989  deficit and  certain  Medicaid  related liabilities,
certain debt service contract assistance to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority,   the   Massachusetts   Convention    Center   Authority   and    the
Massachusetts  Government Land Bank,  as well as  grants to municipalities under
the school building assistance program to  defray a portion of the debt  service
costs on local school bonds.
 
    In  January 1990, legislation was  passed to impose a  limit on debt service
beginning in  fiscal  1991,  providing  that  no more  than  10%  of  the  total
appropriations  in any fiscal year  may be expended for  payment of interest and
principal on general obligation debt (excluding the Fiscal Recovery Bonds).  The
percentage  of total appropriations  expended from the  budgeted operating funds
for debt service (excluding  debt service on Fiscal  Recovery Bonds) for  fiscal
1992 is 4.9% which is projected to increase to 6.1% in fiscal 1993.
 
    CERTAIN   LIABILITIES.    Among  the  material  future  liabilities  of  the
Commonwealth are  significant unfunded  general  liabilities of  its  retirement
systems  and a program to fund such  liabilities; a program whereby, starting in
1978, the  Commonwealth began  assuming full  financial responsibility  for  all
costs  of  the administration  of  justice within  the  Commonwealth; continuing
demands to raise aggregate aid to cities, towns, schools and other districts and
transit authorities above current levels;  and Medicaid expenditures which  have
increased each year since the program was initiated. The Commonwealth has signed
consent  decrees to continue  improving mental health care  and programs for the
mentally retarded in order to meet federal standards, including those  governing
receipt  of federal  reimbursements under various  programs, and  the parties in
those cases have worked cooperatively to resolve the disputed issues.
 
    As a  result of  comprehensive legislation  approved in  January, 1988,  the
Commonwealth  is  required,  beginning in  fiscal  1989 to  fund  future pension
liabilities currently and  to amortize the  Commonwealth's unfunded  liabilities
over  40 years. Total pension costs increased  at an average annual rate of 5.8%
from $600.2 million in fiscal 1988 to $751.5 million
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
in fiscal 1992. The estimated pension  costs (inclusive of current benefits  and
pension  reserves)  for fiscal  year 1993  are  $873.8 million,  representing an
increase of 16.2% over fiscal 1992 expenditures.
 
    LITIGATION.   The  Commonwealth is  engaged  in various  lawsuits  involving
environmental  and related  laws, including an  action brought on  behalf of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleging violations of the Clean Water  Act
and  seeking to enforce  the clean-up of  Boston Harbor. The  MWRA, successor in
liability  to  the  Metropolitan   District  Commission,  has  assumed   primary
responsibility  for developing  and implementing  a court-approved  plan for the
construction of the  treatment facilities necessary  to achieve compliance  with
federal  requirements. Under the Clean Water Act, the Commonwealth may be liable
for costs of compliance in these or any other Clean Water cases if the MWRA or a
municipality is  prevented from  raising  revenues necessary  to comply  with  a
judgment. The MWRA currently projects that the total cost of construction of the
treatment  facilities  required under  the court's  order is  approximately $3.5
billion in current dollars.
 
    The Massachusetts Hospital Association has brought an action challenging  an
element  of  the  Medicaid  rate-setting  methodologies  for  hospitals.  If the
plaintiff  hospitals  are  successful,  the  Commonwealth  may  face  additional
liabilities  on  the order  of $70  million  to $100  million. The  parties have
recently agreed to a  process of settlement and  payment of fiscal 1988  through
1991 claims, with payment to be made in fiscal 1993.
 
    There  are  also  actions  pending in  which  recipients  of  human services
benefits, such as welfare  recipients, the mentally  retarded, the elderly,  the
handicapped,  children, residents of state  hospitals and inmates of corrections
institutions, seek  expanded  levels  of  services and  benefits  and  in  which
providers  of services to such recipients challenge  the rates at which they are
reimbursed by  the Commonwealth.  To  the extent  that  such actions  result  in
judgments requiring the Commonwealth to provide expanded services or benefits or
pay  increased  rates, additional  operating and  capital expenditures  might be
needed to implement such judgments.
 
    In December, 1988, nine  municipalities of the  Commonwealth which claim  to
own  substantial interests in a nuclear  power plant in Seabrook, New Hampshire,
filed suit  against the  Commonwealth, the  Governor, the  Attorney General  and
other  state  officials  claiming  damages  arising  from  their  opposition  to
licensure of the plant.  The municipalities allege damages  in the amount of  $1
billion. The Commonwealth's motion to dismiss was allowed, but the plaintiffs in
that case have appealed and the case is under advisement in the Appeals Court.
 
    In  addition there are several tax  matters in litigation which could result
in significant refunds to taxpayers if decisions unfavorable to the Commonwealth
are rendered.  The amount  of taxes  and interest  at issue  in those  cases  is
approximately $195 million.
 
    A  variety of  other civil suits  pending against the  Commonwealth may also
affect its future  liabilities. These include  challenges to the  Commonwealth's
allocation  of school aid under Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the General Laws and
to adopt a state employee furlough program. No prediction is possible as to  the
ultimate outcome of these proceedings.
 
    Many  factors, in addition  to those cited  above, do or  may have a bearing
upon the financial condition of the Commonwealth, including social and  economic
conditions, many of which are not within the control of the Commonwealth.
 
    EXPENDITURE  AND TAX LIMITATION  MEASURES.  Limits  have been established on
state tax revenues by legislation approved  by the Governor on October 25,  1986
and by an initiative
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
petition  approved by the voters  on November 4, 1986.  The Executive Office for
Administration and Finance currently estimates that state tax revenues will  not
reach  the limit  imposed by either  the initiative petition  or the legislative
enactment in fiscal 1992.
 
    Proposition 2 1/2, passed by the voters in 1980, led to large reductions  in
property  taxes, the  major source  of income  for cities  and towns,  and large
increases in state aid to offset such revenue losses. According to the Executive
Office for Administration and Finance, all of the 351 cities and towns have  now
achieved  a property  tax level of  no more  than 2.5% of  full property values.
Under the terms of Proposition 2 1/2, the property tax levy can now be increased
annually for all cities and towns, almost all by 2.5% of the prior fiscal year's
tax  levy  plus  2.5%  of  the  value  of  new  properties  and  of  significant
improvements  to  property.  Legislation  has also  been  enacted  providing for
certain local  option  taxes.  A  voter  initiative  petition  approved  at  the
statewide  general election in November, 1990 further regulates the distribution
of Local Aid of no  less than 40% of  collections from individual income  taxes,
sales  and  use taxes,  corporate excise  taxes,  and the  balance of  the state
lottery  fund.  If   implemented  in  accordance   with  its  terms   (including
appropriation  of the  necessary funds),  the petition  as approved  would shift
several hundred million dollars to direct Local Aid.
 
    OTHER TAX MEASURES.   To provide  revenue to  pay debt service  on both  the
deficit  and  Medicaid-related borrowings  and to  fund certain  direct Medicaid
expenditures, legislation  was enacted  imposing an  additional tax  on  certain
types  of personal income for 1989 and 1990 taxable years at rates of 0.375% and
0.75% respectively, effectively raising the tax  rate of 1989 from 5% to  5.375%
and  for 1990 to 5.75%. Recent legislation has effectively further increased tax
rates to 5.95% for  tax year 1990 to  6.25% for tax year  1991 and returning  to
5.95%  for tax year 1992 and subsequent tax  years. The tax is applicable to all
personal  income   except  income   derived  from   dividends,  capital   gains,
unemployment  compensation,  alimony,  rent, interest,  pensions,  annuities and
IRA/Keogh distributions.  The  income  tax rate  on  other  interest  (excluding
interest  on obligations of  the United States  and of the  Commonwealth and its
subdivisions), dividends  and net  capital  gains (after  a 50%  reduction)  was
increased  from 10% to 12%  for tax year 1990  and subsequent years, by recently
enacted legislation.
 
    OTHER ISSUERS OF  MASSACHUSETTS OBLIGATIONS.   There are a  number of  state
agencies, instrumentatlities and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth 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 Commonwealth. The brief
summary above does not address, nor does it attempt to address, any difficulties
and  the  financial   situations  of  those   other  issuers  of   Massachusetts
Obligations.
 
MASSACHUSETTS TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax  rates currently available and scheduled to  be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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  and  your  taxable   income  (which  is  your  adjusted   gross
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
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.
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      25.0   %     6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67    9.00
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 111.8-167.7      37.5         8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      39.5         8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                 111.8-167.7      40.0         8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25
                 167.7-290.2      42.0         8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
   140.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      44.5         9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
                 167.7-290.2      47.0         9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74
                  Over 290.2      44.5   2     9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      50.5        10.10   10.61   11.11   11.62   12.12   12.63   13.13   13.64
                  Over 290.2      48.0   3     9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      25.0   %     6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67    9.00
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
    55.1-115.0       0-111.8      39.5         8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                 111.8-234.3      40.5         8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      45.5         9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                  Over 234.3      44.5   2     9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      48.0   3     9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98
<FN>
- ------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 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 Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
NOVEMBER 16, 1994
MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 120
(SERIES 766)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority,         2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       404,045
                   General Transportation System Bonds, 1993
                   Series A Refunding, 5.50% Due 3/1/22.
                   (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             428,645
                   Authority, Revenue Bonds, Falmouth Hospital
                   Issue, Series C, 5.625% Due 7/1/11.
    500,000      Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             388,805
                   Authority, Revenue Bonds, New England Medical
                   Center Hospitals Issue, Series G-1, 5.375%
                   Due 7/1/24.
    500,000      Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             419,590
                   Authority, Revenue Bonds, Smith College
                   Issue, Series D, 5.75% Due 7/1/24.
    500,000      Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust,      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             468,965
                   Water Pollution Abatement Revenue Bonds (SESD
                   Loan Program), 1994 Series A, 6.375% Due
                   2/1/15.
    500,000      Town of Framingham, Massachusetts, General          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa
                   Obligation Bonds,
                 250M-6.125% Due 8/15/11,                                                                           235,628
                 250M-6.20% Due 8/15/12.                                                                            235,868
    500,000      South Essex Sewerage District, Massachusetts,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             496,885
                   General Obligation Sewer Bonds, 1994 Series
                   B, 7.00% Due 6/1/24. (When issued.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,078,431
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 63.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
   
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 226
    
   
    The Portfolio of New York Insured Trust 226 consists of 8 obligations issued
by  entities located in New York. Two Bonds in the Trust are general obligations
of the governmental entities  issuing them and are  backed by the taxing  powers
thereof.  Six Bonds in the  Trust are payable as  to principal and interest from
the income of  a specific  project or  authority and  are not  supported by  the
issuer's power to levy taxes. The sources of payment for these Bonds are divided
as  follows: Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue, 2; College and University Revenue,
1; Electrical System Revenue, 1; Municipal Lease Revenue, 1; Water and/or  Sewer
Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard
& Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of the  Bonds in the New York
Insured Trust is 23.7  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect  to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  7.7% of  the aggregate principal  amount of the  Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 6.6% of the aggregate offering price of  the
Bonds)    are   original    issue   discount    bonds.   See    "GENERAL   TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS  AND STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for  a
discussion  of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations supported by tax revenues specifically pledged to
secure the obligations.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered  into contracts  to acquire  the Bonds  on November 15,
1994. The following  summarizes certain information  about the Bonds  as of  the
business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,122,719       $19,458           $216,715      $3,126,264                 .45%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither   cost  to  Sponsor  nor  profit   (or  loss)  to  Sponsor  reflects
underwriting profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through  its
participation   in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as  a
manager  or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  New York Insured Trust, less estimated  expenses, is estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01653 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01648 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01639
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed  per Unit in each year under each  plan
of  distribution  will initially  be substantially  equal  to the  Estimated Net
Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    Details of interest  distributions per Unit  of the New  York Insured  Trust
under  the various plans appear in the  following table based upon estimated Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST                                                  1995                                          PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        1/1            2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       1/15           2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7429(1)                                                               $  5.9461
                                                              --------   $.4953 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7429(1)   $   .4980(2)   $  1.4940      $  1.4940      $  1.4940      $  5.9781
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7429(1)                  $  1.9980(3)                  $  2.9970      $  5.9971
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May  1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1)  The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders,  regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--NEW YORK INSURED TRUST
 
    For a discussion  of the Federal  tax status  of income earned  on New  York
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In  the opinion of Edwards & Angell,  special counsel for the Series for New
York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Interest  on  obligations  issued  by   New  York  State,  a   political
    subdivision  thereof, Puerto  Rico, the  Virgin Islands,  Guam, the Northern
    Mariana Islands,  or  other possessions  of  the United  States  within  the
    meaning  of Section 103(c) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
    ("New York Obligations"), which would be  exempt from New York State or  New
    York  City personal  income tax if  directly received by  a Unitholder, will
    retain its  status as  tax-exempt interest  when received  by the  New  York
    Insured Trust (the "Trust") and distributed to such Unitholder.
 
        Interest  (less amortizable premium, if any) derived from the Trust by a
    resident of New  York State  (or New York  City) in  respect of  obligations
    issued  by states other than New York (or their political subdivisions) will
    be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax.
 
        A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City) will
    be subject to New  York State (or  New York City)  personal income tax  with
    respect  to gains realized  when New York  Obligations held in  the New York
    Insured  Trust  are  sold,  redeemed  or  paid  at  maturity  or  when   the
    Unitholder's  Units are sold or redeemed;  such gain will equal the proceeds
    of sale, redemption or payment less the tax basis of the New York Obligation
    or Unit (adjusted to reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount, if
    any, on New York Obligations held  by the Trust, (b) accrued original  issue
    discount,  with respect to each  New York Obligation which,  at the time the
    New York Obligation  was issued, had  original issue discount,  and (c)  the
    deposit of New York Obligations with accrued interest in the Trust after the
    Unitholder's settlement date).
 
        Interest  or gain from  the Trust derived  by a Unitholder  who is not a
    resident of New York  State (or New  York City) will not  be subject to  New
    York State (or New York City)
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
    personal  income tax, unless the Units  are property employed in a business,
    trade, profession or occupation  carried on in New  York State (or New  York
    City).
 
        In  the case  of the  Trust, amounts  paid under  the insurance policies
    representing maturing interest on defaulted New York Obligations held by the
    Trustee in the Trust  will be excludable  from New York  State and New  York
    City  income if, and  to the same  extent as, such  interest would have been
    excludable if paid by the respective issuer.
 
        For purposes of the New  York State and New  York City franchise tax  on
    corporations,  Unitholders which are subject to such tax will be required to
    include in their entire net income any interest or gains distributed to them
    even  though  distributed  in  respect  of  obligations  of  any  state   or
    subdivision thereof including New York.
 
        If borrowed funds are used to purchase Units in the Trust, all (or part)
    of  the interest on  such indebtedness will  not be deductible  for New York
    State and  New  York  City  tax  purposes. The  purchase  of  Units  may  be
    considered  to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are
    not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in any New York Trust.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NEW YORK
 
    The Portfolio of the New York  Insured Trust includes obligations issued  by
New  York State  (the "State"), by  its various public  bodies (the "Agencies"),
and/or by other  entities located within  the State, including  the City of  New
York (the "City").
 
    Some of the more significant events and conditions relating to the financial
situation  in New York are summarized below.  This section provides only a brief
summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in New York and
is derived  from  sources that  are  generally  available to  investors  and  is
believed  to  be  accurate. It  is  based  in part  on  Official  Statements and
prospectuses issued by, and on other information reported by the State, the City
and the Agencies in connection with the issuance of their respective securities.
 
    There can  be no  assurance that  current or  future statewide  or  regional
economic  difficulties, and  the resulting impact  on State  or local government
finances generally,  will not  adversely affect  the market  value of  New  York
Municipal  Obligations held  in the  portfolio of  the Trust  or the  ability of
particular obligors to make timely payments of debt service on (or relating  to)
those obligations.
 
    (1)  THE STATE: The State has historically been one of the wealthiest states
in the nation.  For decades, however,  the State economy  has grown more  slowly
than  that of  the nation  as a  whole, gradually  eroding the  State's relative
economic  affluence.  Statewide,  urban  centers  have  experienced  significant
changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an influx of
generally  less affluent residents. Regionally,  the older Northeast cities have
suffered because of the relative success that the South and the West have had in
attracting  people  and  business.  The  City  has  also  had  to  face  greater
competition  as  other  major  cities  have  developed  financial  and  business
capabilities  which  make  them  less  dependent  on  the  specialized  services
traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
 
    The  State has  for many years  had a very  high state and  local tax burden
relative to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination
with the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed  to
the  decisions of  some businesses and  individuals to relocate  outside, or not
locate within, the State.
 
    SLOWDOWN OF REGIONAL  ECONOMY. A national  recession commenced in  mid-1990.
The  downturn  continued  throughout the  State's  1990-91 fiscal  year  and was
followed by a period of weak economic growth during the 1991 calendar year.  For
calendar  year 1992,  the national economy  continued to recover,  although at a
rate below all  post-war recoveries. For  calendar year 1993,  the economy  grew
faster    than   in    1992,   but    still   at    a   very    moderate   rate,
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
as compared  to  other  recoveries.  Moderate economic  growth  is  expected  to
continue  in calendar year 1994 at a slightly faster rate than in 1993. Economic
recovery started considerably later in the State  than in the nation as a  whole
due  in  part  to the  significant  retrenchment  in the  banking  and financial
services industries,  downsizing  by  several major  corporations,  cutbacks  in
defense  spending,  and an  oversupply of  office buildings.  Many uncertainties
exist in forecasts of both the national and State economies and there can be  no
assurance  that the State economy will perform at a level sufficient to meet the
State's projections of receipts and disbursements.
 
    1994-95 FISCAL YEAR. The Governor presented the recommended Executive Budget
for the 1994-95 fiscal year on January  18, 1994 and amended it on February  17,
1994.  the Recommended 1994-95 State Financial  Plan projects a balanced General
Fund, receipts and transfers  from other funds at  $33.422 billion (including  a
projected  $339 million surplus anticipated for the State's 1993-94 fiscal year)
and disbursements and transfers to other funds at $33.399 billion.
 
    The recommended 1994-95  Executive Budget  includes tax  and fee  reductions
($210  million), retention of revenues currently received, primarily by deferral
of a  scheduled  personal  income  tax  rate  reduction  ($1.244  billion),  and
additional  increases to miscellaneous revenue  sources ($237 million). No major
additional programs are recommended other than a $198 million increase in school
aid, $185 million in Medicaid  cost-containment initiatives and $110 million  in
local government Medicaid costs to be assumed by the State.
 
    There  can  be  no  assurance  that the  State  Legislature  will  enact the
Executive  Budget  as  proposed,  nor  can  there  be  any  assurance  that  the
Legislature will enact a budget for the State's 1994-95 fiscal year prior to its
commencement.  A delay in  its enactment may  negatively affect certain proposed
actions and reduce projected savings.
 
    1993-94 FISCAL YEAR. The  1993-94 State Financial Plan  issued on April  16,
1993  projected General Fund receipts and  transfers from other funds at $32.367
billion and disbursements and  transfers to other funds  at $32.300 billion.  In
comparison to the Governor's recommended Executive Budget for the 1993-94 fiscal
year,  as  revised  on  February  18, 1993,  the  1993-94  State  Financial Plan
reflected increases in both  receipts and disbursements in  the General Fund  of
$811 million.
 
    The  1993-94 State Financial Plan was last  revised on January 18, 1994. The
State projects a surplus  of $299 million, as  the result of developments  which
positively  impacted upon receipts  and disbursements. In  the revised Plan, the
State announced its intention to pay  a 53rd weekly Medicaid payment,  estimated
at $120 million, and to add $82 million to a reserve fund for contingencies.
 
    On  January 21, 1994, the State entered into a settlement with Delaware with
respect to STATE OF DELAWARE V. STATE  OF NEW YORK, which is discussed below  at
STATE  LITIGATION. The State made an immediate $35 million payment and agreed to
make a $33 million  annual payment in  each of the next  five fiscal years.  The
State  has not settled with other parties to the litigation and will continue to
incur litigation expenses as to those claims.
 
    On November  16, 1993,  the Court  of Appeals,  the State's  highest  court,
affirmed  the  decision  of  a  lower court  in  three  actions,  which declared
unconstitutional State actuarial funding methods for determining State and local
contributions to the State employee  retirement system. Following the  decision,
the  State Comptroller  developed a  plan to  phase in  a constitutional funding
method and to restore prior funding levels of the retirement systems over a four
year period. The plan is  not expected to require  the State to make  additional
contributions  with respect  to the  1993-94 fiscal  year nor  to materially and
adversely affect the State's financial condition thereafter. Through fiscal year
1998-99, the State expects to
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
contribute $643  million more  to  the retirement  plans  than would  have  been
required under the prior funding method.
 
    FUTURE  FISCAL YEARS. There can be no assurance that the State will not face
substantial potential budget  gaps in  the future resulting  from a  significant
disparity  between tax revenues  projected from a  lower recurring receipts base
and the  spending required  to maintain  State programs  at current  levels.  To
address   any  potential  budgetary  imbalance,  the  State  may  need  to  take
significant actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements.
 
    INDEBTEDNESS. As of December 31, 1993,  the total amount of long-term  State
general obligation debt authorized but unissued stood at $2.3 billion. As of the
same  date, the State had approximately $5.0 billion in general obligation bonds
and $2.94 million  of Bond Anticipation  Notes ("BANS"). The  State issued  $850
million  in tax and revenue anticipation notes  ("TRANS") on May 4, all of which
matured on December 31, 1993. The State does not project the need to issue TRANS
during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    The State anticipates that  its borrowings for  capital purposes during  the
State's  1994-95 fiscal year will consist  of $413 million in general obligation
bonds and BANS.  The projection of  the State regarding  its borrowings for  the
1994-95  fiscal  year  may  change  if  actual  receipts  fall  short  of  State
projections or if other circumstances require.
 
    In  June  1990,  legislation  was  enacted  creating  the  "New  York  Local
Government  Assistance  Corporation"  ("LGAC"),  a  public  benefit  corporation
empowered to  issue long-term  obligations  to fund  certain payments  to  local
governments  traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal borrowing.
As of February 28, 1994,  LGAC has issued its bonds  to provide net proceeds  of
$3.7  billion. The Governor has recommended  the issuance of additional bonds to
provide net proceeds of $315 million during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    The Legislature  passed  a  proposed constitutional  amendment  which  would
permit  the State subject to certain restrictions to issue revenue bonds without
voter referendum. Among the restrictions proposed  is that such bonds would  not
be  backed by the  full faith and credit  of the State.  The Governor intends to
submit changes to the proposed  amendment, which before becoming effective  must
be passed again by the next separately-elected Legislature and approved by voter
referendum  at a  general election.  The earliest  such an  amendment could take
effect would be in November 1995.
 
    RATINGS.  The $850 million in TRANS  issued by the State in April 1993  were
rated  SP-1-Plus by  S&P on April  26, 1993, and  MIG-1 by Moody's  on April 23,
1993, which represents the highest ratings given by such agencies and the  first
time  the State's  TRANS have  received these ratings  since its  May 1989 TRANS
issuance. Both  agencies  cited  the  State's  improved  fiscal  position  as  a
significant factor in the upgrading of the April 1993 TRANS.
 
    Moody's  rating of the State's general obligation  bonds stood at A on April
23, 1993, and S&P's rating stood at A- with a stable outlook on April 26,  1993,
an  improvement from  S&P's negative  outlook prior  to April  1993. Previously,
Moody's lowered its rating to A on June 6, 1990, its rating having been A1 since
May 27, 1986. S&P  lowered its rating from  A to A- on  January 13, 1992.  S&P's
previous ratings were A from March 1990 to January 1992, AA- from August 1987 to
March 1990 and A+ from November 1982 to August 1987.
 
    Moody's  maintained  its  A  rating  and  S&P  continued  its  A-  rating in
connection with the State's issuance of $224.1 million of its general obligation
bonds in March 1994.
 
    (2) THE  CITY AND  THE MUNICIPAL  ASSISTANCE CORPORATION  ("MAC"): The  City
accounts  for approximately 41%  of the State's  population and personal income,
and the City's financial health affects the State in numerous ways.
 
    In response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took a number  of
steps  to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among other actions,
the State Legislature (i) created
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
MAC to assist with long-term financing for the City's short-term debt and  other
cash  requirements  and  (ii) created  the  State Financial  Control  Board (the
"Control Board") to  review and approve  the City's budgets  and City  four-year
financial  plans (the financial plans also  apply to certain City-related public
agencies (the "Covered Organizations")).
 
    Over the past  three years,  the rate  of economic  growth in  the City  has
slowed  substantially, and  the City's  economy is  currently in  recession. The
Mayor  is  responsible  for  preparing  the  City's  four-year  financial  plan,
including  the City's  current financial plan.  The City  Comptroller has issued
reports concluding that the recession of the City's economy will be more  severe
and last longer than is assumed in the financial plan.
 
    FISCAL  YEAR 1993 AND 1994-1997 FINANCIAL PLAN.  The City's 1993 fiscal year
results are  projected to  be  balanced in  accordance with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  ("GAAP"). The  City  was required  to  close substantial
budget gaps  in its  1990,  1991 and  1992 fiscal  years  in order  to  maintain
balanced operating results.
 
    On  August 10, 1993, the City adopted and submitted to the Control Board its
Financial Plan for fiscal  years 1994-1997, which  was subsequently modified  on
November  23, 1993. As modified  in November 1993, the  Plan projects a balanced
budget for fiscal year 1994 based upon revenues of $31.585 billion, and projects
budget gaps of $1.7 billion, $2.5 billion and $2.7 billion in fiscal years  1995
through 1997, respectively.
 
    During  December  1993, a  three-member panel  appointed  by the  Mayor, the
Office of  the State  Deputy  Comptroller and  the  Control Board,  each  issued
reports  that were critical  of the City's 1994-1996  Financial Plan. While each
report noted  improvement in  the  outlook for  fiscal  year 1994,  the  reports
indicated  that the  budget gap for  fiscal year 1995  could be as  much as $450
million higher than projected and that the budget gap might continue to increase
in later years to as  much as $1.5 billion  above current projections by  fiscal
year 1997. Recommendations included addressing the City's tax and cost structure
to maximize revenues on a recurring basis and minimize expenditures, a review of
capital   spending  plans,   service  cuts,  productivity   gains  and  economic
development measures.
 
    On February  2,  1994,  the  Mayor proposed  further  modifications  to  the
1994-1997  Financial Plan. The Mayor's proposed  Plan projects a balanced budget
for fiscal  year 1994,  assuming revenues  of $31.735  billion, and  includes  a
reserve  of $198  million. The  proposed modification  projects budget  gaps for
fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997 of $2.3 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.3 billion,
respectively. The  Mayor identified  $2.2 billion  in gap  closing measures  for
fiscal  year 1995. Implementation of these measures will require the cooperation
of  municipal  labor  unions,  the  City  Council  and  the  State  and  Federal
governments.  The Mayor's proposal  includes a tax  reduction program which will
have a financial impact on later years.
 
    Given the foregoing factors,  there can be no  assurance that the City  will
continue  to maintain  a balanced  budget, or  that it  can maintain  a balanced
budget without additional tax or other  revenue increases or reductions in  City
services, which could adversely affect the City's economic base.
 
    Pursuant  to State law, the City prepares a four-year annual financial plan,
which is reviewed and revised on a quarterly basis and which includes the City's
capital, revenue and  expense projections. The  City is required  to submit  its
financial  plans to review bodies, including the Control Board. If the City were
to experience certain adverse financial circumstances, including the  occurrence
or  the  substantial likelihood  and imminence  of the  occurrence of  an annual
operating deficit of more than $100 million or the loss of access to the  public
credit   markets  to   satisfy  the   City's  capital   and  seasonal  financial
requirements, the  Control Board  would be  required by  State law  to  exercise
certain  powers,  including prior  approval  of City  financial  plans, proposed
borrowings and certain contracts.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
    The City depends  on the  State for  State aid both  to enable  the City  to
balance  its budget and to meet its  cash requirements. If the State experiences
revenue shortfalls or spending increases beyond its projections during its  1993
fiscal year or subsequent years, such developments could result in reductions in
projected  State aid to  the City. In  addition, there can  be no assurance that
State budgets in future fiscal  years will be adopted  by the April 1  statutory
deadline  and that there will not be adverse effects on the City's cash flow and
additional City expenditures as a result of such delays.
 
    The City projections set  forth in its financial  plan are based on  various
assumptions and contingencies which are uncertain and which may not materialize.
Changes  in major assumptions  could significantly affect  the City's ability to
balance its budget as required by State law and to meet its annual cash flow and
financing requirements. Such assumptions and contingencies include the timing of
any regional  and local  economic recovery,  the absence  of wage  increases  in
excess  of  the  increases assumed  in  its financial  plan,  employment growth,
provision of  State  and  Federal  aid and  mandate  relief,  State  legislative
approval  of future  State budgets, levels  of education expenditures  as may be
required by State  law, adoption of  future City  budgets by the  New York  City
Council,  and  approval  by  the  Governor  or  the  State  Legislature  and the
cooperation of  MAC with  respect  to various  other  actions proposed  in  such
financial plan.
 
    The  City's ability to maintain a  balanced operating budget is dependant on
whether it  can implement  necessary service  and personnel  reduction  programs
successfully.  As discussed above, the City must identify additional expenditure
reductions and revenue sources to achieve balanced operating budgets for  fiscal
years  1994 and  thereafter. Any  such proposed  expenditure reductions  will be
difficult to implement  because of  their size and  the substantial  expenditure
reductions already imposed on City operations in the past two years.
 
    Attaining  a balanced  budget is also  dependent upon the  City's ability to
market its  securities successfully  in the  public credit  markets. The  City's
financing  program  for  fiscal  years 1994  through  1997  contemplates capital
spending of $16.2  billion, which  will be  financed through  issuance of  $10.5
billion  of general  obligation bonds, $4.3  billion of  Water Authority Revenue
Bonds and the balance by Covered Organization obligations, and will be  utilized
primarily to reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets  and  to make  capital investments.  A significant  portion of  such bond
financing is used to reimburse the City's general fund for capital  expenditures
already  incurred. In  addition, the  City issues  revenue and  tax anticipation
notes to  finance  its seasonal  working  capital requirements.  The  terms  and
success  of projected  public sales of  City general obligation  bonds and notes
will be subject to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale, and  no
assurance can be given that the credit markets will absorb the projected amounts
of  public bond and note sales.  In addition, future developments concerning the
City and public  discussion of  such developments, the  City's future  financial
needs  and  other issues  may  affect the  market  for outstanding  City general
obligation bonds  and  notes.  If the  City  were  unable to  sell  its  general
obligation  bonds  and notes,  it would  be prevented  from meeting  its planned
operating and capital expenditures.
 
    FISCAL YEARS 1990,  1991 AND  1992.   The City  achieved balanced  operating
results as reported in accordance with GAAP for the 1992 fiscal year. During the
1990  and 1991 fiscal  years, the City  implemented various actions  to offset a
projected budget  deficit  of $3.2  billion  for  the 1991  fiscal  year,  which
resulted  from declines in City revenue  sources and increased public assistance
needs due to the recession. Such actions included $822 million of tax  increases
and substantial expenditure reductions.
 
    The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits. Such litigation
includes,  but is not limited to,  actions commenced and claims asserted against
the City arising out of
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
alleged constitutional  violations,  torts,  breaches of  contracts,  and  other
violations  of law and condemnation proceedings.  While the ultimate outcome and
fiscal impact,  if  any,  on  the  proceedings  and  claims  are  not  currently
predictable,  adverse determinations  in certain of  them might  have a material
adverse effect upon the City's  ability to carry out  its financial plan. As  of
June  30, 1992, legal claims in excess  of $341 billion were outstanding against
the City for which the City estimated its potential future liability to be  $2.3
billion.
 
    RATINGS.   As of the  date of this prospectus,  Moody's rating of the City's
general obligation bonds stood at Baa1 and S&P's rating stood at A-. On February
11, 1991, Moody's had lowered its rating from A.
 
    On December 6, 1993, in confirming its Baa1 rating, Moody's noted that:
 
        The fiscal 1994 budget is  nominally balanced, in part through  reliance
    on  one-shot revenues, but contains a number  of risks . . . (T)he financial
    plan . . . shows increased gaps in succeeding years.
 
        The financial plan for fiscal 1995 and beyond shows an ongoing imbalance
    between the City's expenditures and  revenues . . . A  key risk is that  the
    replacement  of one-shot revenues is likely to become increasingly difficult
    over time.  Moody's continues  to  expect that  the City's  progress  toward
    achieving  long-term balance will be slow and uneven, but that the City will
    be diligent and prudent in closing gaps as they arise.
 
    As discussed above under FISCAL YEAR  1993 AND 1993-1996 FINANCIAL PLAN,  on
July  2, 1993  after a  review of the  City's budget  for fiscal  year 1994, its
proposed budget  for  fiscal year  1995  and  certain additional  cuts  in  both
proposed by the Mayor and the City Comptroller, S&P confirmed its A- rating with
a  negative  outlook of  the  City's general  obligation  bonds but  indicated a
continuing concern  about budgets  for fiscal  year 1995  and thereafter.  S&P's
rating of the City's general obligation bonds remains unchanged.
 
    On  October 12, 1993, Moody's increased its rating of the City's issuance of
$650 million of Tax  Anticipation Notes ("TANs") to  MIG-1 from MIG-2. Prior  to
that  date, on May 9,  1990, Moody's revised downward  its rating on outstanding
City revenue anticipation notes from MIG-1  to MIG-2 and rated the $900  million
Notes  then  being sold  MIG-2.  S&P's rating  of  the October  1993  TANS issue
increased to SP-1 from SP-2. Prior to that date, on April 29, 1991, S&P  revised
downward its rating on City revenue anticipation notes from SP-1 to SP-2.
 
    As  of June 30, 1993, the City  and MAC had, respectively, $19.6 billion and
$4.5 billion of outstanding net long-term indebtedness.
 
    (3) THE STATE AGENCIES: Certain Agencies of the State have faced substantial
financial difficulties which could adversely affect the ability of such Agencies
to make payments  of interest  on, and  principal amounts  of, their  respective
bonds.  The  difficulties  have in  certain  instances caused  the  State (under
so-called  "moral  obligation"  provisions   which  are  non-binding   statutory
provisions  for State  appropriations to  maintain various  debt service reserve
funds) to appropriate funds on behalf of the Agencies. Moreover, it is  expected
that  the  problems  faced by  these  Agencies  will continue  and  will require
increasing amounts of State assistance in future years. Failure of the State  to
appropriate  necessary amounts or to take  other action to permit those Agencies
having financial  difficulties  to meet  their  obligations could  result  in  a
default by one or more of the Agencies. Such default, if it were to occur, would
be  likely to have a  significant adverse effect on  investor confidence in, and
therefore the  market  price of,  obligations  of the  defaulting  Agencies.  In
addition,  any default in payment on any  general obligation of any Agency whose
bonds contain a moral obligation provision could constitute a failure of certain
conditions that must be satisfied in connection with Federal guarantees of  City
and  MAC obligations  and could thus  jeopardize the  City's long-term financing
plans.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
    As of  September 30,  1993,  the State  reported  that there  were  eighteen
Agencies  that each had outstanding debt of $100 million or more. These eighteen
Agencies had  an  aggregate of  $63.5  billion of  outstanding  debt,  including
refunding  bonds, of which $7.7  billion was moral obligation  debt of the State
and $19.3 billion  was financed under  lease-purchase or contractual  obligation
financing arrangements.
 
    (4) STATE LITIGATION: The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings
pertaining  to  matters incidental  to the  performance of  routine governmental
operations. Such litigation  includes, but  is not limited  to, claims  asserted
against  the State  arising from alleged  torts, alleged  breaches of contracts,
condemnation proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws.
Included in the State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases challenging
the constitutionality  or  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of  a  variety  of
significant  social  welfare  programs primarily  involving  the  State's mental
hygiene programs. Adverse judgments in  these matters generally could result  in
injunctive  relief coupled with prospective changes  in patient care which could
require substantial increased financing of the litigated programs in the future.
 
    The State  is  also engaged  in  a  variety of  claims  wherein  significant
monetary  damages are sought. Actions commenced  by several Indian nations claim
that significant amounts of land were unconstitutionally taken from the  Indians
in  violation  of  various treaties  and  agreements during  the  eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries. The claimants seek  recovery of approximately six  million
acres of land as well as compensatory and punitive damages.
 
    The  U.S. Supreme Court on March 30,  1993, referred to a Special Master for
determination of damages an action by  the State of Delaware to recover  certain
unclaimed  dividends,  interest  and  other  distributions  made  by  issuers of
securities held by New  York based-brokers incorporated  in Delaware. (STATE  OF
DELAWARE  V. STATE  OF NEW  YORK.) The State  had taken  such unclaimed property
under its ABANDONED  PROPERTY LAW.  New York and  Delaware have  entered into  a
settlement  agreement which provides for a payment of $35 million in fiscal year
1993-94 and thereafter five $33 million annual payments. Claims of other  states
and  the District of Columbia  have not been settled  and the State expects that
additional payments,  which may  be significant,  may be  required with  respect
thereto during fiscal year 1994 and thereafter.
 
    In  SCHULZ V.  STATE OF  NEW YORK, commenced  May 24,  1993 ("SCHULZ 1993"),
petitioners have challenged the constitutionality of mass transportation bonding
programs  of  the  New  York  State  Thruway  Authority  and  the   Metropolitan
Transportation  Authority. On  May 24, 1993,  the Supreme  Court, Albany County,
temporarily enjoined  the State  from implementing  those bonding  programs.  In
previous  actions  Mr.  Schulz and  others  have challenged  on  similar grounds
bonding programs for the  New York State Urban  Development Corporation and  the
New  York  Local Government  Assistance Corporation.  While  there have  been no
decisions on the merits in  such previous actions, by  an opinion dated May  11,
1993,  the New York Court of Appeals held in a proceeding commenced on April 29,
1991 in the Supreme  Court, Albany County  (SCHULZ V. STATE  OF NEW YORK),  that
petitioners  had standing as  voters under the State  Constitution to bring such
action.
 
    Petitioners in SCHULZ 1993 have asserted  that issuance of bonds by the  two
Authorities  is subject to  approval by statewide  referendum. By decision dated
October 21, 1993, the Appellate  Division, Third Department, affirmed the  order
of  the Supreme  Court, Albany County,  granting the State's  motion for summary
judgment, dismissing the complaint and vacating the temporary restraining order.
In December 1993, the New York Court of Appeals indicated that it would hear the
plaintiffs' appeal of the Appellate Division's decision in SCHULZ 1993. At  this
time  there can be no forecast of the likelihood of success on the merits by the
petitioners, but  a  decision  upholding  this  constitutional  challenge  could
restrict  and limit the ability of the State and its instrumentalities to borrow
funds in the future.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
    Adverse developments in the foregoing  proceedings or new proceedings  could
adversely affect the financial condition of the State in the future.
 
    (5)  OTHER MUNICIPALITIES: Certain  localities in addition  to New York City
could  have  financial  problems  leading  to  requests  for  additional   State
assistance.  The potential impact on the State  of such actions by localities is
not included in projections  of State receipts and  expenditures in the  State's
1993-94 and 1994-95 fiscal years.
 
    Fiscal  difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers") resulted
in the creation  of the Financial  Control Board  for the City  of Yonkers  (the
"Yonkers  Board")  by the  State  in 1984.  The  Yonkers Board  is  charged with
oversight of the fiscal affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the Governor
or the State Legislature to assist  Yonkers could result in allocation of  State
resources in amounts that cannot yet be determined.
 
    Municipalities  and school districts have  engaged in substantial short-term
and long-term borrowings. In 1991, the  total indebtedness of all localities  in
the  State was approximately $31.6  billion, of which $16.8  billion was debt of
New York  City (excluding  $6.7 billion  in MAC  debt). State  law requires  the
Comptroller  to review and make recommendations  concerning the budgets of those
local government units other than New York City authorized by State law to issue
debt to  finance deficits  during  the period  that  such deficit  financing  is
outstanding. Fifteen localities had outstanding indebtedness for state financing
at  the close of their  fiscal year ending in 1991.  In 1992, an unusually large
number of local government units requested authorization for deficit financings.
According to the Comptroller, ten local government units have been authorized to
issue deficit financing in the aggregate amount of $131.1 million.
 
    Certain proposed Federal  expenditure reductions  could reduce,  or in  some
cases  eliminate, Federal funding  of some local  programs and accordingly might
impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected localities. If
the State, New York City or any of the Agencies were to suffer serious financial
difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit  markets,
the  marketability of  notes and  bonds issued  by localities  within the State,
including notes  or bonds  in the  New York  Insured Trust,  could be  adversely
affected. Localities also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from
certain  pending litigation, judicial decisions, and long-range economic trends.
The longer-range potential  problems of declining  urban population,  increasing
expenditures,  and other economic  trends could adversely  affect localities and
require increasing State assistance in the future.
 
    (6) OTHER ISSUERS OF NEW YORK  MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. There are a number  of
other  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.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
NEW YORK TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal,  state and  local taxes, using  published 1994  marginal
Federal tax rates and marginal state and local tax rates currently available and
scheduled  to  be in  effect.  The tables  incorporate  increased tax  rates for
higher-income taxpayers that were included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act  of
1993.  For cases  in which  two state  or local  brackets fall  within a federal
bracket, the higher state or local bracket is combined with the federal bracket.
The combined local, state and Federal  tax brackets shown reflect the fact  that
state  and local tax payments are currently deductible for Federal tax purposes.
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 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.
 
I.  COMBINED FEDERAL AND NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60    8.92    9.24
                 100.0-111.8     23.0          7.14    7.47    7.79    8.12    8.44    8.77    9.09    9.42
    38.0- 91.9       0-100.0     33.5          8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15   10.53   10.90
                 100.0-111.8     34.5          8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07
                 111.8-150.0     35.5          8.53    8.91    9.30    9.69   10.08   10.47   10.85   11.24
                 150.0-167.7     34.5          8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07
    91.9-140.0       0-100.0     36.5          8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63   11.02   11.42
                 100.0-111.8     37.5          8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
                 150.0-167.7     37.5          8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
                 167.7-290.2     39.5          9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16   11.57   11.98
   140.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     43.0          9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40   11.84   12.28   12.72
                 150.0-167.7     42.0          9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64   12.07   12.50
                 167.7-290.2     44.5          9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
                  Over 290.2     42.0    2     9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64   12.07   12.50
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2     48.5         10.68   11.17   11.65   12.14   12.62   13.11   13.59   14.08
                  Over 290.2     45.5    3    10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39   12.84   13.30
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60    8.92    9.24
                 100.0-111.8     22.5          7.10    7.42    7.74    8.06    8.39    8.71    9.03    9.35
    22.8- 55.1       0-100.0     33.5          8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15   10.53   10.90
                 100.0-111.8     34.0          8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23   10.61   10.98
    55.1-115.0       0-100.0     36.5          8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63   11.02   11.42
                 100.0-111.8     37.0          8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
                 150.0-234.3     38.0          8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69
   115.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     43.0          9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40   11.84   12.28   12.72
                 150.0-234.3     42.5          9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74   12.17   12.61
                  Over 234.3     42.0    2     9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64   12.07   12.50
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3     45.5    3    10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39   12.84   13.30
</TABLE>
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
II. COMBINED FEDERAL, NEW YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE,
    TAXABLE        GROSS         LOCAL                     TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME      AND FEDERAL     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-100.0     25.5    %     7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72    9.06    9.40    9.73
                 100.0-111.8     26.5          7.48    7.82    8.16    8.50    8.84    9.18    9.52    9.86
    38.0- 91.9       0-100.0     37.0          8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
                 100.0-111.8     38.0          8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
                 150.0-167.7     37.5          8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
    91.9-140.0       0-100.0     39.5          9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16   11.57   11.98
                 100.0-111.8     40.5          9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34   11.76   12.18
                 111.8-150.0     41.5          9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11   11.54   11.97   12.39
                 150.0-167.7     40.5          9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34   11.76   12.18
                 167.7-290.2     42.5          9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74   12.17   12.61
   140.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     45.5         10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39   12.84   13.30
                 150.0-167.7     45.0         10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82   12.27   12.73   13.18
                 167.7-290.2     47.5         10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38   12.86   13.33   13.81
                  Over 290.2     45.0    2    10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82   12.27   12.73   13.18
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2     51.0         11.22   11.73   12.24   12.76   13.27   13.78   14.29   14.80
                  Over 290.2     48.0    3    10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98   13.46   13.94
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE,
    TAXABLE        GROSS         LOCAL                     TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME      AND FEDERAL     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-100.0     25.5    %     7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72    9.06    9.40    9.73
                 100.0-111.8     26.0          7.43    7.77    8.11    8.45    8.78    9.12    9.46    9.80
    22.8- 55.1       0-100.0     37.0          8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51
                 100.0-111.8     37.5          8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20   11.60
    55.1-115.0       0-100.0     39.5          9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16   11.57   11.98
                 100.0-111.8     40.0          9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67   12.08
                 111.8-150.0     41.5          9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11   11.54   11.97   12.39
                 150.0-234.3     41.0          9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
   115.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     46.0         10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04   12.50   12.96   13.43
                 150.0-234.3     45.5         10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39   12.84   13.30
                  Over 234.3     45.0    2    10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82   12.27   12.73   13.18
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3     48.0    3    10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98   13.46   13.94
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
<FN>
- ------------------
      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  marginal Federal tax rate  to approximately 44.0 percent for  taxpayers filing a joint return  and entitled to four personal
exemptions and to approximately 41.0 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. The table also reflects the New York State supplemental income
tax based upon a taxpayer's New York State taxable income and New York State adjusted gross income. This supplemental tax results
in  an increased marginal state income  tax rate to the extent  a taxpayer's New York State  adjusted gross income ranges between
$100,000 and $150,000. The  table does not, however,  reflect the amendments to  the New York State  income tax law that  imposes
limitations  on the deductibility of itemized deductions. The application of the New York State limitation on itemized deductions
may result in a higher combined Federal, State and local tax rate than indicated in the table. The table assumes for this purpose
that a taxpayer's New York State adjusted income equals his Federal adjusted gross income.
      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.
</TABLE>
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
    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
the 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 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
NOVEMBER 16, 1994
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 226
(SERIES 766)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000     * Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       511,675
                   Dormitory Revenue Bonds, State University
                   Issue, Series X, 7.40% Due 7/1/24. (When
                   issued.)
    230,000      New York State Energy Research and Development      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             199,484
                   Authority, Pollution Control Refunding
                   Revenue Bonds (New York State Electric & Gas
                   Corporation Project), 1994 Series A, 6.05%
                   Due 4/1/34.
    500,000      New York State Housing Finance Agency, Service      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             466,700
                   Contract Obligation Revenue Bonds, 1994
                   Series A, 6.375% Due 9/15/14. (General
                   Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      New York Local Government Assistance             No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             408,530
                   Corporation (A Public Benefit Corporation of
                   the State of New York), Series 1993C
                   Refunding Bonds, 5.50% Due 4/1/17.
    500,000      New York State Thruway Authority, Highway and       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             447,355
                   Bridge Trust Fund Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.00%
                   Due 4/1/14.
    270,000      New York State Urban Development Corporation,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             208,373
                   Correctional Capital Facilities Revenue
                   Bonds, 1993A Refunding Series, 5.25% Due
                   1/1/21. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about January 4, 1994 at a
                   price of 92.542% of principal amount.)
    500,000      The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds,     2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             497,405
                   Fiscal 1995 Series B, 6.95% Due 8/15/12.
    500,000      New York City (New York), Municipal Water           2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             402,655
                   Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
                   Revenue Bonds, Fixed Rate Fiscal 1994 Series
                   B, 5.50% Due 6/15/19.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,142,177
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 63.
 
   
* These  Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the normal
  settlement date. Their expected delivery  date is December 8, 1994.  Contracts
  relating  to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement for
  purchase made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 14%  of  the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS
 
    (1) Contracts,  which  are  "when-issued"  or  "regular  way"  contracts  or
        contracts having delivery dates beyond the normal settlement date,  have
        been  deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The performance
        of such contracts is secured by an irrevocable letter of credit,  issued
        by  a major commercial bank, which  has been deposited with the Trustee.
        At the Date  of Deposit, Bonds  may have been  delivered to the  Sponsor
        pursuant  to certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the
        Trustee all of its right, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
    (2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and  at
        the  prices, shown.  Unless otherwise  indicated, the  Bonds, except for
        Bonds issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at
        declining prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original
        issue  discount  bonds,  including  zero  coupon  bonds,  are  generally
        redeemable  at  prices  based on  the  issue  price plus  the  amount of
        original issue discount accreted to redemption plus, if applicable, some
        premium, the amount of which will decline in subsequent years. The Bonds
        may also be subject to sinking fund redemption without premium prior  to
        the dates shown.
 
        Certain  Bonds may be subject to redemption without premium prior to the
        date shown  pursuant  to  special  or  mandatory  call  provisions;  for
        example,  if bond proceeds are not able  to be used as contemplated, the
        project is condemned or sold, or the project is destroyed and  insurance
        proceeds  are used to  redeem the bonds.  Single family mortgage revenue
        bonds and housing authority bonds are  most likely to be called  subject
        to  such provisions, but other bonds may have similar call features. See
        Section 4 and "General Trust Information" in this Section.
 
        The Trustee's determination of the offering prices of Bonds in the  Fund
        may  be  greater or  less than  the  amounts that  may be  received upon
        redemption or  maturity  of  such Bonds.  Subject  to  rules  concerning
        amortization  of bond  premium and of  original issue  discount, gain or
        loss realized  by  the Trustee  on  disposition  of any  Bonds  will  be
        recognized  as taxable capital gain or loss by Unitholders. (See Section
        4.)
 
    (3) See "Description  of  Ratings" herein.  All  the Bonds  in  the  Insured
        Trusts,  as insured by the  Insurer, are rated AAA  by Standard & Poor's
        Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (See Section 5.)
 
    (4) As determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services on behalf of the  Trustee
        as  of the close of  business on the business  day preceding the Date of
        Deposit. The prices as determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services  have
        been rounded to the nearest dollar.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     TO  THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF JOHN  NUVEEN  & CO.  INCORPORATED AND
     UNITHOLDERS OF NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766:
    
 
   
       We have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and  the
     related  schedules of investments at date  of deposit (included in the
     prospectus  herein)  of  Nuveen  Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust,  Series  766
     (comprising  Maryland Traditional Trust  301, California Insured Trust
     235, Florida Insured  Trust 200, Massachusetts  Insured Trust 120  and
     New  York Insured Trust 226), as of November 16, 1994. These financial
     statements are the responsibility  of the Sponsor. Our  responsibility
     is  to express an  opinion on these financial  statements based on our
     audits.
    
 
       We conducted  our  audits  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 statements 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  audits  provide  a
     reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
       In  our  opinion,  the  statements  of  condition  and  the  related
     schedules  of investments at date of deposit referred to above present
     fairly, in all material  respects, the financial  position of each  of
     the  trusts constituting the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766
     as of  November  16,  1994,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
     accounting principles.
    
 
                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     November 16, 1994.
    
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
 
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766
    
 
   
 (Maryland Traditional Trust 301, California Insured Trust 235, Florida Insured
   Trust 200, Massachusetts Insured Trust 120 and New York Insured Trust 226)
    
   
                            AS OF NOVEMBER 16, 1994
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MARYLAND           CALIFORNIA            FLORIDA
                                            TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 301           TRUST 235           TRUST 200
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase
 Tax-Exempt Bonds, backed by an
 irrevocable letter of credit(1)(2).....  $     3,198,648     $     2,980,110     $     3,077,730
Accrued interest to November 16, 1994 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           59,144              38,724              37,142
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,257,792     $     3,018,834     $     3,114,872
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to November 16,
      1994 on underlying Bonds(3).......  $        59,144     $        38,724     $        37,142
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (Maryland
      Traditional Trust 301 --35,000;
      California Insured Trust 235--
      35,000; Florida Insured Trust
      200--35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $     3,363,442     $     3,133,645     $     3,236,295
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (164,794)           (153,535)           (158,565)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,198,648     $     2,980,110     $     3,077,730
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,257,792     $     3,018,834     $     3,114,872
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(1)  Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include "when  issued" or "regular  way" or "delayed delivery"
    contracts for which an irrevocable letter of  credit issued by a major commercial  bank has been deposited with the  Trustee.
    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 Date of  Deposit. At the Date of  Deposit, Bonds may have been  delivered to the Sponsor pursuant  to
    certain  of these contracts; the  Sponsor has assigned to  the Trustee all of  its rights, title and  interest in and to such
    Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date  of Deposit of the Bonds listed under "Schedules of Investments"  herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the  timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts has been obtained by the
    Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of  the
    Units.  Both the bid and the offering prices of the underlying  Bonds and of the Units may include value attributable to such
    policies of insurance.
(3) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(4) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(5) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof  in the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case  of
    Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% in the case  of Short Intermediate Trusts and  2.50% in the case of  Short Term Trusts. In single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
   
                            Statements of Condition
                            As of November 16, 1994
                                  (Continued)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           MASSACHUSETTS         NEW YORK
                                              INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 120           TRUST 226
                                          ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>
Sponsor's contracts to purchase
 Tax-Exempt Bonds, backed by an
 irrevocable letter of credit(1)(2).....  $     3,078,431     $     3,142,177
Accrued interest to November 16, 1994 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           46,430              44,272
                                          ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,124,861     $     3,186,449
                                          ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to November 16,
      1994 on underlying Bonds(3).......  $        46,430     $        44,272
                                          ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding
      (Massachusetts Insured Trust
      120--35,000; New York Insured
      Trust 226--35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $     3,237,032     $     3,304,062
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (158,601)           (161,885)
                                          ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,078,431     $     3,142,177
                                          ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,124,861     $     3,186,449
                                          ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(1) Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include "when  issued" or "regular  way" or "delayed  delivery"
    contracts  for which an irrevocable letter of  credit issued by a major commercial  bank has been deposited with the Trustee.
    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 Date of  Deposit. At the Date of  Deposit, Bonds may have been  delivered to the Sponsor pursuant to
    certain of these contracts; the  Sponsor has assigned to  the Trustee all of  its rights, title and  interest in and to  such
    Bonds.
(2)  Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of  Deposit of the Bonds listed under "Schedules of Investments" herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts has been obtained by  the
    Sponsor  or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the
    Units. Both the bid and the offering prices of the underlying  Bonds and of the Units may include value attributable to  such
    policies of insurance.
(3) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(4) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(5) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price  in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof in  the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case of
    Intermediate Trusts, 3.00% in the  case of Short Intermediate Trusts  and 2.50% in the case  of Short Term Trusts. In  single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION
 
    RISK FACTORS.
 
    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 above,  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  "Economic
Factors" for each Trust.
 
    HEALTH  FACILITY  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.
 
    HOUSING 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  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
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
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 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.
 
    FEDERALLY  ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS.   Some  of the  mortgages which  secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously  discussed
Health  Facility, Housing, and  Single Family Mortgage  Revenue Obligations (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
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
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.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may be
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. 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  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.
 
    ELECTRIC  UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers  whose revenues are  primarily derived from  the sale  of
electric  energy. 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
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
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.
 
    TRANSPORTATION  FACILITY REVENUE 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  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.
 
    UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE 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
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
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 AUTHORITY AND TOLLROAD 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  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 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.
 
    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
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
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  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
Section 11, " What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders".)
 
    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
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
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.
 
4.  COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedules of Investments"
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 the 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. Normally,
"regular way"  contracts are  settled and  the Bonds  delivered to  the  Trustee
within  a relatively  short period  of time.  However, 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 does not believe it  is likely, one or more of the  issuers
of such Bonds might decide not to proceed with such offerings. 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 herein 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  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 herein (which  are
based  on the Public Offering Price as of  the business day prior to the Date of
Deposit) may be  slightly lower than  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 Regarding the Trusts."
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
Schedules of Investments.
 
    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. The Replacement Bonds must be purchased 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 (i)  must
satisfy  the criteria previously described for  Bonds originally included in the
Trust and, with respect  to Bonds purchased  for a State  Trust, shall have  the
benefit of an exemption from state taxation of interest to an extent equal to or
greater  than that of  the Bonds they  replace, (ii) must  have a fixed maturity
date after the date of purchase of  not less than approximately 15 years in  the
case  of National or State Trusts, approximately 11  years in the case of a Long
Intermediate Trust, approximately 5 years in  the case of Intermediate or  State
Intermediate  Trusts, approximately 3 years in  the case of a Short Intermediate
Trust and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
approximately 1 year in the case of a  Short Term Trust, but not later than  the
maturity date of the Failed Bonds, (iii) must be acquired at a cost to the Trust
equal  to the cost of the same principal  amount of Bonds provided in the failed
contract and have  a current  return and  yield to  maturity not  less than  the
current  return and yield to maturity of the  Failed Bonds and (iv) 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; i.e., the Trust will have  no
managerial power to take advantage of market variation to improve a Unitholder's
investment.
 
    To  the extent the right of  limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraph shall not  be utilized  to acquire  Replacement Bonds  for the  entire
principal amount of Failed Bonds, 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 "Schedules of  Investments" and in most
cases pursuant to sinking fund, special or extraordinary redemption  provisions.
A  bond  subject to  optional  call is  one which  is  subject to  redemption or
refunding prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. A refunding is a method
by which a bond issue is redeemed, at  or before maturity, by the proceeds of  a
new  bond  issue. A  bond subject  to sinking  fund redemption  is one  which is
subject to  partial call  from time  to time  from a  fund accumulated  for  the
scheduled  retirement of  a portion  of an issue  prior to  maturity. Special or
extraordinary redemption  provisions may  provide  for redemption  of all  or  a
portion  of an  issue upon  the occurrence  of certain  circumstances related to
defaults or unanticipated changes  in circumstances. Events  that may permit  or
require  the special or extraordinary redemption of bonds include, among others:
substantial damage to or  destruction of the project  for which the proceeds  of
the  bonds were used; exercise by a local, state or federal governmental unit of
its power of eminent domain to take all or substantially all of the project  for
which  the  proceeds of  the bonds  were  used; a  final determination  that the
interest on the bonds  is taxable; changes in  the economic availability of  raw
materials,  operating supplies or  facilities or technological  or other changes
which render the operation of  the project for which  the proceeds of the  bonds
were  used uneconomical; changes in law  or an administrative or judicial decree
which render the performance  of the agreement under  which the proceeds of  the
bonds  were made  available to  finance the  project impossible  or which create
unreasonable burdens or which impose  excessive liabilities, such as taxes,  not
imposed  on the date the bonds are issued on the issuer of the bonds or the user
of the  proceeds  of the  bonds;  an  administrative or  judicial  decree  which
requires  the cessation of a  substantial part of the  operations of the project
financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
an overestimate of the costs of the project to be financed with the proceeds  of
the  bonds resulting in excess proceeds which may be applied to redeem bonds; or
an underestimate of  a source of  funds securing the  bonds resulting in  excess
funds which may be applied to redeem bonds. The Sponsor is unable to predict all
of  the circumstances which may result in  such redemption of an issue of Bonds.
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.
 
    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. Redemption pursuant to optional call provisions  is
more  likely to  occur, and  redemption pursuant to  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions may occur,  when the Bonds have an  offering
side  evaluation which  represents a  premium over  par. Redemption  pursuant to
optional call provisions  may be,  and redemption  pursuant to  sinking fund  or
special or extraordinary redemption provisions is likely to be, at a price equal
to the par value of the bonds without any premium (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 Sections  11 and 13  and the "Schedules  of
Investments.")
 
    CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.   Certain  of  the Bonds  in  each Trust
portfolio may be subject  to continuing requirements such  as the actual use  of
bond proceeds, manner of operation of the project financed from bond proceeds or
rebate  of excess  earnings on  bond proceeds that  may affect  the exemption of
interest on such  Bonds from Federal  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.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
5.  WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS IN INSURED TRUSTS
 
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 Bonds  from  the Municipal  Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation (the "Insurer"). Some of  the Bonds in each 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 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). The  Insurer will  be  responsible for  such payments,  less  any
amounts  received by the holders or owners of the Bonds from any trustee for the
bond issuers or  from any other  sources other than  the Insurer. The  Insurer's
policies  relating to small  industrial development bonds  and pollution control
revenue bonds also guarantee the full and complete payments required to be  made
by  or on behalf  of an issuer  of Bonds pursuant  to the terms  of the Bonds if
there occurs an event which results in the loss of the tax-exempt status of  the
interest  on such Bonds,  including principal, interest  or premium payments, if
any, as and when thereby required. The Insurer has indicated that its  insurance
policies  do not insure the payment of  principal or interest on bonds which are
not required to be paid by the issuer thereof because the bonds were not validly
issued; as  indicated  under  "What  is the  Tax  Status  of  Unitholders?"  the
respective  issuing authorities have received  opinions of bond counsel relating
to the valid issuance of each of the Bonds in the Insured Trusts. The  Insurer's
policy  also does not insure against non-payment  of principal of or interest on
the Bonds resulting from the insolvency, negligence or any other act or omission
of the trustee or other paying agent for the Bonds. The policy is not covered by
the Property/ Casualty Insurance  Security Fund specified in  Article 76 of  the
New  York  Insurance Law.  The policies  are  non-cancellable and  the insurance
premiums have been fully paid on or prior to the Date of Deposit, either by  the
Sponsor or, if a policy has been obtained by a Bond issuer, by such issuer.
 
    Upon  notification from  the trustee  for any bond  issuer or  any holder or
owner of the Bonds or coupons that such trustee or paying agent has insufficient
funds to pay any  principal or interest  in full when due,  the Insurer will  be
obligated  to deposit funds  promptly with State Street  Bank and Trust Company,
N.A., New York, New York, as fiscal  agent for the Insurer, sufficient to  fully
cover the deficit. If notice of nonpayment is received on or after the due date,
the  Insurer will provide for payment  within one business day following receipt
of the notice. Upon payment  by the Insurer of  any Bonds, coupons, or  interest
payments,  the Insurer shall succeed  to the rights of  the owner of such Bonds,
coupons or interest payments with respect thereto.
 
    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  a limited liability  corporation
rather  than a  several liability association.  The Insurer is  domiciled in the
State of New York and licensed to do business in all 50 states, the District  of
Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
    As  of December  31, 1993  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.1 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.1 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $978  million  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As  of June  30, 1994,  the  Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.3
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $2.2  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $1.1 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.  Copies of the Insurer's year  end financial statements prepared in
accordance with statutory accounting practices  are available from the  Insurer.
The address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504.
 
    Each  insurance company comprising the Association will be severally and not
jointly obligated  under  the Association  policy  in the  following  respective
percentages:  The  AEtna  Casualty  and  Surety  Company,  33%;  Fireman's  Fund
Insurance Company, 30%;  The Travelers Indemnity  Company, 15%; AEtna  Insurance
Company  (now  known  as CIGNA  Property  and  Casualty Company),  12%;  and The
Continental Insurance Company, 10%.  As a several  obligor, each such  insurance
company  will be  obligated only to  the extent  of its percentage  of any claim
under the  Association  policy and  will  not be  obligated  to pay  any  unpaid
obligation  of any  other member  of the  Association. Each  insurance company's
participation is backed by all of its assets. However, each insurance company is
a multiline insurer involved in several lines of insurance other than  municipal
bond  insurance, and the assets of each insurance company also secure all of its
other insurance policy and surety bond obligations.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial information  with
respect  to  the  five  insurance  companies  comprising  the  Association.  The
statistics, which have been furnished by the Association, are as reported by the
insurance  companies  to  the  New  York  State  Insurance  Department  and  are
determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles. No representation
is  made herein as to the accuracy or  adequacy of such information or as to the
absence of material adverse changes in  such information subsequent to the  date
thereof.  In addition,  these numbers  are subject to  revision by  the New York
State Insurance Department which, if revised, could either increase or  decrease
the amounts.
 
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                              AS OF JUNE 30, 1994.
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NEW YORK         NEW YORK         NEW YORK
                                                              STATUTORY        STATUTORY     POLICYHOLDERS'
                                                               ASSETS         LIABILITIES       SURPLUS
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company......................  $    10,169,558  $     8,299,548   $  1,870,010
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.........................        6,751,350        4,893,824      1,857,526
The Travelers Indemnity Company..........................       10,246,669        8,486,034      1,760,635
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna
  Insurance Company).....................................        4,992,242        4,924,356         67,886
The Continental Insurance Company........................        2,712,535        2,351,467        361,068
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
        Total............................................  $    34,872,354  $    28,955,229   $  5,917,125
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Standard   &  Poor's  Corporation  rates  all  new  issues  insured  by  the
Association "AAA" Prime Grade.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all  bond issues insured by the  Association
"Aaa"  and  short term  loans  "MIG 1",  both designated  to  be of  the highest
quality.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    Each such rating should be evaluated  independently of any other rating.  No
application  has  been  made to  any  other  rating agency  in  order  to obtain
additional ratings  on the  Bonds.  The ratings  reflect the  respective  rating
agency's  current assessment of the creditworthiness  of the Association 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.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all bond issues insured by the Insurer "Aaa"
and short-term loans "MIG 1," both designated to be of the highest quality.
 
    Standard & Poor's  Ratings Group,  a division  of McGraw  Hill ("Standard  &
Poor's") rates all new issues insured by the Insurer "AAA" Prime Grade."
 
    The  Moody's Investors  Service rating  of the  Insurer should  be evaluated
independently of the  Standard & Poor's  Corporation rating of  the Insurer.  No
application  has  been  made to  any  other  rating agency  in  order  to obtain
additional ratings  on the  Bonds.  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  (See  "Description  of
Ratings.")  Any further explanation as to  the significance of the above ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
 
    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.
 
    Because  the insurance on the  Bonds 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.
 
INSURANCE ON CERTAIN BONDS IN 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
will identify the insurer. Such insurance will be provided by Financial Guaranty
Insurance   Company  ("FGIC"),  AMBAC   Indemnity  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"),  Municipal  Bond  Investors  Assurance  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
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
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.
 
6.  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 of 5.152%  of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case  of National and State  Trusts, 4.439% of the  aggregate offering prices in
the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 4.058% of the aggregate offering prices in
the case of Intermediate Trusts, 3.093% of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case of Short Intermediate Trusts and 2.564% of the aggregate offering prices in
the  case of Short  Term Trusts, 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. This  computation produces a gross underwriting
profit equal to 4.90% of the Public  Offering Price in the case of National  and
State  Trusts,  4.25%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of  Long
Intermediate Trusts,  3.90%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of
Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% of  the Public Offering  Price in the  case of Short
Intermediate Trusts and 2.50% of the Public Offering Price in the case of  Short
Term Trusts.
 
    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 described herein in
the primary offering period  or units of any  other series of Nuveen  Tax-Exempt
Unit  Trusts in the primary 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 table
based on the amount of intended  aggregate purchases as expressed in the  letter
of  intent. 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 United States Trust
Company of New York 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. 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. 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
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
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      LONG INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS                  TRUSTS           INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                         PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT
                                                           OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET
                                                        OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT
                  NUMBER OF UNITS*                        PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Less than 500........................................        4.90%      5.152%       4.25%      4.439%       3.90%      4.058%
500 but less than 1,000..............................        4.75       4.987        4.15       4.330        3.70       3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500............................        4.50       4.712        3.85       4.004        3.50       3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000............................        4.25       4.439        3.60       3.734        3.25       3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000...........................        3.50       3.627        3.35       3.466        3.00       3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000..........................        3.00       3.093        3.00       3.093        2.75       2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000..........................        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564
50,000 or more.......................................        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SHORT INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS            SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                         PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT
                                                           OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET
                                                        OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT
                  NUMBER OF UNITS*                        PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
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, adjusting  the total to  reflect the amount  of any cash  held in  or
advanced  to the principal account  of the Trust and  dividing the result by the
number of Units then outstanding. For  purposes of this calculation, Bonds  will
be  deemed to mature on  their stated maturity dates  unless: (a) the Bonds have
been called for redemption or funds or securities have been placed in escrow  to
redeem  them on  an earlier  call date, in  which case  such call  date shall be
deemed to be the date upon which they mature; or (b) such Bonds are subject to a
"mandatory put," in which case such mandatory put date shall be deemed to be the
date upon  which  they  mature.  Any assumptions  regarding  maturity  made  for
purposes  of  determining the  appropriate  sales charge  in  no way  predict or
guarantee the actual remaining life of a given 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. In  the course  of regularly
appraising the  value  of Bonds  in  each Trust,  the  Sponsor will  attempt  to
estimate  the date on which a Trust's value  will fall below the 20% level based
on anticipated bond events over a five year period, including maturities, escrow
calls and  current  calls or  refundings,  assuming certain  market  rates.  The
Sponsor  intends from time to time to recommend that certain Trusts whose values
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
have fallen or are anticipated to fall  below the 20% level be terminated  based
on  certain criteria which  could adversely affect  the Trust's diversification.
Once the Sponsor has determined that a  Trust's value has or may fall below  the
20%  level within a five-year period, for purposes of computing the sales charge
using the table set forth below, the maturity of each bond in such Trust will be
deemed to be the earlier of the estimated termination date of the Trust, or  the
actual  date used  when pricing the  bond under  Municipal Securities Rulemaking
Board rules and interpretations issued thereunder.
 
    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,  in  accordance with  the following
schedule. As  shown, the  sales charge  on  Bonds in  each 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*
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
                                            $50,000     $100,000     $250,000     $500,000     $1,000,000     $2,500,000
                                UNDER         TO           TO           TO           TO            TO             TO
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999     $249,999     $499,999     $999,999     $2,499,999     $4,999,999
- ---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------
Less than 1................           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%
2 but less than 3..........       2.041        1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626         1.420          1.225
3 but less than 4..........       2.564        2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041         1.781          1.546
4 but less than 5..........       3.093        2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459         2.175          1.883
5 but less than 7..........       3.627        3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881         2.460          2.165
7 but less than 10.........       4.167        3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239         2.828          2.489
10 but less than 13........       4.712        4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788         3.253          2.842
13 but less than 16........       5.263        4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167         3.627          3.169
16 or more.................       5.820        5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603         4.004          3.500
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                          <C>
 
                              $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY               OR MORE
- ---------------------------  -------------
Less than 1................            0
1 but less than 2..........         .750%
2 but less than 3..........        1.030
3 but less than 4..........        1.310
4 but less than 5..........        1.590
5 but less than 7..........        1.870
7 but less than 10.........        2.150
10 but less than 13........        2.430
13 but less than 16........        2.710
16 or more.................        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  any Trust, including one  consisting entirely of  Bonds
with  16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net amount
invested). For purposes of illustration, the sales charge on a Trust  consisting
entirely  of Bonds maturing  in 13 to  16 years would  be 5% (5.263%  of the net
amount invested); that on a Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in  five
to  seven years would be 3.5% (3.627% of the net amount invested); and that on a
Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in three to four years would be 2.5%
(2.564% 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.
 
    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 on each day on which the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") is normally open  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. 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.
 
    As  more fully set forth  in Section 8, accrued  interest from the preceding
Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date of the transaction  (five
business  days after  purchase) will  be added to  the Public  Offering Price to
determine the purchase price of Units.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    The above graduated sales charges 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 an  individual and his or her spouse and
children under 21 years  of age 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 or  secondary market  at the Public
Offering Price for  non-breakpoint purchases  minus the  concession the  Sponsor
typically  allows  to  brokers  and dealers  for  non-breakpoint  purchases (see
Section 17)  by  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, and by 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.  Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Prospectus, investors and bank trust departments purchasing
Units through this program 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 approximately 1% to 2% more than the
BID prices of such Bonds  in the case of  National, Long Intermediate and  State
Trusts,  3/4%  to 1  1/2% in  the  case of  Intermediate and  Short Intermediate
Trusts, and  1/2% to  3/4% in  the case  of Short  Term Trusts.  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 Section 16.)
 
7.  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
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the Trusts. If the supply of Units of any of the Trusts
of this Series exceeds  demand, or for some  other business reason, the  Sponsor
may discontinue purchases of Units of such Trust at such prices. UNITHOLDERS WHO
WISH  TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS
TO THE  CURRENT  REDEMPTION PRICE  (SEE  SECTION  19). 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 (five business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can complete the mechanics of registration. Normally, Certificates, if any,  are
mailed  by  the  Trustee 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 as
tender of the Certificate, properly endorsed for transfer. (See Section 19.)
 
    Each Unit  of each  respective Trust  initially offered  by this  Prospectus
represents  that fractional  undivided interest  in such  Trust as  is set forth
under "Essential Information Regarding the Trusts." 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.
 
8.  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.  Interest
accrues  to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date of
their purchase transaction.
 
    Accrued interest does not include accrual of original issue discount on zero
coupon bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount bonds.  (See
"Summary  of Portfolios--General Trust Information" and  "What Is The Tax Status
of Unitholders.")
 
    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, when the
Sponsor sells Units of a  Trust, the amount of accrued  interest to be added  to
the  Public Offering Price to determine the  purchase price of the Units of such
Trust purchased by an investor will include only accrued interest from the  Date
of  Deposit to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement of  the investor's
purchase (five 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
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
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 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 Sections  3 and 13.) 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 fifth business day
following the date of sale or tender.
 
9.  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  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  to a
specified date of any premium over or discount from the par (maturity) value  in
the  bond's  purchase  price. In  calculating  Estimated Long  Term  Return, the
average yield for  the 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. Once the average portfolio yield is computed,
this figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of  the
maximum  sales  charge  paid  by  investors.  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 the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the 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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the calculation of Estimated Long Term
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
Return.  There thus can  be no assurance  that the Estimated  Current Returns or
Estimated Long Term  Returns quoted  herein will be  realized in  the future.  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 the Trust; such actual holding periods
may  be reduced  by termination  of the  Trust, as  described in  "AMENDMENT AND
TERMINATION OF  INDENTURE." 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.
 
    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 Regarding
the Trusts" and Sections 4 and 11.)
 
    For a statement of the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit under the monthly
plan of  distribution,  and Estimated  Long  Term Yield  and  Estimated  Current
Returns based on the Public Offering Prices of the Trusts in this Series, all as
of  the day prior to  the Date of Deposit,  see "Essential Information Regarding
the Trusts."
 
10.  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  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 Evaluation Services evaluated
the Bonds as so insured. (See Section 5).
 
    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 Section  3.) 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.
 
11.  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 exemption of interest  thereon from Federal income
tax 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
"Summary of  Portfolios--  Tax Status"  for  the respective  State  Trust.  (See
Sections  2 and 3.)  Neither the Sponsor  nor its counsel  have made any special
review for the Trusts of the proceedings  relating to the issuance of the  Bonds
or of the basis for the opinions rendered in connection therewith.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
    Taxpayers  must  disclose  on  their  Federal  tax  returns  the  amount  of
tax-exempt  interest  earned  during  the  year.  Federally  tax-exempt  income,
including  income on Units  of the Trusts,  will be taken  into consideration in
computing the portion, if any, of social security benefits received that will be
included in a taxpayer's gross income subject to the Federal income tax.
 
    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.) It  should  be  noted  that  under
provisions  of the Revenue Reconciliation Act  of 1993 (the "Tax Act") described
below that subject accretion of market discount on tax-exempt bonds to  taxation
as  ordinary income,  gain realized on  the sale  or redemption of  Bonds by the
Trustee or of Units by a Unitholder that would have been treated as capital gain
under prior law is treated as ordinary  income to the extent it is  attributable
to  accretion of market discount.  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.
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
 
    (1) the  Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for Federal
        income tax purposes. Tax-exempt interest received by each of the  Trusts
        on  Bonds  deposited  therein  will  retain  its  status  as  tax-exempt
        interest, for Federal income tax  purposes, when received by the  Trusts
        and  when distributed  to the  Unitholders, except  that the alternative
        minimum tax and  environmental tax (the  "Superfund Tax") applicable  to
        corporate  Unitholders  may, in  certain  circumstances, include  in the
        amount on which  such taxes  are calculated  a portion  of the  interest
        income  received by  the Trust. 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 such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and will have a taxable event
        when the Trust  disposes of  a Bond or  when the  Unitholder redeems  or
        sells  Units. Unitholders must  reduce the tax basis  of their Units for
        their share of accrued interest received by the Trust, if any, on  Bonds
        delivered  after  the  date the  Unitholders  pay for  their  Units 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. 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 earned 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  date of acquisition of the Units.
        The  tax  cost   reduction  requirements  of   said  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 equal to their original cost; and
 
    (3) any  amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under policies
        of insurance issued with respect to  such Bonds will be excludable  from
        Federal  gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would
        have been so excludable if
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        paid by the respective issuer 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. Paragraph (2) of this opinion is accordingly applicable to policy
        proceeds representing maturing interest.
 
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 Section 3.
 
    ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL, STATE OR
OTHER TAXES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
 
    The  redemption of Units in a Trust by  a Unitholder would result in each of
the remaining Unitholders of said Trust owning a greater proportionate  interest
in  the remaining assets of  said Trust. Although present  law does not directly
address this matter, it  would appear reasonable  that a remaining  Unitholder's
tax  basis in his  Units would include  his proportionate share  of any proceeds
received by the Trust on the sale of bonds which were not distributed to him but
were instead used by  the Trust to redeem  Units and that his  tax basis in  the
remaining  assets of the Trust  would accordingly be increased  by such share of
proceeds, based on the relative fair market value of the remaining assets of the
Trust as of the date of such redemption.
 
    Sections 1288 and 1272 of 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").  The
application  of these rules will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on
the date a Unitholder acquires his Units, and the price the Unitholder pays  for
his  Units. The  accrual of  tax-exempt original  issue discount  on zero coupon
bonds and other original issue discount bonds will result in an increase in  the
Unitholder's  basis in  such obligations and,  accordingly, in his  basis in his
Units.
 
    The 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). Under  the
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.
 
    The Internal Revenue Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase  or carry  obligations, the  interest on  which is  wholly
exempt from Federal
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
income  taxes, is not deductible. Because each Unitholder is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as the owner of a  pro rata share of the Bonds owned by  the
applicable  Trust, interest on borrowed funds used to purchase or carry Units of
such Trust will not be deductible  for Federal income tax purposes. Under  rules
used  by the  Internal Revenue Service  for determining when  borrowed funds are
considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the
purchase of Units may be considered to  have been made with borrowed funds  even
though  the borrowed funds are  not directly traceable to  the purchase of Units
(however, these rules generally  do not apply to  interest paid on  indebtedness
incurred  to  purchase  or  improve a  personal  residence).  Similar  rules are
generally applicable for state tax purposes. Special rules apply in the case  of
certain  financial  institutions that  acquire  Units. Investors  with questions
regarding these issues should consult with their tax advisers.
 
    In general,  each  issue  of bonds  in  the  Trusts is  subject  to  certain
post-issuance  requirements which must be  met in order for  the interest on the
Bonds to be and remain exempt from Federal income taxation. Bond counsel to each
issuer generally has opined that, assuming continuing compliance by such issuers
with certain covenants, interest on such  Bonds will continue to be exempt  from
Federal income taxation (other than with respect to the application to corporate
Unitholders  of the alternative  minimum tax or the  Superfund Tax, as discussed
below).
 
    For purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals  and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
 
    For  taxpayers  other than  corporations,  net capital  gains  are presently
subject to a maximum tax  rate of 28 percent. However,  it should be noted  that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and
could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are
taxed.
 
    CERTAIN  TAX MATTERS  APPLICABLE TO  CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS.  In the  case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum  tax and the Superfund Tax  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 and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other  than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC)  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  operation loss  deduction).  Although tax-exempt
interest received by each of the Trusts  on Bonds deposited therein will not  be
included  in the gross  income of corporations for  Federal income tax purposes,
"adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including interest
on all Bonds in the Trust and tax-exempt original issue discount.
 
    Corporate Unitholders  are urged  to  consult their  own tax  advisers  with
respect  to the particular tax consequences  to them resulting under the Federal
tax law, including the corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax  and
the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
 
    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE AND IN SECTION  3, THE EXEMPTION OF INTEREST ON STATE
AND LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME TAX  PURPOSES 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.
 
12.  WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No annual advisory fee is charged the  Trusts by the Sponsor. The Sponsor  does,
however,  receive a fee  of $0.17 per  annum per $1,000  principal amount of the
underlying Bonds in
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
each Trust for regularly evaluating  the Bonds and for maintaining  surveillance
over the portfolio. (See Section 16.)
 
    The  Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for each
plan of  distribution for  each Trust  as set  forth in  "Essential  Information
Regarding  the Trusts." 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. 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)  and
may be further adjusted in accordance with the cumulative percentage increase of
the  United  States Department  of Labor's  Consumer  Price Index  entitled "All
Services Less Rent" since the establishment  of the Trusts. 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 Fund 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 Sponsor has borne all costs of creating and establishing the Trusts. The
following are  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.
 
    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.
 
13.  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
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
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.
 
    Details  of distributions  per Unit  of each  Trust under  the various plans
based upon estimated Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit are shown
in the tables appearing  in Section 3. The  amount of the regular  distributions
will  remain the same so long as each  Trust portfolio remains the same and fees
and expenses remain the same, and will generally change when Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
    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 Section 18.) If no notice is received in proper form by the
Trustee,  the Unitholder  will be  deemed to have  elected to  continue the same
plan.
 
    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 the
Trust's assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part  of
such amounts to the appropriate account.
 
    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
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
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  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. (See Section 19.)
 
    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.
 
14.  ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The  Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal underwriter
of the  Nuveen Municipal  Bond Fund,  Inc. (the  "Bond Fund"),  Nuveen  Tax-Free
Reserves, Inc. ("Tax-Free Reserves"), Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (the
"California  Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free  Bond Fund,  Inc. ("Tax-Free  Bond Fund"),
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free  Bond Fund, Inc.  (the "Insured Bond  Fund") and  Nuveen
Tax-Free  Money  Market Fund,  Inc.  (the "Money  Market  Fund") and  the Nuveen
Multistate  Tax-Free  Trust  (the  "Multistate  Trust").  Each  of  these  funds
(together,  the  "Accumulation Funds")  is  an open-end,  diversified management
investment  company  into  which  Unitholders  may  choose  to  reinvest   Trust
distributions  automatically,  without any  sales  charge. (Reinvestment  in the
California Fund is available only  to Unitholders who are California  residents.
Reinvestment in the State Portfolios of the Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Insured Bond
Fund,  the  Money Market  Fund and  the  Multistate Trust  is available  only to
Unitholders who  are residents  of  the states  for  which such  portfolios  are
named.)  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 Nuveen  Advisory Corp.,  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of  the  Sponsor. The  following  is  a general  description  of the
investment objectives  and  policies  of  each Accumulation  Fund.  For  a  more
detailed description, Unitholders should read the prospectus of the Accumulation
Fund in which they are interested.
 
THE BOND FUND
 
    The  Bond  Fund has  the  objective of  providing,  through investment  in a
professionally managed portfolio of long-term  municipal bonds, as high a  level
of  current interest income exempt from Federal income tax as is consistent with
preservation of capital. The Bond Fund  may include in its portfolio  tax-exempt
bonds  rated Baa or BBB or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, unrated bonds
which, in the  opinion of  the investment adviser,  have credit  characteristics
equivalent  to  bonds  rated  Baa  or  BBB  or  better,  and  certain  temporary
investments, including securities the interest income from which may be  subject
to Federal income tax.
 
TAX-FREE RESERVES
 
    Tax-Free  Reserves is a  "money market" fund that  includes in its portfolio
only obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  acquisition,
maintains an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or less, values its
portfolio at amortized cost and seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per
share. It provides checkwriting and expedited wire redemption privileges for its
shareholders.   Tax-Free  Reserves  has  the  objective  of  providing,  through
investment in  a professionally  managed portfolio  of high  quality  short-term
municipal  obligations, as high  a level of current  interest income exempt from
Federal income  tax  as is  consistent  with  preservation of  capital  and  the
maintenance of liquidity. Tax-Free
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
Reserves  may  include in  its portfolio  municipal  obligations rated  Aaa, Aa,
MIG-1, VMIG-1  or Prime-1  by Moody's  or AAA,  AA, SP-1  or A-1  by Standard  &
Poor's,  unrated municipal  obligations that, in  the opinion  of the investment
adviser, have credit characteristics equivalent  to obligations rated as  above,
tax-exempt  obligations backed by the U.S. Government, and temporary investments
that may be subject to Federal income tax.
 
THE CALIFORNIA FUND
 
    The California Fund has  the objective of  providing, through investment  in
professionally managed portfolios of California municipal obligations, as high a
level  of current interest income exempt from both Federal and California income
taxes as is consistent with the investment policies of each of the portfolios of
the California Fund  and with  preservation of  capital. Each  portfolio of  the
California  Fund may include  temporary investments that may  be subject to tax.
California Unitholders may reinvest in one of three portfolios of the California
Fund: The Nuveen California Tax-Free  Value Fund, the Nuveen California  Insured
Tax-Free Value Fund and the Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
 
    The  Nuveen California  Tax-Free Value  Fund invests  primarily in long-term
investment grade  California tax-exempt  bonds (I.E.,  bonds rated  in the  four
highest  categories by Moody's  or Standard &  Poor's or, if  unrated, that have
equivalent credit characteristics). The Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value
Fund invests  primarily in  the same  type of  investments as  the Special  Bond
Portfolio, each of which is covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
of  principal  and  interest  or  is backed  by  a  deposit  of  U.S. Government
securities.
 
    The Nuveen  California  Tax-Free  Money Market  Fund  invests  primarily  in
high-quality  short term  California tax-exempt money  market instruments (I.E.,
obligations rated in the two highest categories by Moody's or Standard &  Poor's
or,  if unrated,  that have  equivalent credit  characteristics). This portfolio
will include  only  obligations  maturing  within one  year  from  the  date  of
acquisition, will maintain an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or
less, will value its portfolio at amortized cost and will seek to maintain a net
asset value of $1.00 per share. The Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
provides for an expedited wire redemption privilege.
 
THE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
 
    The  Tax-Free Bond Fund consists of  the Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value
Fund, the Nuveen New  York Tax-Free Value Fund,  the Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free  Value
Fund,  and the Nuveen New  Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund,  which are each available
for reinvestment to Unitholders  who are residents of  the state for which  such
portfolio  is  named. The  Tax-Free Bond  Fund has  the objective  of providing,
through investment in a professionally managed portfolio of municipal bonds,  as
high  a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal income tax and
from the  income  tax  imposed  by  each  portfolio's  designated  state  as  is
consistent  with preservation of capital. The  Tax-Free Bond Fund may include in
each of its  portfolios tax-exempt  bonds rated Baa  or BBB  or better;  unrated
bonds   which,  in   the  opinion  of   the  investment   adviser,  have  credit
characteristics equivalent to  bonds rated  Baa or  BBB or  better; and  certain
temporary  investments, including securities the  interest income from which may
be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE INSURED BOND FUND
 
    The Insured Bond Fund  consists of the Nuveen  Insured Municipal Bond  Fund,
the  Nuveen Massachusetts  Insured Tax-Free Value  Fund and the  Nuveen New York
Insured Tax-Free  Value  Fund, which  are  each available  for  reinvestment  to
Unitholders.  (The Massachusetts and  New York Portfolios  are available only to
those Unitholders who are residents of the
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
state for which the portfolio is named.) The Insured Bond Fund has the objective
of  providing,  through  investment  in  professionally  managed  portfolios  of
municipal  bonds, as high  a level of  current interest income  exempt from both
Federal income tax  and, in the  case of designated  state portfolios, from  the
income  tax imposed by each portfolio's  designated state, as is consistent with
preservation of  capital. The  Insured Bond  Fund  may include  in each  of  its
portfolios the same type of investments as the Tax-Free Bond Fund, each of which
is  covered  by  insurance  guaranteeing the  timely  payment  of  principal and
interest or is backed by a deposit of U.S. Government securities.
 
THE MONEY MARKET FUND
 
    The Money Market Fund  consists of the  Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free  Money
Market  Fund and the Nuveen New York  Tax-Free Money Market Fund, which are each
available for reinvestment  to Unitholders who  are residents of  the state  for
which  such portfolio is named. The Money Market Fund includes in its portfolios
only obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  acquisition,
maintains  an average  maturity of  120 days or  less, values  its portfolios at
amortized cost and seeks to maintain a  net asset value of $1.00 per share.  The
Money  Market  Fund  has  the  objective  of  providing,  through  investment in
professionally  managed  portfolios   of  high   quality  short-term   municipal
obligations, as high a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal
income  tax and from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's designated state
as is consistent with stability of  principal and the maintenance of  liquidity.
The  Money  Market  Fund  may  include  in  each  of  its  portfolios  municipal
obligations rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, MIG-2, VMIG-1,  VMIG-2, Prime 1 or Prime 2  by
Moody's  or  AAA, AA,  SP-1,  SP-2, A-1  or A-2  by  Standard &  Poor's; unrated
municipal obligations  that, in  the  opinion of  the investment  adviser,  have
credit  characteristics equivalent to obligations  rated as above; and temporary
investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE MULTISTATE TRUST
 
    The Multistate Trust consists of the Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value  Fund,
the  Nuveen Pennsylvania  Tax-Free Value Fund  and the Nuveen  Virginia Tax Free
Value Fund, which  are each available  for reinvestment to  Unitholders who  are
residents  of the state for which such  portfolio is named. The Multistate Trust
has the objective of providing,  through investment in a professionally  managed
portfolio  of municipal bonds, as high a level of current interest income exempt
from both regular Federal  income tax and the  applicable state personal  income
tax  as is  consistent with  preservation of  capital. The  Multistate Trust may
include in  each of  its portfolios  tax-exempt bonds  rated "Baa"  or "BBB"  or
better,  unrated bonds  which, in  the opinion  of the  investment advisor, have
credit characteristics  equivalent to  bonds  rated "baa"  or "BBB"  or  better,
limited  to  no more  than 20%  of  the Multistate  Trust's assets,  and certain
temporary investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
    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
Shareholder  Services, Inc., 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
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
value as  computed  as  of  4:00  p.m. eastern  time  on  each  such  date.  All
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.
 
    Shareholder Services, Inc. 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  Shareholder Services,  Inc. 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.
 
15.  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 and, if any, 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.
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
16.  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 the 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.
 
17.  HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated is the Sponsor and 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, 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.
 
    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
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                 NATIONAL    LONG INTER-                  SHORT INTER-
                                AND STATE      MEDIATE     INTERMEDIATE      MEDIATE     SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS*                  TRUSTS       TRUSTS         TRUSTS         TRUSTS        TRUSTS
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
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.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
    The Sponsor currently intends  to maintain a secondary  market for Units  of
each  Trust. See  Section 7.  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 Section 6, 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*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                        $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
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
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.
 
    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  primary or
secondary market purchases in which an investor purchases any number of Units at
the Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint purchases minus the concession  the
sponsor  typically allows  to brokers  and dealers  for non-breakpoint purchases
(see Section 6).
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
18.  OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
 
The ownership of  Units is  evidenced by book  entry positions  recorded on  the
books  and records of the Trustee  unless the Unitholder expressly requests that
the purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. 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
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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 corporate  trust office in New  York
City, 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.
 
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.
 
    The indemnification protects the  Trustee, Sponsor, and  Trust from risk  if
the original Certificate is presented for transfer or redemption by a person who
purchased  it  in good  faith,  for value  and without  notice  of any  fraud or
irregularity.
 
    This indemnification  must  be  in the  form  of  an Open  Penalty  Bond  of
Indemnification.  The premium for such  an indemnity bond may  vary from time to
time, 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.
 
19.  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  corporate trust office in New York City (redemptions of 1,000 Units or more
will require a signature guarantee), (2) in the
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
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  in Section  18 above,  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. In order to effect a redemption  of Units evidenced by a Certificate,  a
Unitholder  must tender the  Certificate to the  Trustee or provide satisfactory
indemnity required in  connection with  lost, stolen  or destroyed  Certificates
(See  Section 18). 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 person.  If the telephone  redemption request is  received prior to  4:00
p.m.  eastern time,  the Unitholder  will be entitled  to receive  for each Unit
tendered the  Redemption  Price  as determined  above.  A  telephone  redemption
request  received after 4:00  p.m. eastern time  will be treated  as having been
received the  following business  day. The  redemption proceeds  will be  mailed
within seven calendar days following the telephone redemption request. Telephone
redemptions  are limited to 1,000 Units or less.  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 seventh calendar day following the date of tender, or if the  seventh
calendar day is not a business day, on the first business day prior thereto, 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 on the date of  tender as defined hereafter, plus accrued  interest
to,  but  not  including,  the  fifth 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. Such  value will vary  with market  and credit  conditions,
including  changes in  interest rate levels.  Unitholders should  check with the
Trustee or  their broker  to  determine the  Redemption Price  before  tendering
Units.
 
    While the Trustee has the power to determine Redemption Price when Units are
tendered,  the authority has by  practice been delegated by  the Trustee to John
Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, which  determines the  Redemption Price  on a  daily
basis.
 
    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 on any day
on  which the New York  Stock Exchange (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 Section 21.) Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    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 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% to  2%  of
principal  amount in the case of Bonds  in National, Long Intermediate and State
Trusts, 3/4%  to  1  1/2% in  the  case  of Bonds  in  Intermediate,  and  Short
Intermediate  Trusts and 1/2% to 3/4% in the case of Bonds in Short Term Trusts.
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%. The difference between the aggregate offering prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust  and the aggregate  bid prices thereof  on the business day
prior to  the Date  of Deposit  is shown  in the  discussion of  specific  trust
matters.
 
    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 31% 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."
 
20.  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 Section 19.) 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.
 
    The Public Offering  Price upon  resale of any  Units thus  acquired by  the
Sponsor  will be  calculated in accordance  with the procedure  described in the
then currently effective prospectus relating to such Units. Any profit resulting
from the resale of  such Units will  belong to the  Sponsor which likewise  will
bear  any loss resulting from a lower  Public Offering Price or Redemption Price
subsequent to its acquisition of such Units.
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
21.  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  the "Schedules  of Investments"  and "General  Trust  Information"
under Section 3 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.
 
    In connection with its  determination as to the  sale or liquidation of  any
Bonds,  the Sponsor  will consider the  Bond's then current  rating, but because
such ratings are the opinions of the rating agencies as to the quality of  Bonds
they  undertake to rate and not absolute  standards of quality, the Sponsor will
exercise its independent judgment as to Bond creditworthiness.
 
    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 Section 4 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.
 
22.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The Trustee is United States Trust Company of New York, with its principal place
of business at 114 West 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 and its  corporate
trust  office at  770 Broadway,  New York, New  York 10003.  United States Trust
Company of New York, established in  1853, has, since its organization,  engaged
primarily  in the  management of trust  and agency accounts  for individuals and
corporations. The Trustee is a member of the New York Clearing House Association
and is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of Banks  of
the  State of New York, the Federal  Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve  System. In connection with the storage  and
handling  of certain  Bonds deposited  in the  Trusts, the  Trustee may  use the
services of The
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
Depository Trust Company. These services would include safekeeping of the  Bonds
and  coupon-clipping,  computer book-entry  transfer and  institutional delivery
services. The  Depository  Trust Company  is  a limited  purpose  trust  company
organized  under the  Banking Law  of the  State of  New York,  a member  of the
Federal Reserve System  and a  clearing agency registered  under the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
 
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.
 
23.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Sponsor and Underwriter, was founded in 1898
and is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking  firm specializing  in  the
underwriting and distribution of tax-exempt securities and maintains the largest
research  department in the investment  banking community devoted exclusively to
the analysis of municipal securities. In  1961 the Sponsor began sponsoring  the
Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and, since this  time, it has issued more than $30
billion  in   tax-exempt   unit   trusts,   including   over   $8   billion   in
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
insured  trusts.  The  Sponsor  is  also  principal  underwriter  of  the Nuveen
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc., Nuveen
Tax-Free Reserves, Inc., Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Tax-Free
Bond  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured Tax-Free  Bond Fund, Inc.  and Nuveen Tax-Free
Money  Market  Fund,  Inc.,   all  registered  open-end  management   investment
companies,  and acted as co-managing underwriter of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund,
Inc., Nuveen California Municipal  Value Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New York  Municipal
Value  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Municipal  Income  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  California
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen New York Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen
Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Performance  Plus Municipal  Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen California Performance Plus Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen New York
Performance Plus Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Municipal Advantage Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  Municipal  Market Opportunity  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  California Municipal
Market Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New  York Municipal  Market  Opportunity
Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Investment  Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen California
Investment Quality  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  New York  Investment  Quality
Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Insured Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen
Florida  Investment  Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Investment
Quality  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen New  Jersey Investment  Quality Municipal Fund,
Inc., and  the Nuveen  Select Quality  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  California
Quality  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New  York Select  Quality Municipal Fund,
Inc., Nuveen  Quality  Income Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured  Municipal
Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Florida  Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen
Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New Jersey Quality  Income
Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Ohio Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen
Pennsylvania  Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Texas  Quality   Income
Municipal  Fund, Nuveen California  Quality Income Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen
New York Quality Income Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier Insured  Municipal
Income  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Select Tax Free Income  Portfolio, Nuveen Select Tax
Free Income  Portfolio  2,  Nuveen Insured  California  Select  Tax-Free  Income
Portfolio,  Nuveen  Insured New  York Select  Tax-Free Income  Portfolio, Nuveen
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.,  Nuveen Select Tax Free Income  Portfolio
3,  Nuveen Select Maturities  Municipal Fund, Nuveen  Insured California Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen Insured  Premium  Income Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured  Florida
Premium  Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Michigan Premium  Income Municipal Fund,
Inc., Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured  New
York  Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Ohio Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Pennsylvania  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen  Texas
Premium  Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Premium  Income Municipal  Fund 4, Inc.,
Nuveen Pennsylvania  Premium Income  Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen  Insured  Florida
Premium  Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Virginia  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Massachusetts  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured  California Premium Income Municipal Fund
2, Inc., Nuveen  Insured New York  Premium Income Municipal  Fund 2, Nuveen  New
Jersey  Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund  2,  Nuveen  Washington  Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen  Georgia
Premium  Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Missouri Premium  Income Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen North Carolina  Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen
Florida  Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New York Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Nuveen  California  Premium  Income Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania
Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen Maryland Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen
Virginia  Premium Income Municipal Fund 2,  Nuveen Ohio Premium Income Municipal
Fund   2,   Nuveen   Insured   Premium   Income   Municipal   Fund   2,   Nuveen
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
California Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, all registered closed-end management
investment  companies.  These  registered  open-end  and  closed-end  investment
companies currently have  approximately $32.8 billion  in tax-exempt  securities
under  management.  Nationwide, more  than  1,000,000 individual  investors have
purchased Nuveen's  tax exempt  trusts and  funds. The  present corporation  was
organized  in 1967 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Corporation, successor
to the original John Nuveen & Co.  founded in 1898 as a sole proprietorship  and
incorporated  in  1953.  In  1974,  John  Nuveen  &  Co.  Incorporated  became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The  St. Paul Companies,  Inc., a financial  services
management  company  located in  St. Paul,  Minnesota. On  May 19,  1992, common
shares comprising a  minority interest  in The  John Nuveen  Company ("JNC"),  a
newly  organized corporation which holds all of  the shares of Nuveen, were sold
to the  general  public  in an  initial  public  offering. St.  Paul  retains  a
controlling  interest in  JNC with over  70% of  JNC's shares. The  Sponsor is a
member  of  the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  and  the
Securities Industry Association and has its principal offices located in Chicago
(333  W. Wacker Drive) and New York (Swiss  Bank Tower, 10 East 50th Street). It
maintains 14 regional offices.
 
24.  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 Section 4 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 Regarding the Trusts.") 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 the Trust maintained by the
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
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
under  Section 3. 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  Statements of Condition and Schedules of Investments at Date of Deposit
included  in  this  Prospectus  have  been  audited  by  Arthur  Andersen   LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report in this Prospectus,
and  are included herein in reliance upon  the authority of said firm as experts
in giving said report.
 
                                      A-38
<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.
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>
    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.
 
RATINGS OF INSURED TRUST UNITS.
 
    A Standard  &  Poor's  Corporation's  rating on  the  units  of  an  insured
investment  trust (hereinafter referred to collectively as "units" and "trusts")
is a current assessment of creditworthiness with respect to the investment  held
by  such trust. This assessment takes  into consideration the financial capacity
of the  issuers and  of any  guarantors, insurers,  lessees or  mortgagors  with
respect to such investments. The assessment, however, does not take into account
the  extent to which trust  expenses or portfolio asset  sales for less than the
trust purchase price will reduce payment  to the unitholder of the interest  and
principal  required to be paid on the  portfolio assets. In addition, the rating
is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold units, inasmuch as the  rating
does not comment as to market price of the units or suitability for a particular
investor.
 
    Units rated "AAA" are composed exclusively of assets that are rated "AAA" by
Standard  &  Poor's and/or  certain  short-term investments.  Standard  & Poor's
defines its  AAA  rating for  such  assets as  the  highest rating  assigned  by
Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt obligation.  Capacity to  pay interest  and repay
principal is very strong.  However, unit ratings may  be subject to revision  or
withdrawal  at any time by Standard & Poor's and each rating should be evaluated
independently of any other rating.
 
    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,
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
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>
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.
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>
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                                      A-42
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-43
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-44
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                <S>        <C>
           NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
                           PROSPECTUS
                           175,000 Units
                           Maryland Traditional Trust
                           301
                           California Insured Trust 235
                           Florida Insured Trust 200
                           Massachusetts Insured Trust
                           120
                           New York Insured Trust 226
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                 <S>        <C>
            NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
           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             United States Trust Company
                               of New York
                               770 Broadway
                               New York, NY 10003
                               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>
 
   Except as to statements made herein furnished by the Trustee, the Trustee has
   assumed  no responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy and completeness of the
   information contained in this Prospectus.
                   This Prospectus does not contain  all of the information  set
   forth in the registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, filed with
   the   Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,   Washington,  D.C.,  under  the
   Securities Act of 1933, and to which reference is made.
                   No person is authorized  to give any  information or to  make
   representations  not contained in  this Prospectus or  in supplementary sales
   literature prepared by the Sponsor, and any information or representation not
   contained therein must not be relied upon as having been authorized by either
   the Trusts, the Trustee or the  Sponsor. This Prospectus does not  constitute
   an  offer to sell,  or a solicitation of  an offer to  buy, securities in any
   State to any  person to  whom it is  not lawful  to make such  offer in  such
   state.  The  Trusts  are registered  as  a  Unit Investment  Trust  under the
   Investment Company Act  of 1940. Such  registration does not  imply that  the
   Trusts  or any of their Units  has been guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or
   approved by the United States or any State or agency or officer thereof.
 
   
   766
    
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Maryland
Traditional Trust 301 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated November 16,
1994 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Oct-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Oct-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,182,476
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,198,648
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        59,144
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,257,792
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            59,144
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  59,144
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,198,648
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 91.39
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This   schedule  contains  summary  financial  information  extracted  from  the
California Insured  Trust 235  which  is incorporated  in the  Prospectus  dated
November  16,  1994  and is  qualified  in  its entirety  by  reference  to such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Oct-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Oct-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             2,968,772
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            2,980,110
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        38,724
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,018,834
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            38,724
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  38,724
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      2,980,110
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 85.15
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This  schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Florida
Insured Trust 200  which is incorporated  in the Prospectus  dated November  16,
1994 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Oct-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Oct-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,068,031
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,077,730
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        37,142
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,114,872
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            37,142
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  37,142
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,077,730
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 87.94
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This   schedule  contains  summary  financial  information  extracted  from  the
Massachusetts Insured Trust 120  which is incorporated  in the Prospectus  dated
November  16,  1994  and is  qualified  in  its entirety  by  reference  to such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Oct-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Oct-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,063,576
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,078,431
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        46,430
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,124,861
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            46,430
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  46,430
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,078,431
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 87.96
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the New York
Insured  Trust 226  which is incorporated  in the Prospectus  dated November 16,
1994 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Oct-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Oct-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,122,719
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,142,177
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        44,272
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,186,449
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            44,272
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  44,272
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,142,177
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 89.78
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>

Statement of differences between electronic filing and printed document.
   Pursuant to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule
20-11 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant hereby identifies
those differences in the foregoing document between the electronic format in
which it is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
   (1) The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently
because the printed document may contain a different amount of information on
each page from that contained in the electronic transmission.
   (2) On the cover page, in the index and on the last page of the printed
document, solid vertical bars will appear.
   (3) In the printed document, footnote symbols may include a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger".  The "dagger" symbol is represented as # in the electronic
document.
   (4) The printed and distributed prospectus will not  contain the
preliminary prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first
prospectus page.


<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:

    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                     AMOUNT

    United Pacific Insurance Co.                           $10,000,000
    Reliance Insurance Company
    B 74 92 20

    Aetna Casualty and Surety                              $10,000,000
    08 F10618BCA

    St. Paul Insurance Co.                                 $ 6,000,000
    400 HC 1051

B.  This amendment of Registration Statement comprises the following papers 
and documents:

              The facing sheet
              The Prospectus

              The signatures

              Consents of Independent Public
              Accountants and Counsel as indicated

              Exhibits as listed on page S-5


<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

    The Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766 hereby
identifies Series 401, 507, 512, 515, 517, 519 and 723 of the Nuveen 
Tax-Exempt Unit Trust for purposes of the representations required by 
Rule 487 and represents the following:

    (1) that the portfolio securities deposited in the series as to the
securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed do not differ
materially in type or quality from those deposited in such previous series;

    (2) that, except to the extent necessary to identify the specific
portfolio securities deposited in, and to provide essential financial
information for, the series with respect to the securities of which this
Registration Statement is being filed, this Registration Statement does not
contain disclosures that differ in any material respect from those contained
in the registration statements for such previous series as to which the
effective date was determined by the Commission or the staff; and

    (3) that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of 1933.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766 has duly caused this
Amendment of Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of
Illinois on 11/16/94.

 
                                NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766
                                (Registrant)

                                By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                (Depositor)


                       
                                By: Larry Woods Martin
                                    _________________________________
                                    Vice President


                        
                           Attest:  Morrison C. Warren
                                    __________________________________
                                    Assistant Secretary


<PAGE>

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


    SIGNATURE                     TITLE*                       DATE

Richard J. Franke       Chairman, Board of Directors  )
                        Chief Executive Officer and   )
                        Director                      )
                                                      )
Donald E. Sveen         President, Chief Operating    )
                        Officer and Director          )
                                                      )
                                             
Anthony T. Dean         Executive Vice President      ) Larry Woods Martin
                        and Director                  ) Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                      )
Timothy T. Schwertfeger Executive Vice President      )
                        and Director                  )

O. Walter Renfftlen     Vice President and Controller )
                        (Principal Accounting Officer))
                                                      )
                                                      )11/16/94
___________________

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

**The powers of attorney were filed on Form SE for Messrs. Franke, 
Sveen, Renfftlen, Dean and Schwertfeger with the Amendment to the 
Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, 
Series 671 (File No. 33-49175). 



<PAGE>

766

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this
Registration Statement.

                                 
                                            Arthur Andersen LLP
Chicago, Illinois
11/16/94


                         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 is contained in its opinions filed by
this amendment as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Registration Statement.

                            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 
are contained in their opinions filed by this amendment as Exhibit 3.3 to the
Registration Statement.

                   CONSENT OF STANDARD + POOR'S CORPORATION

    The consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation to the use of its name in
the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed by this
amendment as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.

                   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 is filed by this amendment 
as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement.

                      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 is filed by this amendment 
as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement.

<PAGE>

                                LIST OF EXHIBITS


1.1 (a)  Copy of Trust Indenture and Agreement between John Nuveen &
         Co. Incorporated, Depositor, and United States Trust Company of
         New York, Trustee (as Exibit 1.1 (a) to the Sponsor's Registration
         Statement on Form S-6 relating to Series 723 of the Fund (file No.
         33-52527) and incorporated herein by reference).

1.1 (b)  Schedules to the Trust Indenture and Agreement.

2.1      Copy of Certificate of Ownership (Included in Exhibit 1.1(a) on
         pages 2 to 8, inclusive, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.1      Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

3.2      Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities
         being registered.

3.3      Opinions of special state counsel to the Fund for state tax matters
         as to income tax status to residents of the respective states of the
         units of the respective trusts and consents to the use of their names
         in the Prospectus.

4.1      Consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation.

4.2      Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services.

4.3      Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn.

                                                                      
<PAGE>                                                                        
                                                                              
Exhibit 1.1(b)                                                                
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                 SCHEDULE A                                   
                                                                              
                                                                              
Series 766                                           November 16, 1994        
                                                                              
Item 1.  This Indenture relates to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust           
         Series 766.                                                          
                                                                              
Item 2.  The date of this Indenture is November 16, 1994.                     
                                                                              
Item 3.  Series 766 shall initially contain Trusts as follows:                
                                                                              
         (a)   Maryland Traditional Trust 301                                 
         (b)   California Insured Trust 235                                   
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust 200                                      
         (d)   Massachusetts Insured Trust 120                                
         (e)   New York Insured Trust 226                                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 4.  Each Trust shall initially consist of the following number of Units: 
                                                                              
         (a)   Maryland Traditional Trust               35,000 Units          
         (b)   California Insured Trust                 35,000 Units          
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust                    35,000 Units          
         (d)   Massachusetts Insured Trust              35,000 Units          
         (e)   New York Insured Trust                   35,000 Units          
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 5.  (a) The amount of the second distribution from the Interest          
             Account of the respective Trusts will be as follows:             
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Maryland Traditional Trust              $ .7443 per Unit       
         ( 2)  California Insured Trust                $ .7101 per Unit       
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   $ .7186 per Unit       
         ( 4)  Massachusetts Insured Trust             $ .7159 per Unit       
         ( 5)  New York Insured Trust                  $ .7429 per Unit       
                                                                              
         (b) The date of the second distribution from the Interest Account    
             of the respective Trusts will be as follows:                     
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Maryland Traditional Trust              January 15, 1995       
         ( 2)  California Insured Trust                January 15, 1995       
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   January 15, 1995       
         ( 4)  Massachusetts Insured Trust             January 15, 1995       
         ( 5)  New York Insured Trust                  January 15, 1995       
                                                                              
         (c) The record date for the second distribution from the             
             Interest Account of the respective Trusts will be as             
             follows:                                                         
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Maryland Traditional Trust              January 1, 1995        
         ( 2)  California Insured Trust                January 1, 1995        
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   January 1, 1995        
         ( 4)  Massachusetts Insured Trust             January 1, 1995        
         ( 5)  New York Insured Trust                  January 1, 1995        
                                                                              
                                                                              
         PAGE 2                                                               
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 6.  Record dates for subsequent semi-annual distributions from the       
         Interest Account for each of the respective Trusts will be the 1st   
         day of May and November of each year.                                
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 7.  (a) Record date for distibution from the Principal Account of each   
             of the respective Trusts will be the first day of May and        
             November of each year.                                           
                                                                              
         (b) The first record date for distributions from the Principal       
             Account of each of the respective Trusts will be                 
             May 1, 1995.                                                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 8.  The Trust shall in no event continue beyond the end of the calendar  
         year preceding the fiftieth anniversary of the execution of this     
         Indenture 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 and beyond the end of  
         the calendar year preceding the tenth anniversary of its execution   
         for Short Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.                        
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 9.  Quarterly distributions from the Interest Account of the respective  
         Trusts will be computed as of the 1st day of February, May, August,  
         and November.                                                        
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 10. Certain deductions from the Interest Account by the Trustee          
         will commence as follows:                                            
                                                                              
         (a)   Maryland Traditional Trust              January 1, 1995        
         (b)   California Insured Trust                January 1, 1995        
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust                   January 1, 1995        
         (d)   Massachusetts Insured Trust             January 1, 1995        
         (e)   New York Insured Trust                  January 1, 1995        
                                                                              
Item 11. (a)  For services performed prior to the date indicated in           
              Item 5(c) of this Schedule A, the Trustee shall be paid at      
              the following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount       
              of Bonds:                                                       
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Maryland Traditional Trust              $1.7052                
         ( 2)  California Insured Trust                $1.8104                
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   $1.795                 
         ( 4)  Massachusetts Insured Trust             $1.7658                
         ( 5)  New York Insured Trust                  $1.8273                
                                                                              
         (b)  For services performed on or after the date indicated in        
              Item 5(c) of this Schedule A, the Trustee shall be paid at      
              the following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount       
              of Bonds:                                                       
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Maryland Traditional Trust                                     
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.7052          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3852          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1952          
                                                                              
         ( 2)  California Insured Trust                                       
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.8104          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.4904          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.3004          
                                                                              
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                                          
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.795           
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.475           
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.285           
                                                                              
         ( 4)  Massachusetts Insured Trust                                    
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.7658          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.4458          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.2558          
                                                                              
         ( 5)  New York Insured Trust                                         
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.8273          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.5073          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.3173          
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                            ADDITIONAL SCHEDULES                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                         BONDS INITIALLY DEPOSITED                            
                                                                              
                  NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 766                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
Incorporated herein and made a part hereof as indicated below are the         
following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount of Bonds:               
corresponding portions of the 'Schedules of Investments at Date of Deposit'   
contained in the Prospectus dated the Date of Deposit and relating to the     
above-named Series:                                                           
                                                                              
         Schedule B:  Maryland Traditional Trust 301                          
         Schedule C:  California Insured Trust 235                            
         Schedule D:  Florida Insured Trust 200                               
         Schedule E:  Massachusetts Insured Trust 120                         
         Schedule F:  New York Insured Trust 226                              


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.1

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94


John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 766 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), in connection
with the issuance under the Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the date 
hereof between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, as Depositor, and United 
States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, of Units of fractional 
undivided interest in the one or more Trusts of said Fund (hereinafter 
referred to as the "Units").
 
    In connection therewith, we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.

    Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

   1.   The execution and delivery of the Trust Indenture and Agreement and
the establishment of book entry positions and the execution and issuance of 
certificates evidencing the Units in the Trusts of the Fund have been duly 
authorized; and

    2.   The book entry positions and certificates positions evidencing the 
Units in the Trusts of the Fund when duly executed and delivered or duly 
established by the Depositor and the Trustee in accordance with the 
aforementioned Trust Indenture and Agreement, will constitute valid and 
binding obligations of such Trusts and the Depositor in accordance with the 
terms thereof.

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-55907) relating to the Units referred
to above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

Respectfully submitted,



CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.2

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94

John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 766 (the "Fund") in connection with the issuance under the
Trust Indenture and Agreement, dated the date hereof between John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor, and United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee, of Units of fractional undivided interest (the "Units"), as evidenced
by a book entry position or certificate, if requested by the purchaser of 
Units, in the one or more Trusts of said Fund.

    We have also served as counsel for you in connection with all previous
Series of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and as such have previously 
examined such pertinent records and documents and matters of law as we have 
deemed necessary, including (but not limited to) the Trust Indenture and 
Agreements with respect to those series.  We have also examined such 
pertinent records and documents and matters of law as we have deemed 
necessary including (but not limited to) the Trust Indenture and Agreement 
relating to Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766.

    We have concluded that the Trust Indenture and Agreement for the Fund and
its counterpart in each of the prior issues of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust 
are in all material respects substantially identical.

    Based upon the foregoing, and upon such matters of law as we consider
to be applicable we are of the opinion that, under existing federal income
law:

    (i)  For Federal income tax purposes, each of the Trusts will not be
taxable as an association but will be governed by the provisions of 
Subchapter J (relating to Trusts) of Chapter 1, Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 (the "Code").

    (ii) Each Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata
share of each asset of the respective Trust of the Fund in the proportion
that the number of Units of such Trust held by him bears to the total number
of outstanding Units of such Trust. Under Subpart E, Subchapter J of Chapter
1 of the Code, income of each Trust will be treated as income of each
Unitholder thereof in the proportion described and an item of Fund income
will have the same character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in
the hands of the Trustee.  Accordingly, to the extent that the income of a
Trust consists of interest and original issue discount excludable from gross
income under Section 103 of the Code, such income will be excludable from
federal gross income of the Unitholder, except in the case of a Unitholder
who is a substantial user (or a person related to such user) of a facility
financed through issuance of any industrial development bonds or certain
private activity bonds held by the Trust. In the case of such Unitholder who
is a substantial user (and no other) interest received and original issue
discount with respect to his Units attributable to such industrial
development bonds or such private activity bonds is includable in his gross
income. In the case of certain corporations, interest on the Bonds is included
in computing the alternative minimum tax pursuant to Sections 56(f) and 56(g)
of the Code, the enviromental tax (the "Superfund Tax") imposed by Sections
59A of the Code, and the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code
with repect to U.S. branches of foreign corporations.

    (iii) Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder upon
redemption or sale of his Units.  Such gain or loss is measured by comparing 
the proceeds of such redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of such Units.
Before adjustment, such basis would normally be cost if the Unitholder had
acquired his Units by purchase, plus his aliquot share of advances by the
Trustee to the Trust to pay interest on Bonds delivered after the Unitholder's
settlement date to the extent that such interest accrued on the Bonds during
the period from the Unitholder's settlement date to the date such Bonds are
delivered to the Trust, but only to the extent that such advances are to be
repaid to the Trustee out of interest received by the Fund with respect to
such Bonds.  In addition, such basis will be increased by both the
Unitholder's aliquot share of the accrued original issued discount with
respect to each Bond held by the Trust with respect to which there was an
original issue discount and reduced by the annual amortization of bond
premium, if any, on Bonds held by the Trust.

<PAGE>

    (iv) If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unitholder and the amount thereof is measured by comparing the
Unitholder's aliquot share of the total proceeds from the transaction
with his basis for his fractional interest in the asset disposed of.  Such 
basis is ascertained by apportioning the tax basis for his Units among each 
of the Trust assets (as of the date on which his Units were acquired) ratably 
according to their values as of the valuation date nearest the date on which 
he purchased such Units.  A Unitholder's basis in his Units and of his
fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by the amount of his 
aliquot share of interest received by the Fund, if any, on Bonds delivered
after the Unitholder's settlement date to the extent that such
interest accrued on the Bonds during the period from the Unitholder's
settlement date to the date such Bonds are delivered to the Trust, must be 
reduced by the annual amortization of bond premium, if any, on Bonds held by 
the Trust and must be increased by the Unitholder's share of accrued
original issue discount with respect to each Bond which, at the time
the Bond was issued, had original issue discount.

     (v)  In the case of any Bond held by the Trust where the "stated
redemption price at maturity" exceeds the "issue price," such excess shall
be original issue discount.  With respect to each Unitholder, upon the
purchase of his Units subsequent to the original issuance of Bonds held by the
Trust Section 1272(a)(7) of the Code provides for a reduction in the accrued
"daily portion" of such original issue discount upon the purchase of a Bond
subsequent to the Bond's original issue, under certain circumstances.  In the
case of any Bond held by the Trust the interest on which is excludable from
gross income under Section 103 of the Code, any original issue discount which
accrues with respect thereto will be treated as interest which is excludable
from gross income under Section 103 of the Code.

    (vi)  In the case of any Bond which matures within one year of the date
issued, the accrual of tax-exempt original issue discount will generally be
computed daily on a ratable basis unless the Unitholder elects to accrue such
discount under a constant yield method, compounded daily.

    (vii)  In the case of any Bond which does not mature within one year
after the date issued, tax-exempt original issue discount will accrue
daily, computed generally under a constant yield method, compounded
semiannually (with straight line interpolation between compounding dates).

    (viii)  In the case of Trusts for which Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
Corporation ("MBIA") insurance with respect to each of the Bonds deposited
therein has been obtained by the Depositor or the issuer or underwriter of the
Bonds, we have examined the form of MBIA's policy or several policies of
insurance (the "Policies") which have been delivered to the Trustee.  Assuming
issuance of Policies in such form, in our opinion, any amounts paid under said
Policies representing maturing interest on defaulted obligations 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 by the
respective issuer, 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.  Paragraph (ii) of this 
opinion is accordingly applicable to Policy proceeds representing maturing 
interest.
<PAGE>

    Because the Trusts do not include any "specified private activity bonds"
within the meaning of Section 57(a)(5) of the Code issued on or after August
8, 1986, none of the Trust Fund's interest income shall be treated as an item
of tax preference when computing the alternative minimum tax.  In the case of
corporations, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986, the alter-
native minimum tax and the Superfund Tax depend upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's
taxable income with certain adjustments.

    Pursuant to Section 56(c) of the Code, one of the adjustment
items used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation
(other than an S Corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate
Investment Trust or REMIC) is an amount equal to 50% of the excess of such
corporation's "adjusted net book income" over an amount equal to its AMTI
(before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating
loss deduction).  For taxable years beginning after 1989, such adjustment item
will be 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 net operating loss deduction) pursuant to
Section 56(g) of the Code.  Both "adjusted net book income" and "adjusted
current earnings" include all tax-exempt interest, including interest on all
Bonds in the Trust, and tax-exempt original issue discount.

   Effective for tax returns filed after December 31, 1987,  all taxpayers
are required to disclose to the Internal Revenue Service the amount of
tax-exempt interest earned during the year.

    Section 265 of the Code generally provides for a reduction
in each taxable year of 100% of the otherwise deductible interest on
indebtedness incurred or continued by financial institutions, to which either 
Section 585 or Section 593 of the Code applies, to purchase or carry 
obligations acquired after August 7, 1986, the interest on which is exempt
from federal income taxes for such taxable year.  Under rules prescribed by 
Section 265, the amount of interest otherwise deductible by such financial
institutions in any taxable year which is deemed to be attributable to 
tax-exempt obligations acquired after August 7, 1986 will be the amount
that bears the same ratio to the interest deduction otherwise allowable
(determined without regard to Section 265) to the taxpayer for the taxable
year as the taxpayer's average adjusted basis (within the meaning of Section
1016) of tax-exempt obligations acquired after August 7, 1986, bears to
such average adjusted basis for all assets of the taxpayer, unless such 
financial institution can otherwise establish under regulations to be
prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the amount of interest on 
indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry such obligations.

<PAGE>

    We also call attention to the fact that, under Section 265 of the
Code,  interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry
Units by taxpayers other than certain financial institutions, as referred to
above, is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Under rules used by
the Internal Revenue Service for determining when borrowed funds are con-
sidered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the
purchase of Units may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even
though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units.
However, these rules generally do not apply to interest paid on indebtedness
incurred for expenditures of a personal nature such as a mortgage incurred to
purchase or improve a personal residence.

    "The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "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).  Market discount can arise based on
the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price a Unitholder pays for his or her
Units.  Under the 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 a 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.
     
    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-55907) relating to the Units referred
to above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

Respectfully submitted,


CHAPMAN AND CUTLER


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3


(ON VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust --
Series 766, Maryland Traditional Trust 301
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

Attn:  James J. Wesolowski, Esquire
       Vice President, General Counsel
       and Secretary

United States Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust --
Series 766, Maryland Traditional Trust 301
770 Broadway
New York, New York  10003

Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special Maryland counsel to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit 
Trust-- Series 766 (the "Fund") with respect to the issuance by the Fund 
of units of fractional undivided interest in the Fund (the "Units") as  
described in a certain Registration Statement (No. 33-55907) on Form S-6
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement").
The Fund has been organized under a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated
as of the date hereof between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the "Depositor")
and United States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee").  The Fund will 
issue the Units in several Trusts, one of which is the Maryland Traditional
Trust 301 (the "Trust").  The Units will be purchased by various 
investors (the "Unitholders"). Each Unit of the Trust represents a fractional
undivided interest in the principal and net income of the Trust in the ratio 
of ten Units for each $1,000 principal amount of the obligations initially 
acquired by the Trust.  Each trust will be administered as a distinct entity 
with seperate certificates, investments, expenses, books and records.

    The assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations 
issued by or on behalf of the State of Maryland, its political subdivisions 
and authorities, and, provided the interest thereon is exempt from State 
income tax under the laws or treaties of the United States, obligations
issued by or on behalf of the territories or possessions of the United 
States, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam, and their 
political subdivisions and authorities (the "Bonds").(N.1)  Distributions 
of the interest received by the Trust will be made semi-annually unless the 
Unitholder elects otherwise.

    You have requested our opinion as to the application of Maryland state and
local taxes to the Trust and the Unitholders.  In rendering our
opinion, we have assumed (i) that the interest on all Bonds in the Trust will 
be exempt from Federal income tax (N.2) and (ii) that the Bonds have been 
issued in strict compliance with all requirements of Maryland law and, where 
applicable, Federal or territorial law.  Furthermore, in rendering our 
opinion, we have relied on the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, of even 
date herewith, that:
 
    (i)  The Trust will not be taxable as an association but will be governed 
by the provisions of Subchapter J (relating to trusts) of Chapter 1 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code");

    (ii) Each Unitholder will be considered the owner of a pro rata
portion of the Trust and will be subject to Federal income tax on the income
therefrom under the provisions of Subpart E of Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of 
the Code;

    (iii) The Trust, itself, will not be subject to Federal income taxes;

    (iv) For Federal income tax purposes, each item of Trust income will have
the same character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in
the hands of the Trustee.  Accordingly, to the extent that the income of the
Trust consists of interest excludable from Federal gross income, such income
will be excludable from Federal gross income of the Unitholder;


<PAGE>

    (v)  For Federal income tax purposes, each Unitholder will have a
taxable event upon the redemption or sale of his Unit.  Gain or loss will
be determined by comparing the proceeds of such a redemption or sale with
the Unitholder's adjusted basis for the Unit.  Before adjustment, this basis
would be cost, if the Unitholder had purchased his Units.  For Federal
income tax purposes, if the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether 
by sale, payment on maturity, retirement or otherwise), gain or loss will 
result to each Unitholder; such gain or loss is to be computed by measuring 
the Unitholder's aliquot share of the total proceeds from the transaction
against his basis for his fractional interest in the asset disposed of (such 
basis being determined by apportioning the basis for his Units among all of 
the Trust's assets ratably according to their values as of the valuation
date nearest the date on which he purchased his Units).  A 
Unitholder's basis in his Units and the basis for his fractional
interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by the amount of his aliquot 
share of interest received, if any, on Bonds delivered after the
Unitholder's settlement date to the extent that such interest accrued
on the Bonds during the period from the Unitholder's settlement date
to the date such Bonds are delivered to the Trust and must be reduced 
annually for amortization of premiums, if any, on obligations held by the
Trust.
 
    Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion, for Maryland State
and local tax purposes, that:

    (1)  The Trust will not be recognized as an association taxable as a
corporation, and the income of the Trust will be treated as the income of
the Unitholders.

    (2)  Interest received by the Trust on obligations of the State of
Maryland or its political subdivisions and authorities, or of territories
and possessions of the United States (to the extent federal law exempts
interest on obligations of territories or possessions of the United States
from state taxation) will be exempt from Maryland state and local income
taxes when allocated or distributed to an individual Unitholder of the
Trust.

    (3)  Interest or profit realized from a sale or exchange of bonds
issued by the State of Maryland or one of its political subdivisions
derived from the Trust by a financial institution, as defined in Section
8-101(c) of the Tax-General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland,
will be subject to the Maryland state franchise tax on financial institutions,
except to the extent such interest is expressly exempt from the Maryland state
franchise tax by the statutes which authorize the isuance of such Bonds
(See Section 8-204 of the Tax-General Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland).


    (4)  A Unitholder will not be subject to Maryland state or local
income tax with respect to gain realized when Bonds held in the Trust are 
sold, redeemed or paid at maturity, except with respect to gain realized upon 
a sale, redemption, or payment at maturity of such Bonds as are issued by or 
on behalf of United States' territories or possessions, their political
subdivisions and authorities; such gain will equal the proceeds of sale, 
redemption or payment, less the tax basis of the Bond (adjusted to reflect 
(a) the amortization of Bond premium or discount, and (b) the deposit in the 
Trust after the Unitholder's settlement date of Bonds with accrued
interest).
 
    (5)  Gain realized by a Unitholder from the redemption, sale or
other disposition of a Unit will be subject to Maryland state income tax
and Maryland local income tax except in the case of individual Unitholders
who are not Maryland residents.

    (6)  Maryland presently imposes an income tax on items of tax preference
with reference to such items as defined in the Code.  For taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1986, interest paid on certain private activity
bonds constitutes a tax preference pursuant to Section 57 (a) (5) of the
Code.  Accordingly, if the Maryland Series holds such bonds, 50% of the
interest would be taxable by Maryland under the provisions of Section
10-205(f) of the Tax-General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland,
subject to a threshold amount.

    (7)  Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued (directly or
indirectly) by a Unitholder to purchase or carry Units in the Trust
will not be deductible for Maryland State or local income tax purposes.

    (8)  Trust Units will be subject to Maryland inheritance and estate tax 
only if held by Maryland residents.

    (9)  Neither the Bonds nor the Units will be subject to the Maryland
personal property tax, sales tax or use tax.

    This letter is not to be construed as a prediction of a favorable outcome
with respect to any issue for which no favorable prediction is made herein, or
as a guaranty of any tax result, or as offering an assurance or guaranty that 
a Maryland state or local taxing authority might not differ with our 
conclusions, or raise other questions or issues upon audit, or that such 
action may not be judicially sustained.

    We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited in the Fund and held
by the Trust, and express no opinion as to whether the interest on any such
Bonds would in fact be tax-exempt if directly received by a Unitholder;
nor have we made any review of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the
Bonds or the basis for the bond counsel opinions or the opinions of Messrs.
Chapman and Cutler referred to herein.

<PAGE>

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in such Registration
Statement and the Preliminary Prospectus included therein.  In giving
such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of 
persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, 
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.


_______________________
(N.1)It is understood that, from time to time, some uninvested cash may be 
held in the Trust.



(N.2)Section 2.01 of the Indenture provides that the Depositor may deposit
delivery statements relating to contracts for the purchase of Bonds (rather 
than actual Bonds) into the Trust.  We understand that, should any such 
contract to purchase Bonds fail, the Depositor intends to pay to all 
Unitholders an amount equivalent to the interest that would have been
paid to such Unitholders had the contract not failed.  Such amount
will constitute taxable income for Federal income tax purposes.

Very truly yours,



VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD


<PAGE>


EXHIBIT 3.3

(ON ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LETTERHEAD)




11/16/94


John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606

United States Trust Company of New York
770 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

     Re: Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766
            
            
         California Insured Trust 235  
            
                  

Dear Sirs:

        We have acted as special California counsel for John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor of the above captioned trust(s) (each a "Trust"),
in connection with the issuance under the Trust Agreement dated 11/16/94,
among John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, as Depositor, and United States Trust
Company of New York, as Trustee, of units of fractional undivided
interest in each Trust (the "Units") in exchange for certain bonds, as well as
"regular-way" and "when-issued" contracts for the purchase of bonds (such
bonds and contracts are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
Securities").

        In connection therewith, we have examined such corporate records,
certificates and other documents and such questions of law as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate for the purpose of this opinion, and, on the basis
of such examination, and upon existing provisions of the Revenue and Taxation
Code of the State of California, with respect to each Trust, we are of the
opinion that:

        1.  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.

        2.  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 such corporation's gross income for
purposes of determining its California franchise tax.

        3.  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.

        4.  Under the California personal property tax laws, bonds (including
the Securities) or any interest therein is exempt from such tax.

        5.  Proceeds paid under an insurance policy, if any, issued to the
Trustee of the Trust with respect to the Securities 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.

<PAGE> 

        6.  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 Francise 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.


       Opinions relating to the validity of securities and the exemption of
interest thereon from State of California income tax are rendered by bond
counsel to the issuing authority at the time securities are issued and we
have relied solely upon such opinions, or, as to securities not yet
delivered, forms of such opinions contained in official statements
relating to such securities.  Except in certain instances in which we acted
as bond counsel to issuers of securities, and as such made a review of pro-
ceedings relating to the issuance of certain securities at the time of their
issuance, we have not made any review of proceedings relating to the issuance
of securities or the bases of bond counsels' opinions.

        We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-55907) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

Very truly yours,



ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE
(BY KENNETH G. WHYBURN)




<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3

(On Carlton, Fields, Ward, Emmanuel, Smith & Cutler, P.A. LETTERHEAD)




11/16/94


Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766
Florida Insured Trust 200
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

Attn:  James J. Wesolowski, Esquire
       Vice President, General Counsel
       and Secretary

        Re:   
             Florida Insured Trust 200

Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special Florida counsel to Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
- - including the above-captioned trust (the "Fund") in connection with the
issuance by the Fund of units of fractional undivided interests in the Fund
(the "Units").  In that connection, you have requested our opinion as to the
application of Florida state and local taxes to the Trust (as hereinafter
defined) and to investors who purchase units in the Trust.

    We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or 
the prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement relating to the
issuance by the Fund of the Units.  However, you have authorized us to assume
that the proposed offer and sale of the Units, including the units of the
Florida Trust, will be carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms
and conditions as those described in any prospectus for a previous Nuveen
Tax-Exempt Unit Trust that contained a Florida Insured Trust.
In addition, you have authorized us to assume and we have assumed that:

    (a)  The Fund has been organized under a Trust Indenture and Agreement
between John Nuveen & Co., Incorporated (the "Depositor") and United States
Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee").

    (b)  The Fund will issue the Units in several State Trusts; one of which
is the Florida Insured Trust (the "Trust").

    (c)  The Units will be purchased by various investors who may be 
individuals or corporations.

    (d)  Each Unit of the Trust represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of the Trust in the ratio of ten Units for each
$1,000 principal amount of the obligations initially acquired by the Trust.

    (e)  Each Trust will be administered as a distinct entity with separate
certificates, investments, expenses, books, and records.

    (f)  The assets of the Trust will consist solely of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida, its political
subdivisions, and authorities or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam
or the Virgin Islands.

    (g)  Distributions of interest received by the Trust will be made
semi-annually, unless the Unitholder elects otherwise.

    (h)  The interest on all Bonds in the Trust will be exempt from Federal
income tax.(N.1)

    (i)  The Bonds have been issued in strict compliance with all requirements
of Florida, Federal or territorial law.

    (j)  The Fund is a registered investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.


    In rendering our opinion, you have advised us that Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler have rendered the following opinions and have authorized us to rely 
upon such opinions and we have relied upon such opinions that:

    (a)  The Trust will not be taxable as an association but will be governed 
by the provisions of Subchapter J (relating to trusts) of Chapter 1 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

    (b)  Each Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro-rata share
of each asset of the Trust to which such Unit relates in the proportion
that the number of Units of the Trust held by him bears to the total number of
outstanding Units of the Trust and will be subject to Federal income tax on
the income therefrom under the provisions of Subpart E of Subchapter J of
Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

    (c)  The Trust will not be subject to Federal income taxes.

<PAGE>

    (d)  For Federal income tax purposes, each item of Trust income will have
the same character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the
hands of the Trustee.  Accordingly, to the extent that the income of the Trust
consists of interest excludable from Federal gross income under Section 103 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such income will be excludable
from Federal gross income of the Unitholders.

    (e)  For Federal income tax purposes, each Unitholder will have a
taxable event when, upon redemption or sale of his Units, he receives 
cash or other property.  Gain or loss will be measured by comparing the
proceeds of such a redemption or sale with the Unitholder's adjusted
basis for the Unit.  Before adjustment, generally this basis would be cost, if
the Unitholder had purchased his Units, plus his share of certain
advances by the Trustee to the Trust and certain accrued original issue
discount.  For Federal income tax purposes, if the Trustee disposes of a Trust
asset (whether by sale, payment on maturity, retirement, or otherwise), gain
or loss will be recognized by each Unitholder, and such gain or loss is
computed by measuring the Unitholder's aliquot share of the total
proceeds from the transaction against his basis for his fractional interest in
the asset disposed of (such basis being determined by apportioning the basis
for his Units among all of the Trust's assets ratably according to their
values as of the valuation date nearest the date on which he purchased the
Units).  A Unitholder's basis in his Units and the basis for his
fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by the amount of his
aliquot share of interest received, if any, on Bonds delivered after the
Unitholder's settlement date to the extent that such interest accrued
on the Bonds during the period from the Unitholder's settlement date to
the date such Bonds are delivered to the Trust and must be reduced annually by
amortization of premiums, if any, on obligations held by the Trust.
 
    For the purposes of this letter:

    (a)  "Florida Code" shall mean the Florida Income Tax Code, Chapter 220,
Florida Statutes, as amended.  In the Florida Income Tax Code, Chapter 220, 
Florida Statutes, the Florida Legistature has adopted, retroactively to 
January 1, 1994, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect 
on January 1, 1994, as the Internal Revenue Code under which a Corporate 
Unitholder must compute its income for purposes of Florida corporate income 
taxation.

    (b)  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended and in effect on January 1, 1994.

    (c)  "Non-Corporate Unitholder" shall mean a Unitholder
of the Florida Trust who is an individual not subject to the income
tax on corporations imposed by the Florida Code.

    (d)  "Corporate Unitholder" shall mean a Unitholder of the
Florida Trust that is a corporation subject to the income tax on
corporations imposed by the Florida Code.

    (e)  "Nonbusiness Income" is defined in the Florida Code and shall mean
rents and royalties from real or tangible personal property, capital gains,
interest, dividends, and patent and copyright royalties, to the extent that
they do not arise from transactions and activities in the regular course of a
Corporate Unitholder's trade or business.  The term Nonbusiness Income
does not include income from tangible and intangible property if the
acquisition, management, and disposition of the property constitute integral
parts of a Corporate Unitholder's regular trade or business operations,
or any amounts which could be included in apportionable income without
violating the due process clause of the United States Constitution.  For
purposes of this definition, "income" means gross receipts less all expenses
directly or indirectly attributable thereto.

    (f)  "Commercial domicile" shall mean the place that a corporation
maintains its principal place of business.  The term "commercial domicile" is
not specifically defined in Florida law for Florida corporate income tax
purposes.  However, the Florida Supreme Court has on at least two occasions
attributed meaning to this phrase, and recently enacted legislation amending
how Florida's intangible personal property tax law defines this phrase.  The 
Court has implied that a corporation's commercial domicile is its principal 
place of business, Department of Revenue v. Amrep Corp., 358 So.2d 1343, 1350
(Fla. 1978).  The Court has also stated in another case that a particular
corporation's domicile was in New York City where its head office and the
actual seat of its over-all business government was located and from where
its executive officers regularly exercised their complete authority and
controlled and directed all activities of the corporation, wherever carried
on.  Gay v. Bessemer Properties, Inc., 32 So.2d 587, 591 (Fla. 1947).  In
recently enacted legislation, a corporation is considered to acquire a
commercial domicile in Florida "when it maintains its chief or principal
office in [Florida] where executive or management functions are performed
or where the course of business operations is determined."  Section 199.175
(1)(b), Florida Statutes (1989).

    Based solely upon the assumptions you have permitted us to make and the
opinions of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler upon which you have authorized us to
rely, we are of the opinion that:

    (a)  For Florida state income tax purposes, the Trust will not be subject 
to the income tax imposed by the Florida Code so long as the Trust has no
income subject to federal income taxation.  In addition, political sub-
divisions of Florida do not impose any income taxes.

    (b)  Because Florida does not impose an income tax on individuals,
Non-Corporate Unitholders will not be subject to any Florida income tax
on income realized by the Trust.  Each Corporate Unitholder will be
subject to Florida income taxation on its share of the income realized by the
Trust notwithstanding the tax exempt status of the interest received
from any bonds under Section 103(a) of the Code or any other federal law,
unless the interest income constitutes Nonbusiness Income.  Nevertheless,
any Corporate Unitholder that has its commercial domicile in Florida will be
taxable under the Florida Code on its share of the Trust income which
constitutes Nonbusiness Income.

<PAGE>

    (c)  A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida
income taxation with respect to gain realized when Bonds held in the Trust 
are sold, redeemed, or paid at maturity.  A Corporate Unitholder will
be subject to Florida income taxation with respect to gain realized on such a 
sale, redemption, or payment at maturity of a Bond held by the Trust, except
to the extent that the gain realized therefrom constitutes Nonbusiness
Income.  Nevertheless, to the extent that gains realized by a Corporate
Unitholder arising from a sale, redemption, or payment at maturity
constitute Nonbusiness Income, such gain will be taxable under the Florida
Code if the Corporate Unitholder's commercial domicile is in Florida.

    (d)  Any gain realized by a Non-Corporate Unitholder from the
redemption, sale, or other disposition of a Unit will not be subject to 
Florida income tax.  Any gain realized by a Corporate Unitholder from
the redemption, sale, or other disposition of a Unit will be subject to 
Florida income tax except to the extent that the gain realized therefrom
constitutes Nonbusiness Income. Nevertheless, to the extent that gain
realized by a Corporate Unitholder arising from a sale, redemption, or
other disposition of a Unit consitutes Nonbusiness Income, such gain will be
taxable under the Florida Code if the Corporate Unitholder's commercial
domicile is in Florida.
 
    (e)  A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida
income taxation with respect to amounts paid under the Municipal Bond
Investors Assurance Corporation insurance policies representing interest on
defaulted obligations held by the Trustee.  A Corporate Unitholder
will be subject to Florida income taxation on its share of amounts paid under 
the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance policies
representing maturing interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee
except to the extent that such payments constitute Nonbusiness Income as de-
fined in the Florida Code.  Nevertheless, any Corporate Unitholder that
has its commercial domicile in Florida will be taxable under the Florida Code
on its share of amounts paid under the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
Corporation insurance policies representing maturing interest on defaulted
obligations held by the Trustee even if such payments constitute Nonbusiness
Income.

    (f)  A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida
income taxation with respect to gain realized with respect to amounts paid 
under the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation
insurance policies representing principal on defaulted
obligations held by the Trustee.  A Corporate Unitholder will be
subject to Florida income taxation with respect to gain realized on its share 
of amounts paid under the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation
insurance policies representing principal on defaulted obligations held by
the Trustee except to the extent that the gain realized constitutes
Nonbusiness Income.  Nevertheless, gain realized, by
any Corporate Unitholder that has its commercial domicile in Florida,
on such payments representing principal on defaulted obligations held by the
Trustee, will be taxable under the Florida Code even if such payments
constitute Nonbusiness Income.
 
    (g)  Even if interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
Unitholder to purchase Units in the Trust is not deductible for Federal
income tax purposes, under Code section 265(a)(2) or any other law,  it will
be deductible, in effect, by Corporate Unitholders for Florida income tax
purposes if interest earned on the Units is other than Nonbusiness Income.
Nevertheless, if interest earned on the Units is Nonbusiness Income, any
Corporate Unitholder that has its commercial domicile in Florida may reduce
the amount of interest included as Nonbusiness Income by the amount of
expenses directly or indirectly attributable thereto.

    (h)  Trust Units will be subject to Florida estate tax only if owned by
Florida residents and may be subjected to Florida estate tax if owned by other
decendents.  However, the Florida estate tax is limited to the amount of the
credit allowable under the applicable Federal Revenue Act (currently Section
2011 (and in some cases Section 2102) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended) for death taxes actually paid to the several states.

    (i)  Neither the Bonds nor the Units will be subject to the Florida ad
valorem tax or Florida sales or use tax.

    (j)  Because Bonds issued by the State of Florida, its political
subdivisions or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin
Islands, are exempt from Florida intangible personal property taxation under
Chapter 199, Florida Statutes, the Trust will not be subject to Florida
intangible personal property tax.  In addition, the Unitholders will not be
subject to Florida intangible personal property tax on the Units.

    (k)  The sale, redemption, or other disposition by the Trust of Bonds
issued by the State of Florida, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the
Virgin Islands, will not subject either the Trust or the Unitholders to
Florida documentary stamp tax.

    (l)  The issuance and sale of the Units by the Trust will not
subject either the Trust or the Unitholders to Florida documentary
stamp tax.
 
    (m)  The transfer of Units by a Unitholder will not be
subject to Florida documentary stamp tax.

<PAGE>

    This opinion is limited to the law in effect as of the date hereof and
we assume no responsibility for changes in the law that may become effective
subsequent to the date of this opinion.  Furthermore, this letter is not to be
construed as a prediction of a favorable outcome with respect to any issue for
which no favorable prediction is made herein, or as a guaranty of any tax
result, or as offering an assurance or guaranty that a Florida state or local
taxing authority might not differ with our conclusions, or raise other
questions or issues upon audit, or that such action may not be judicially
sustained.

    We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited in the Fund and held
by the Trust, and we express no opinion as to whether the interest on any such
Bonds would, in fact, be tax-exempt if directly received by a 
Unitholder; nor have we made any review of the proceedings relating to
the issuance of the Bonds or the basis for the bond counsel opinions or the 
opinions of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler referred to herein.

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-55907) and to the reference to our
firm in such Registration Statement and the Prospectus included
therein. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within 
the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

_______________________
(N.1) Section 2.01 of the Indenture provides that if the Depositor fails to
deposit Bonds, through no fault of its own, the Depositor may, as provided in
Section 3.14 of said Indenture, purchase replacement bonds (referred to as
"New Bonds") that will also be tax exempt bonds issued by the same states or 
their respective political subdivisions.


Very truly yours,



CARLTON FIELDS WARD EMMANUEL SMITH & CUTLER, P.A.
By: David P. Burke


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3

(ON EDWARDS & ANGELL LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
  Series 766
In care of John Nuveen & Co.
  Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL  60606

Attention of James J. Wesolowski, Esq.
             Vice President, General Counsel
             and Secretary

United States Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766
770 Broadway
New York, NY  10003

                 Re:   
                      Massachusetts Insured Trust 120

Dear Sirs:

    We have acted as special counsel, with respect to Massachusetts State and
local tax matters, to the above mentioned Trust(s) ("Trust(s)") of Nuveen Tax-
Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766 (the "Fund") concerning a Registration
Statement (No. 33-55907) on Form S-6 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Registration Statement"), covering the issuance by the Fund
of Units of fractional undivided interest in the Fund.

    We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or
the prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement, relating to the
issuance by the Fund of the Units.  However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
has authorized us to assume that the proposed offer and sale of the Units will
be carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms and conditions as
that described in the prospectus for the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series
351 - Massachusetts Trust 182, dated November 6, 1985.

    We have been furnished with a copy of the opinion of Chapman and Cutler
on the federal tax status of the Fund, its constituent Trusts and their
Unitholders.

    In addition, we have also examined applicable Massachusetts law and a
ruling of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue dated February 7, 1985,
relating to Multi-State Series 162.

     Based on the foregoing it is our opinion that under existing law and
administration of the affairs of the Trust(s):

     A.  For Massachusetts income tax purposes, each Trust will be treated
         as a corporate trust under Section 8 of Chapter 62 of the
         Massachusetts General Laws ("M.G.L.") and not as a grantor trust
         under Section 10(e) of M.G.L. Chapter 62.

     B.  The Trust(s) will not be held to be engaging in business in
         Massachusetts within the meaning of said Section 8 and will,
         therefore, not be subject to Massachusetts income tax.
     C.  Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation
         under M.G.L. Chapter 62 will not be required to include their
         respective shares of the earnings of or distributions from the
         Trust(s) in their Massachusetts gross income to the extent that such
         earnings or distributions represent tax-exempt interest excludable
         from gross income for federal income tax purposes received by the
         Trust(s) on obligations issued by Massachusetts, its counties,
         municipalities, authorities, political subdivisions or
         instrumentalities or by Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
         the Northern Mariana Islands or other possessions of the United
         States within the meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue
         Code of 1986, as amended ("Obligations").

     D.  In the case of a Massachusetts Insured Trust, Unitholders who are
         subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62
         will not be required to include their respective shares of the
         earnings of or distributions from such Trust in their Massachsetts
         gross income to the extent that such earnings or distributions are
         derived from the proceeds of insurance obtained by the Sponsor of
         such Trust or by the issuer or underwriter of an obligation held
         by such Trust that represent maturing interest on defaulted
         obligations held by the Trustee, if and to the same extent that
         such earnings or distributions would have been excludable from the
         gross income of such Unitholders if derived from interest paid by
         the issuer of the defaulted obligation.

     E.  Unitholders which are corporations subject to taxation
         under M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be required to include their
         respective shares of the earnings of or distributions from the
         Trust(s) in their Massachusetts gross income to the extent that such
         earnings or distributions represent interest from bonds, notes or
         indebtedness of any state, including Massachusetts, except for
         interest which is specifically exempted from such tax by the acts
         authorizing issuance of said Obligations.

     F.  Each Trust's capital gains and/or capital losses which are includable
         in the federal gross income of Unitholders who are
         subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62,
         or Unitholders which are corporations subject to
         Massachusetts taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be included as
         capital gains and/or losses in the Unitholders' Massachusetts
         gross income, except for capital gain which is specifically exempted
         from taxation under such Chapters by the acts authorizing issuance of
         said Obligations.

     G.  Unitholders which are corporations subject to tax under
         M.G.L. Chapter 63 and which are tangible property corporations will
         not be required to include the Units when determining the value
         of their tangible property; such Unitholders which are
         intangible property corporations will be required to include the
         Units when determining their net worth.

     H.  Gains or losses realized on sales or redemptions of Units by
         Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation
         under M.G.L. Chapter 62 or Unitholders which are corporations
         subject to Massachusetts taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be
         includable in their Massachusetts gross income.  In determining such
         gain or loss Unitholders will, to the same extent required for
         Federal tax purposes, have to adjust their tax bases for their Units
         for accrued interest received, if any, on Obligations delivered to
         the Trustee after the Unitholders pay for their Units, for
         amortization of premiums, if any, on Obligations held by the
         Trust(s), and for accrued original issue discount with respect to
         each Obligation which, at the time the Obligation was issued, had
         original issue discount.

     I.  The Units of the Trust(s) are not subject to any property tax levied
         by Massachusetts or any political subdivision thereof, nor to any
         income tax levied by any such political subdivision.  They are
         includable in the gross estate of a deceased Unitholder who is a
         resident of Massachusetts for purposes of the Massachusetts Estate
         Tax.

     The foregoing opinions are based upon present provisions of federal and
Massachusetts law, administrative interpretations thereof and court decisions.
With respect to Unitholders which are corporations subject to
Massachusetts taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63, no opinion is rendered on the
includability of their respective shares of the earnings of or distributions
from the Trust(s) in their Massachusetts gross income to the extent that such
earnings or distributions represent interest from bonds, notes, or indebted-
ness of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or
other possessions of the United States within the meaning of Section 103(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in such Registration
Statement and the Prospectus included therein.

Very truly yours,



EDWARDS & ANGELL


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3


(ON EDWARDS & ANGELL LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 766
In care of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

Attention of James J. Wesolowski, Esq.
             Vice President, General Counsel
             and Secretary

United States Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 766
770 Broadway
New York, NY  10003

Re:  
    New York Insured Trust 226
     
     

Dear Sirs:

    We have acted as special counsel, with respect to New York State and New
York City tax matters, to the above Trusts(s) ("New York Trust(s)") of Nuveen
Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766 (the "Fund") concerning a
Registration Statement (No. 33-55907) on Form S-6 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement"), covering the issuance by the
New York Trusts(s) of units of fractional undivided interest in the New York
Trust(s)( "Units").
    We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or
the prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement, relating to the
issuance by the New York Trust(s) of the Units.  However, John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated has authorized us to assume that the proposed offer and sale of
the Units will be carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms and
conditions as that described in the prospectus for the Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit
Trust, Insured Series 193, dated May 19, 1989, which we were furnished and did
examine. In the case of a Fund which contains a New York Insured Trust or
New York Intermediate Insured Trust, we also were not furnished the
Insurance Agreement (the "Policy") between the Municipal Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation (the "Insurer"), the Depositor and the Trustee.
However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has authorized us to
assume that the Policy will be implemented at the closing of the Trust and
be in substance and form materially similiar to the Policy applicable to
New York Insured Trust 108, which we were furnished and did examine.

    We have not been furnished with a copy of the Opinion of Chapman & Cutler
on the Federal Tax status of the Fund, its constituent Trusts and their
Unitholders.  However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has authorized us to
assume that such Opinion will be in substance and form materially similar to
that which was issued in connection with Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Insured
Series 193 dated May 19, 1989, which we were furnished and did examine.

    Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, for purposes of New
York State and New York City franchise taxes, a New York Trust will be a
trust not an association taxable as a corporation; the proposed activities
of a New York Trust will not constitute doing business within the meaning
of section 208.1 of the New York Tax Law or section R46-3.0 of the N.Y.C.
Administrative Code; a New York Trust will not be subject to New York State
or New York City franchise tax imposed on business corporations; a New York
Trust will not be subject to the unincorporated business income tax imposed
by Article 23 of the N.Y. Tax Law or Chapter 46, Title S of the N.Y.C.
Administrative Code; and the income of a New York Trust will be treated as
income of the Unitholders.

    We are further of the opinion that, under existing laws and
administration of the affairs of the New York Trust(s):

    (A)  Interest on obligations issued by New York State, a political
subdivision thereof, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands, or other possessions of the United States within the meaning
of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
("Obligations") which would be exempt from New York State or New York City
personal income tax if directly received by a Unitholder, will retain its
status as tax-exempt interest when received by a New York Trust and
distributed to such Unitholder;

    (B) Interest (less amortizable premium, if any) derived
from a New York Trust by a Unitholder who is a resident of New York State
(or New York City) in respect of Obligations issued by states other than New
York (or their political subdivisions) will be subject to New York State
(or New York City) personal income tax;

<PAGE>


    (C) A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City)
will be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax with
respect to gains realized when Obligations held in the Unitholder's respective
New York Trust are sold, redeemed or paid at maturity or when the Unitholder's
Units are sold or redeemed; such gain will equal the proceeds of sale,
redemption or payment less the tax basis of the Obligation or Unit
(adjusted to reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount (if any) on
Obligations held by the New York Trust, (b) accrued original issue discount
with respect to each Obligation which, at the time the Obligation was issued,
had original issue discount, and (c) the deposit of Obligations with accrued
interest in the New York Trust after the Unitholder's settlement date);

    (D) Interest or gain from a New York Trust derived by a
Unitholder who is not a resident of New York State (or New York City)
will not be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income
tax, unless the Units are property employed in a business, trade,
profession or occupation carried on in New York State (or New York City);

    (E)  In the case of a New York Insured Trust or New York Intermediate
Insured Trust, amounts paid under the Policies representing maturing interest
on defaulted Obligations held by the Trustee in the Trust will be excludable
from New York State and New York City income if, and to the same extent as,
such interest would have been excludable if paid by the respective
issuer; and

    (F) Amounts distributable from a New York Trust which are, pursuant to
a Unitholder's election, automatically reinvested in Nuveen Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc. will be treated as if actually distributed to and reinvested 
by such Unitholder.

    Because of the requirement that tax cost basis be adjusted as discussed in
(C) above, under some circumstances a Unitholder may realize taxable
gain when his Units are sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or
less than his original cost.

    Although interest on Obligations issued by New York (or a political
subdivision thereof) would generally be exempt from New York State and
New York City tax, a special limitation may apply with respect to private
activity bonds which are not qualified within the meaning of section 103(b)(1)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The interest on such bonds,
to the extent received by a Unitholder who is a "substantial user" (or person
related to such user) of the facilities financed by such bonds, will not be
exempt from New York State and New York City tax for any period during which
such bonds are beneficially held by such "substantial user" or "related
person".

    As an additional matter, if borrowed funds are used to purchase Units
in a New York Trust, all (or part) of the interest on such indebtedness will
not be deductible for New York State and New York City tax purposes.  The
purchase of Units may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even
though such funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in any
New York Trust.

    We are further of the opinion that, for purposes of the New York State and
New York City franchise tax on corporations, Unitholders which are
subject to such tax will be required to include in their entire net income any
interest or gains distributed to them in respect of obligations of any state
or political subdivision thereof, including New York.  No opinion is rendered
on the includability in entire net income of interest distributed to such
Unitholders in respect of obligations issued by Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or other possessions of the
United States within the meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.

    The foregoing opinions are based upon present provisions of Federal,
New York State and New York City law, administrative interpretations thereof
and court decisions.

    In connection with this offering, we have not examined any of the
obligations to be deposited in the New York Trust(s), and express no opinion
whether the interest on any such obligations is, in fact, exempt from Federal,
New York State, or New York City income taxation, or that such interest would 
be tax-exempt under Federal, New York State, or New York City law if directly
received by a Unitholder, nor have we made any review of the proceedings
relating to the issuance of any such obligations.

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in such Registration
Statement and the Prospectus included therein.

Very truly yours,



EDWARDS & ANGELL

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.1

(ON STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION LETTERHEAD)

11/16/94

John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

Re:     NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 766

        This is in response to your requests regarding the above-captioned
fund which consists of separate underlying insured and traditional unit
investment trusts, SEC file # 33-55907.

        INSURED TRUSTS.

        With respect to the insured trusts we have reviewed the information
presented to us and have assigned a 'AAA' rating to the units of each insured
trust and a 'AAA' rating to the securities contained in each insured trust.
The ratings are direct reflections of the portfolio of each insured trust,
which will be composed soley of securities covered by bond insurance policies
that insure against default in the payment of principal and interest on the
securities contained in each insured trust for as long as they remain
outstanding.  We understand that the bonds described in the prospectus are the
same as those in the attatched list.  Since such policies have been issued by
MBIA which has been assigned a 'AAA' claims paying ability rating by S&P, S&P
has assigned a 'AAA' to the units of each insured trust and a 'AAA' rating to
the securities contained in each trust.

        You have permission to use the name of Standard & Poor's Corporation
and the above-assigned rating in connection with your dissemination of
information relating to the insured trusts provided that it is understood
that the ratings are not 'market' ratings nor recommendations to buy, hold or
sell the units of the insured trusts or the securities contained in the
insured trusts.  Further, it should be understood the rating on the units of
each insured trust does not take into account the extent to which the trust's
expenses or portfolio asset sales for less than the principal required to be
paid on the portfolio assets.  S&P reserves the right to advise its own
clients, subscribers, and the public of the ratings.  S&P relies on the
sponsor and its counsel, accountants, and other experts for the accuracy and
completeness of the information submitted in connection with the ratings.  S&P
does not independently verify the truth or accuracy of any such information.

        This letter evidences our consent to the use of the name of Standard &
Poor's Corporation in connection with the rating assigned to the units of each
insured trust in the registration statement or prospectus relating to the
units and the trusts.  However, this letter should not be construed as a
consent by us, within the meaning of section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
to the use of Standard and Poor's Corporation in connection with the ratings
assigned to the securities contained in the insured trusts.  You are hereby
authorized to file a copy of this letter with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

        Please be certain to send us three copies of your final prospectus as
soon as it becomes available.  Should we not receive them within a reasonable
time after the closing or should they not conform to certification received by
us, we reserve the right to nullify the ratings.


<PAGE>



        TRADITIONAL TRUSTS.

        With respect to the traditional unit investment trusts within the
above-captioned fund, we have reviewed the information presented to us and we
hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the prospectus as being assigned
by Standard & Poor's Corporation to the securities contained in each
traditional trust of such fund are, according to our records, the ratings
currently assigned by Standard & Poor's Corporation to such securities.  You
understand that Standard & Poor's Corporation has not consented to, and will
not consent to, being named as "expert" under the federal securities laws,
including and without limitation, Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
with respect to the ratings on any securities contained in any of the
traditional trusts.

        Please note that the 'AAA' rating assigned to the units of each
insured trust does not apply to the units of any of the traditional trusts.


                                          STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION

                                          
                                          Vincent S. Orgo



 
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.2

(On Kenny Information Systems, Inc. Letterhead)

11/16/94

John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Re:  Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766

Gentlemen:

     We have examined the registration statement File No. 33-55907,
for the above captioned trust.  We hereby acknowledge that
Kenny S&P Services, a division of Kenny Information Systems, Inc.
is currently acting as the evaluator for the trust. We hereby
consent to the use in the Registration Statement of the reference
to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of Kenny Information
Systems, Inc. as evaluator.
     In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the
Registration Statement for the respective bonds comprising the trust
portfolio are the ratings currently indicated in our KENNYBASE database.

     You are hereby authorized to file a copy of this letter with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sincerely,


John R. Fitzgerald



<PAGE>

                                   MEMORANDUM

                 Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 766
                               File No. 33-55907


    The Prospectus and the Indenture filed with Amendment No. 1 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 have been revised to reflect information
regarding the execution of the Indenture and the deposit of bonds on 11/16/94,
and to set forth certain statistical data based thereon.  In addition, there 
are a number of other changes from the Prospectus as originally filed to which
reference is made, including the increase in the size of the Fund, a
corresponding increase in the number of Units and a change in the individual
trusts constituting the Fund.  All references to the Units, prices and related
statistical data will apply to each trust of the Fund and the Units thereof
individually.

    Except for such updating, an effort has been made to set forth below each 
of the changes and also to reflect the same by marking the Prospectus 
transmitted with the Amendment.  Also, differences between the Final 
Prospectus relating to the previous series of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit 
Trust and the subject Prospectus have been indicated.

                                    FORM S-6

    FACING SHEET.  The file number is now shown.

                                 THE PROSPECTUS

     PAGE 3.       The "Estimated Long-Term Return" and "Estimated Current
Return" to Unitholders under each Trust under each of the distribution
plans are stated.

     PAGES 4 - 6.  Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.

     PAGES 6 - 7.  The date of the Indenture has been inserted in Section 1
along with the size and number of Units of each of the Trusts.

     PAGE 9 et seq. The following information for each Trust appears on the
pages relating to such trust:

         The estimated daily accrual of interest under the plans of
         distribution for each of the Trusts

         Data regarding the composition of the portfolio of each
         Trust

         Disclosure regarding the states' economic and legislative
         matters relevant to investors of state trusts

         Concentrations of issues by purpose in each Trust

         The approximate percentage of the bonds in the
         portfolio of each Trust acquired in distributions where
         the Sponsor was either the sole underwriter or manager
         or member of the underwriting syndicate

         The percentage of "when issued" bonds in the portfolio
         of each Trust

         The schedule of investments for each Trust, including
         the notes thereto

         Descriptions of the opinions of the special tax
         counsel for state trusts

         The Record Dates and Distribution Dates for
         interest distributions for each Trust

         The distribution table for each Trust

         Taxable Equivalent Estimated Current Return Tables for residents
         of the respective jurisdictions

         The statements of condition for each Trust
         and the accountant's report with regard thereto.

         The amount of the Trustee's Fee

                             THE INDENTURE

The Schedules to the Indenture have been completed.


CHAPMAN AND CUTLER


Chicago, Illinois

11/16/94


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