NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 787
487, 1995-03-01
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<PAGE>


                                                      File No. 33-57539
                                                      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 787

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 3/01/95 at 1:30 p.m. pursuant to Rule 487.
______



<PAGE>
   
                                 MARCH 1, 1995
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 787
             March 1, 1995
    
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 787  consists  of  four  underlying
separate  unit investment trusts  designated as Virginia  Traditional Trust 298,
Florida Insured Trust  206, New  York Insured  Trust 232  and Tennessee  Insured
Trust  27.  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
      Virginia Traditional Trust 298                          3         8-15
      Florida Insured Trust 206                               3        16-24
      New York Insured Trust 232                              3        25-38
      Tennessee Insured Trust 27                              3        39-46
      GENERAL MATTERS
      Accrued Interest                                        8         A-17
      Accumulation Plan                                      14         A-25
      Bonds, How Selected                                     3            7
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price         10         A-19
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                    4          A-7
      Bond Ratings                                            3         8-46
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-34
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     8-46,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-19
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            5
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-23
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   8-46, 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         8-46
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         8-46
      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            6
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-23
      Other Information                                      24         A-37
      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-39
      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         8-46
      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-37
      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>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Virginia Traditional Trust 298...........      5.62%         5.66%           5.68%
  Florida Insured Trust 206................      5.53%         5.56%           5.57%
  New York Insured Trust 232...............      5.56%         5.60%           5.62%
  Tennessee Insured Trust 27...............      5.48%         5.51%           5.53%
</TABLE>
 
                           ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Virginia Traditional Trust 298...........      5.58%         5.61%           5.63%
  Florida Insured Trust 206................      5.42%         5.45%           5.47%
  New York Insured Trust 232...............      5.51%         5.54%           5.56%
  Tennessee Insured Trust 27...............      5.39%         5.43%           5.44%
</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
                               FEBRUARY 28, 1995+
    
           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>
                                                         VIRGINIA             FLORIDA            NEW YORK            TENNESSEE
                                                        TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 298           TRUST 206           TRUST 232           TRUST 27
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    4,000,000      $    4,000,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              40,000              40,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/40,000            1/40,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,354,510      $    3,784,480      $    3,822,229      $    3,331,765
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        95.84      $        94.61      $        95.56      $        95.19
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.94      $         4.87      $         4.92      $         4.90
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $       100.78      $        99.48      $       100.48      $       100.09
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        95.38      $        94.16      $        95.09      $        94.73
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        95.84      $        94.61      $        95.56      $        95.19
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.40      $         5.32      $         5.39      $         5.36
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $         4.94      $         4.87      $         4.92      $         4.90
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.8464      $       5.6063      $       5.7586      $       5.6143
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2203      $        .2189      $        .2193      $        .2159
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.6261      $       5.3874      $       5.5393      $       5.3984
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01562      $       .01496      $       .01538      $       .01499
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           5.58%               5.42%               5.51%               5.39%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           5.62%               5.53%               5.56%               5.48%
 
<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:
    Virginia  Traditional  Trust--$.11,  Florida  Insured  Trust--$.10,  New  York  Insured  Trust--$.11  and  Tennessee  Insured
    Trust--$.10. (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 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..................................................March 1, 1995
Settlement Date..........................................................March 8, 1995
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>
  Virginia Traditional Trust 298...........          $1.6288          $1.3088         $1.1188
  Florida Insured Trust 206................           1.6433           1.3233          1.1333
  New York Insured Trust 232...............           1.6471           1.3271          1.1371
  Tennessee Insured Trust 27...............           1.5843           1.2643          1.0743
  ------------
  *  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>
 
CUSIP Numbers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    TRUST                         MONTHLY         QUARTERLY       SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>
  Virginia Traditional Trust 298...........       6706L5 648       6706L5 655      6706L5 663
  Florida Insured Trust 206................       6706H3 762       6706H3 770      6706H3 788
  New York Insured Trust 232...............       67101K 250       67101K 268      67101K 276
  Tennessee Insured Trust 27...............       67064V 103       67064V 111      67064V 129
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 787
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 787?
    
 
   
Series 787 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 four underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts,  combined  under  one  trust  indenture  and
agreement, designated Virginia Traditional Trust 298, Florida Insured Trust 206,
New  York Insured Trust 232  and Tennessee Insured Trust  27. 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   March   1,    1995   (the    "Indenture")
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
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 of  $15,000,000 (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 Virginia  Traditional Trust, $4,000,000 in the  Florida
Insured  Trust, $4,000,000 in the  New York Insured Trust  and $3,500,000 in the
Tennessee 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 Virginia Traditional  Trust, 40,000 Units of  the Florida Insured Trust,
40,000 Units of the  New York Insured  Trust and 35,000  Units of the  Tennessee
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.  Only  Units of  the  Virginia Traditional  Trust  are
offered for sale to Virginia residents by this Prospectus.
    
 
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
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
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, 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.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
VIRGINIA TRADITIONAL TRUST 298
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Virginia  Traditional Trust 298  consists of 7 obligations
issued by entities located in Virginia. 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: College  and University  Revenue,  1;
Health  Care  Facility Revenue,  2; Multi-Family  Housing Revenue,  1; Municipal
Lease Revenue, 2; Water and/or  Sewer Revenue, 1. Six  issues in the Trust  were
rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation as follows: 3--AAA, 1--AA+, 1--AA, 1--A+.
Six  issues were  rated by Moody's  Investors Service, Inc.  as follows: 3--Aaa,
2--Aa, 1--A.
    
 
   
    At the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the  Virginia
Traditional Trust is 23.0 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  14.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 13.3% 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 are  obligations of  issuers  whose revenues  are primarily  derived  from
municipal  lease obligations. Insurance guaranteeing  prompt payment of interest
and principal on  certain of the  Bonds in the  Trust has been  obtained by  the
issuer  or underwriter of such  Bonds from a commercial  insurer. Such Bonds are
rated "Aaa" or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by Standard & Poor's, reflecting
those rating agencies' current assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurer
and its ability to pay claims on its policies of insurance. Fourteen percent  of
the  aggregate principal amount of the Bonds,  included in the above amount, are
obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from municipal lease
obligations, but which are covered by such insurance.
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  are  obligations of  issuers whose  revenues  are primarily  derived from
hospitals or other health  care services. The source  of payment for certain  of
these Bonds, accounting for 14% of the Trust (included in the above percentage),
is  insured by  a commercial insurer.  Consequently, the credit  ratings of such
Bonds essentially  reflect  the strength  of  the insurance  or  guarantee  and,
depending upon the actual structure of the bond issue, are typically rated "Aaa"
or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by Standard & Poor's.
 
    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 February 24,
1995 and February 27, 1995.  The following summarizes certain information  about
the Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<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>
  $3,341,055       $13,455           $204,625      $3,338,260                 .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  Virginia Traditional Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue
at the  rate  of  $.01576  per  Unit per  day  under  the  semi-annual  plan  of
distribution,  $.01571 per Unit per day under the quarterly plan of distribution
and $.01562 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 Virginia 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
VIRGINIA TRADITIONAL TRUST                                        1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        4/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       4/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4686(1)                                              $  5.6261
                                                        --------  $.4686 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4686(1)   $   .4713(2)   $  1.4139      $  1.4139    $  5.6581
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4686(1)   $   .4728(3)                  $  2.8368    $  5.6771
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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  1-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--VIRGINIA TRADITIONAL TRUST
 
    For a discussion  of the  Federal tax status  of income  earned on  Virginia
Traditional Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    The   assets   of   the   Virginia  Traditional   Trust   will   consist  of
interest-bearing obligations  issued by  or  on behalf  of the  Commonwealth  of
Virginia,  its counties,  municipalities, authorities  or political subdivisions
and, provided the interest thereon is  exempt from Virginia income taxes by  the
laws  or treaties of  the United States, by  or on behalf  of the United States'
territories or possessions, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands  and
the  Northern Mariana Islands, and  their political subdivisions and authorities
(the "Virginia Bonds").
 
    In the opinion of Christian, Barton, Epps, Brent & Chappell, special counsel
for the Series for Virginia tax matters, under existing law:
 
        The Virginia Traditional Trust will be  treated as a trust for  Virginia
    income tax purposes and not as an association taxable as a corporation. As a
    result,  income of  the Virginia  Traditional Trust  will be  treated as the
    income of the Unitholders.
 
        The calculation of Virginia taxable income begins with Federal  adjusted
    gross  income in the case of an  individual or Federal taxable income in the
    case of a corporation, estate or trust. Certain modifications are specified,
    but no such modification  requires the addition  of interest on  obligations
    such  as the Virginia Bonds in  the Virginia Traditional Trust. Accordingly,
    amounts representing  tax-exempt interest  for Federal  income tax  purposes
    received  or accrued by  the Virginia Traditional Trust  with respect to the
    Virginia Bonds, will not  be taxed to the  Virginia Traditional Trust or  to
    the Unitholders for Virginia income tax purposes.
 
        In  this  respect, to  the extent  that interest  on obligations  of the
    Commonwealth or  any political  subdivision  or instrumentality  thereof  is
    included  in federal adjusted  gross income, Virginia  law provides that the
    income shall  be  subtracted in  arriving  at Virginia  taxable  income.  In
    addition,  Virginia  income  tax  exemption  is  independently  provided for
    interest on  certain  obligations,  including  those  issued  by  industrial
    development   authorities  created  pursuant   to  the  Virginia  Industrial
    Development and  Revenue  Bond  Act, by  the  Virginia  Housing  Development
    Authority, by the Virginia Resources Authority and by the Virginia Education
    Loan Authority. Where such an independent exemption is provided, interest on
    such  obligations is exempt from Virginia  income taxation without regard to
    any exemption from  Federal income  taxes, including interest  which may  be
    subject  to Federal income tax in  the hands of a recipient  who is, or is a
    related person  to,  a substantial  user  of facilities  financed  with  the
    proceeds of obligations upon which such interest is paid.
 
        As  a general rule, to the extent that  gain (whether as a result of the
    sale of Virginia Bonds by the Virginia  Traditional Trust or as a result  of
    the sale of a Unit by the Unitholder) is subject to Federal income taxation,
    such  gain will  be included  in the  Unitholder's Virginia  taxable income.
    Under the language  of certain  enabling legislation, however,  such as  the
    Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, the Virginia Resources
    Authority  Act and  the Virginia  Housing Development  Authority Act, profit
    made on the sale of obligations issued by authorities created thereunder  is
    expressly  exempt from  Virginia income taxation.  Such enabling legislation
    does not appear  to require a  disallowance in the  calculation of  Virginia
    taxes  of any loss  that may be  deductible for Federal  income tax purposes
    with respect  to  such  obligations, although  the  Virginia  Department  of
    Taxation has taken a contrary view.
 
        No   income  tax  is  imposed  by   any  political  subdivision  of  the
    Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Commonwealth  of Virginia does  not impose  a
    gift tax. The Virginia estate
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    tax  is equal to  the maximum state  death tax credit  allowable against the
    Federal estate tax payable by the estate.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--VIRGINIA
 
    The Trust  is  susceptible  to political,  economic  or  regulatory  factors
affecting  issuers  of Virginia  Bonds. Without  intending  to be  complete, the
following briefly  summarizes some  of these  matters, as  well as  some of  the
complex  factors  affecting  the  financial  situation  in  the  Commonwealth of
Virginia (the "Commonwealth"  or "Virginia"). This  information is derived  from
sources  that  are generally  available to  investors  and is  based in  part on
information  obtained  from  various   agencies  in  Virginia.  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 State or local governmental
finances generally will not adversely affect the market value of Virginia  Bonds
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.
 
   
    The  Commonwealth's  financial  condition  is  supported  by  a  broad-based
economy,  including  manufacturing,  tourism,  agriculture,  ports,  mining  and
fisheries.  Manufacturing continues to be a  major source of employment, ranking
behind only services, wholesale and retail trade, and government (federal, state
and local). The federal government  is a major employer  in Virginia due to  the
heavy  concentration of federal employees  in the metropolitan Washington, D.C.,
segment of Northern Virginia  and the military employment  in the Hampton  Roads
area, which houses the nation's largest concentration of military installations,
although  civilian defense employment  has been affected  by the retrenchment of
the military sector and is likely to decrease further.
    
 
   
    Although the Commonwealth enjoyed  an economic boom  in the mid-1980's,  the
Commonwealth's economy began to slow toward the end of the decade, and went into
a  recession with the rest of the  nation after July, 1990. Gradual recovery has
continued since the recession's  end in March, 1991,  with the Virginia  economy
providing reason for restrained optimism in fiscal year 1994. Employment figures
furnished  more encouragement than did income data. The state unemployment rates
continued to be a  bright spot, dropping  to 4.9 percent  for fiscal year  1994,
compared  to 6.4  percent nationally. However,  the possibility  of more defense
cutbacks and additional  plant downsizings provided  two cautionary notes.  Real
taxable sales have nearly reached the pre-recession level of fiscal year 1990.
    
 
   
    The  impact  of  national trends  on  the  Commonwealth is  clearly  seen in
personal  income  figures.   While  year-to-year  percentage   changes  in   the
Commonwealth personal income generally parallel those at the national level, the
Commonwealth  figures  were higher  during  the first  half  of the  1980's. The
differential has narrowed  since 1988. In  the first quarter  of 1994, the  most
recent available, Virginia's growth rate was 6.1 percent compared to 3.9 percent
for  the nation. While Virginia's real  per capita personal income surpassed the
national  figure  in  1982  and  has  continued  to  exceed  it,  the   relative
differential  has been narrowing since 1989 and  is now the smallest since 1985.
Virginia's 1989 maximum was 106 percent of national per capita income while  the
1993  figure  was 104  percent. In  comparison with  the South  Atlantic region,
Virginia's real per capita  income has declined  from a peak  of 108 percent  in
1989 to 106 percent in 1993.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
    Virginia's  nonagricultural employment figure has also mirrored the national
economy. For fiscal  year 1994  Virginia's nonagricultural  employment rose  2.9
percent,  comparable to the pre-recession rate. Total nonagricultural employment
for Virginia in June 1994  was a record high.  During the period 1983-1990,  the
Commonwealth  substantially  outpaced the  nation  in growth  of nonagricultural
employment, with  4.1 percent  average  annual growth  compared to  2.8  percent
nationally;  however, the trend  lines for both have  been nearly parallel since
1990. For  the  period 1985-1990,  the  Commonwealth  went ahead  of  the  South
Atlantic  region, but was  hit harder by  the recession in  1990 and the defense
adjustment. Since then, the region has outperformed the Commonwealth.
    
 
   
    With respect to unemployment, Virginia's unemployment rate has  consistently
been  below that of the nation. For the decade of 1980 to 1990, the differential
has been two percentage  points, although it decreased  to below one  percentage
point  in 1991 and 1992. For the first six months of FY 1994, the Commonwealth's
unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, compared to the national rate of 6.4 percent.
    
 
   
    Employment trends in  Virginia are  varied from  sector to  sector and  from
region  to  region. Most  sectors showed  dramatic  improvement compared  to the
anemic performance  in  fiscal  year  1993. Employment  grew  in  seven  of  ten
categories.  This past fiscal year's growth was  led by a 5.4 percent employment
jump in the construction  sector and 5.3 percent  in services. Federal  civilian
employment  slipped 3 percent,  the result of continued  defense cutbacks and an
effort to downsize. Once again, the  greatest percent loss was in mining,  which
suffered  a 7.7 percent drop, a 40  percent greater loss than the previous year.
The service sector  continued to grow  and mining and  manufacturing are now  at
lower  levels than in 1980. Employment trends  also varied among regions. All of
the Commonwealth's metropolitan  statistical areas  showed increased  employment
from  fiscal year  1993 to  fiscal year  1994, ranging  from 1.1  percent to 4.3
percent, with most employment increases being experienced in metropolitan areas.
    
 
   
    Highest rates of unemployment were found in southwest Virginia where  mining
jobs  have been  lost and  the lowest unemployment  rates were  seen in Northern
Virginia where much  federally-related employment is  concentrated. As would  be
expected, there was great overlap between areas of lowest unemployment and those
of highest per capita income.
    
 
   
    Virginia  appears  to  have  fully  participated  in  the  national economic
recovery, which  has been  slow by  historic standards.  The state  has not  yet
returned  to pre-recession growth rates  for several measures, particularly real
per capita personal income. The next round of defense cutbacks and the uncertain
duration of the economic recovery are  continuing sources of concern. A  growing
diversification  of the state's export base is encouraging for the long-term but
will not insulate the state from vulnerability to increased competition  against
its major products and to economic conditions abroad.
    
 
   
    The  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  has  historically  operated  on  a fiscally
conservative basis  and is  required  by its  Constitution  to have  a  balanced
biennial  budget. At the end of the June 30, 1994, fiscal year, the General Fund
of the Commonwealth  had an ending  fund balance, computed  on a budgetary  cash
basis,  of  $518.7  million, of  which  $81  million was  in  required reserves.
Approximately four  hundred  thirty million  of  the general  fund  balance  was
designated for expenditure during the next fiscal year, leaving an undesignated,
unreserved fund balance of $7.6 million, the third consecutive such undesignated
fund  balance. Computed on a modified accrual basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting  principles, the  General Fund  balance at  the end  of  the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, was
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
$185.3  million, compared with a General Fund  balance of minus $78.8 million at
the end of the fiscal  year ended June 30, 1993.  This is the second year  since
1989  that the General Fund,  measured on a modified  accrual basis, has shown a
positive fund balance.
    
 
   
    As of June 30, 1994, total debt of the Commonwealth aggregated $8.4 billion.
Of that amount, $2.5 billion  was tax-supported. Outstanding general  obligation
bonded  debt backed by  the full faith  and credit of  the Commonwealth was $792
million at June  30, 1994.  Of that  amount, $500  million was  also secured  by
revenue producing capital projects.
    
 
   
    The   Virginia  Constitution  contains  limits  on  the  amount  of  general
obligation  bonds  which   the  Commonwealth   can  issue.   These  limits   are
substantially  in excess of current levels of outstanding bonds, and at June 30,
1994, would permit an  additional total of approximately  $5.6 billion of  bonds
secured   by  revenue-producing  projects  and  approximately  $5.8  billion  of
unsecured general  obligation bonds  for capital  projects, with  not more  than
approximately  $921 billion of the latter to  be issued in any four-year period.
Bonds which are not secured by revenue-producing projects must be approved in  a
State-wide election.
    
 
   
    The  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  maintains a  "triple  A"  bond  rating from
Standard & Poor's  Corporation, Moody's  Investors Service  and Fitch  Investors
Service  on its  general obligation indebtedness,  reflecting in  part its sound
fiscal management, diversified economic base and  low debt ratios. There can  be
no assurances that these conditions will continue. Nor are these same conditions
necessarily  applicable to securities  which are not  general obligations of the
Commonwealth.  Securities  issued   by  specific  municipalities,   governmental
authorities or similar issuers may be subject to economic risks or uncertainties
peculiar to the issuers of such securities or the sources from which they are to
be paid.
    
 
VIRGINIA 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 1995 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.
 
                                       13
<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      5.00%   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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      20.0   %     6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      32.0         7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93
                 114.7-172.1      33.0         7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      35.0         7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00   10.38
                 114.7-172.1      36.0         7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55
                 172.1-294.6      38.0         8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      40.5         8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34
                 172.1-294.6      43.5         8.85    9.29    9.73   10.18   10.62   11.06   11.50   11.95
                  Over 294.6      40.5   2     8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.0         9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74
                  Over 294.6      44.0   3     8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05
</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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      20.0         6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      32.0         7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      35.0         7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00   10.38
                 114.7-237.2      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.5         8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11   11.54
                  Over 237.2      40.5   2     8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.0   3     8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05
<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.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 1, 1995
VIRGINIA TRADITIONAL TRUST 298
(SERIES 787)
    
 
<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      Virginia College Building Authority,                2003 at 102         A+         --      $       477,685
                   Educational Facilities Revenue Refunding
                   Bonds (Hampton University Project), Series of
                   1993, 5.75% Due 4/1/14.
    500,000      Virginia Housing Development Authority,             2003 at 102        AA+         Aa              478,885
                   Multi-Family Housing Bonds, 1993 Series E,
                   5.90% Due 11/1/17.
    500,000      Fairfax County Economic Development Authority       2004 at 102         AA         Aa              447,045
                   (Virginia), Lease Revenue Bonds (Government
                   Center Properties), Series 1994, 5.25% Due
                   11/15/18. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about March 15, 1994 at a
                   price of 90.996% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Industrial Development Authority of Fairfax      No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             445,750
                   County, Virginia, Hospital Revenue Refunding
                   Bonds (Inova Health System Hospitals
                   Project), Series 1993A, 5.00% Due 8/15/11.
                   (AMBAC Insured.)
    500,000      City of Norfolk, Virginia, Water Revenue Bonds,     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             454,270
                   Series 1993, 5.375% Due 11/1/23. (AMBAC
                   Insured.)
    500,000      Industrial Development Authority of the County      2005 at 102         --          A              521,400
                   of Prince William (Virginia), Hospital
                   Facility Revenue Bonds (Potomac Hospital
                   Corporation of Prince William), Series 1995,
                   6.85% Due 10/1/25.
    500,000      Richmond (Virginia), Redevelopment and Housing      2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             529,475
                   Authority, Project Revenue Bonds (1994 Old
                   Manchester Project), Series 1994, 6.80% Due
                   3/1/15. (CGIC Insured.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,354,510
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 47.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 206
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Florida Insured Trust 206 consists of 7 obligations issued
by entities located in Florida and one obligation issued by an entity located in
the Territory of Puerto Rico. One Bond  in the Trust is a general obligation  of
the  governmental entity issuing it  and is backed by  the taxing power thereof.
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:  Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue,  2; Bridge and  Toll Road Revenue, 1;
College and University  Revenue, 1;  Electrical System Revenue,  1; Health  Care
Facility  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 Florida
Insured Trust is 25.3  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  25.0% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 23.1% 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  25% 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 between February 27,
1995 and February 28, 1995.  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>
  $3,765,750       $18,730           $224,250      $3,766,355                 .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 participated as either the sole underwriter or manager or as
a member of the syndicates which were the original underwriters of 12.5% of  the
aggregate principal amount 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 $.01510 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01505  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01496
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 Florida  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
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST                                             1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        4/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       4/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4488(1)                                              $  5.3874
                                                        --------  $.4488 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4488(1)   $   .4515(2)   $  1.3545      $  1.3545    $  5.4194
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4488(1)   $   .4530(3)                  $  2.7180    $  5.4384
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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  1-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.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
        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 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,
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
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  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 sectors  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%. 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 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,  increasing   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.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    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 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
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
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 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.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    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 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  1995  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.
 
                                       22
<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      5.00%   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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         7.04    7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80    9.15    9.51
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0         8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44
</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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44
<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.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 1, 1995
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 206
(SERIES 787)
    
 
<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, Department of Environmental       2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       436,785
                   Protection, Preservation 2000 Revenue Bonds,
                   Series 1994A, 4.90% Due 7/1/13.
    500,000      State of Florida, Department of Transportation,     2003 at 101        AAA         Aaa             440,590
                   Turnpike Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series
                   1993A, 5.00% Due 7/1/14. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about May 27,
                   1993 at a price of 92.622% of principal
                   amount.)
    500,000      Dade County Educational Facilities Authority,       2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             451,360
                   Florida International University Project,
                   Revenue and Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series
                   1993, 5.125% Due 10/1/13.
    500,000      Hillsborough County Industrial Development          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             506,165
                   Authority (Florida), Pollution Control
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds (Tampa Electric
                   Company Project), Series 1994, 6.25% Due
                   12/1/34.
    500,000      Orange County, Florida, Tourist Development Tax     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             497,500
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, 6.00% Due
                   10/1/24.
    500,000      City of Plant City, Florida, Utility System         2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             497,500
                   Refunding and Improvement Revenue Bonds,
                   Series 1995, 6.00% Due 10/1/20. (When
                   issued.)
    500,000      City of Tampa, Florida, Allegany Health System      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             434,235
                   Revenue Bonds, St. Mary's Hospital, Inc.
                   Issue, Series 1993, 5.125% Due 12/1/23.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about January 4, 1994 at a price of
                   94.522% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             520,345
                   Bonds of 1994 (General Obligation Bonds),
                   6.45% Due 7/1/17.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 4,000,000                                                                                                 $     3,784,480
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 47.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
   
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 232
    
 
   
    The Portfolio of New York Insured Trust 232 consists of 9 obligations issued
by  entities  located  in  New  York.  Three  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, 1; College  and
University  Revenue,  1;  Electrical  System Revenue,  1;  Health  Care Facility
Revenue, 1;  Municipal Lease  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 New  York
Insured  Trust is 25.9  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 21.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in  the
Trust (accounting for approximately 20.8% 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.
    
 
    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 February 28,
1995. 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>
  $3,800,179       $22,050           $230,343      $3,803,373                 .47%
</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 $.01552 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01547 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01538
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 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:
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      NORMAL
                                                                                                  DISTRIBUTIONS
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST                                            1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        4/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       4/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4614(1)                                              $  5.5393
                                                        --------  $.4614 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4614(1)   $   .4641(2)   $  1.3923      $  1.3923    $  5.5713
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4614(1)   $   .4656(3)                  $  2.7936    $  5.5903
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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  1-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) 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).
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
        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,  as compared to other
recoveries.   Moderate   economic   growth   is   expected   to   continue    in
 
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<PAGE>
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 contribute  $643 million more  to the retirement
plans than would have been required under the prior funding method.
 
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<PAGE>
    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 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
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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
 
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<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
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.
 
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<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.
 
                                       33
<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.
 
                                       34
<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 1995 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      5.00%   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- 39.0 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60
                 100.0-114.7     22.5          6.45    6.77    7.10    7.42    7.74    8.06    8.39    8.71
    39.0- 94.3       0-100.0     33.5          7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15
                 100.0-114.7     34.5          7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31
                 114.7-150.0     35.0          7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00   10.38
                 150.0-172.1     34.0          7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23
    94.3-143.6       0-100.0     36.0          7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55
                 100.0-114.7     37.0          7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
                 114.7-150.0     38.0          8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
                 150.0-172.1     37.0          7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
                 172.1-294.6     39.5          8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
   143.6-256.5   114.7-150.0     42.5          8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
                 150.0-172.1     42.0          8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
                 172.1-294.6     44.5          9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
                  Over 294.6     42.0    2     8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6     48.0          9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98
                  Over 294.6     45.5    3     9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
</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- 23.4 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28    8.60
                 100.0-114.7     22.0          6.41    6.73    7.05    7.37    7.69    8.01    8.33    8.65
    23.4- 56.6       0-100.0     33.5          7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77   10.15
                 100.0-114.7     34.0          7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23
    56.6-118.0       0-100.0     36.0          7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55
                 100.0-114.7     36.5          7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 114.7-150.0     38.0          8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
                 150.0-237.2     37.5          8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80
   118.0-256.5   114.7-150.0     43.0          8.77    9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40   11.84
                 150.0-237.2     42.5          8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
                  Over 237.2     42.0    2     8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2     45.5    3     9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
</TABLE>
 
                                       35
<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      5.00%   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- 39.0 $     0-100.0     25.0    %     6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67    9.00
                 100.0-114.7     26.0          6.76    7.09    7.43    7.77    8.11    8.45    8.78    9.12
    39.0- 94.3       0-100.0     36.5          7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 100.0-114.7     37.5          8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80
                 114.7-150.0     38.0          8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
                 150.0-172.1     37.5          8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80
    94.3-143.6       0-100.0     39.5          8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                 100.0-114.7     40.0          8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25
                 114.7-150.0     41.0          8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44
                 150.0-172.1     40.0          8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25
                 172.1-294.6     42.5          8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
   143.6-256.5   114.7-150.0     45.5          9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                 150.0-172.1     44.5          9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
                 172.1-294.6     47.0          9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74
                  Over 294.6     44.5    2     9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6     50.5         10.10   10.61   11.11   11.62   12.12   12.63   13.13   13.64
                  Over 294.6     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      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE,
    TAXABLE        GROSS         LOCAL                     TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME      AND FEDERAL     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.00%   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- 23.4 $     0-100.0     25.0    %     6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67    9.00
                 100.0-114.7     25.5          6.71    7.05    7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72    9.06
    23.4- 56.6       0-100.0     36.5          7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 100.0-114.7     37.0          7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
    56.6-118.0       0-100.0     39.5          8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                 100.0-114.7     39.5          8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                 114.7-150.0     41.0          8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44
                 150.0-237.2     40.5          8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92   11.34
   118.0-256.5   114.7-150.0     45.5          9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                 150.0-237.2     45.5          9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                  Over 237.2     44.5    2     9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2     48.0    3     9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98
</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>
 
                                       36
<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.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 1, 1995
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 232
(SERIES 787)
    
 
<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>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   600,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,    No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa     $       526,224
                   Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Insured
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 5.15% Due
                   7/1/24.
    385,000      New York State Energy Research and Development      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             381,150
                   Authority, Pollution Control Refunding
                   Revenue Bonds (New York State Electric & Gas
                   Corporation Project), 1994 Series A, 6.05%
                   Due 4/1/34.
    385,000      New York (New York), Local Government            No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             332,278
                   Assistance Corporation, Series 1993E
                   Refunding Bonds, 5.00% Due 4/1/21. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   December 23, 1993 at a price of 94.588% of
                   principal amount.)
    600,000      New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             615,924
                   Agency, Mental Health Services Facilities
                   Improvement Revenue Bonds, 1994 Series E,
                   6.375% Due 8/15/14. (General Obligation
                   Bonds.)
    250,000      New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance      2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             258,390
                   Agency, New York Hospital FHA-Insured
                   Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 1994 Series A, 6.50%
                   Due 8/15/29. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about January 12, 1995 at a
                   price of 94.014% of principal amount.)
    230,000      New York State Urban Development Corporation,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             203,359
                   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.)
    350,000      Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New       No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             340,316
                   York, Transit Facilities Service Contract
                   Bonds, Series O, 5.75% Due 7/1/13.
    600,000      City of New Rochelle, Westchester County, New       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             609,816
                   York, General Obligations, Public Improvement
                   Bonds, 1994 Series B, 6.20% Due 8/15/21.
    600,000      The City of New York (New York), General          2003 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             554,772
                   Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1994 Series C, 5.50%
                   Due 10/1/15.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 4,000,000                                                                                                 $     3,822,229
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 47.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
TENNESSEE INSURED TRUST 27
    
 
   
    The Portfolio of Tennessee Insured Trust 27 consists of 6 obligations issued
by  entities located in Tennessee and one obligation issued by an entity located
in the Territory of Puerto Rico. 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: 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 Tennessee
Insured Trust is 22.7  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  42.9% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 40.5% 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  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 February 24,
1995 and February 28, 1995.  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>
  $3,314,621       $17,144           $196,500      $3,315,515                 .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.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
   
    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  Tennessee Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01513 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01508 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01499
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 Tennessee 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
TENNESSEE INSURED TRUST                                           1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        4/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       4/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4497(1)                                              $  5.3984
                                                        --------  $.4497 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4497(1)   $   .4524(2)   $  1.3572      $  1.3572    $  5.4304
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4497(1)   $   .4539(3)                  $  2.7234    $  5.4494
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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  1-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--TENNESSEE INSURED TRUST
 
    The assets  of the  Trust  will consist  of bonds  issued  by the  State  of
Tennessee  (the  "State"),  or  any  county  or  any  municipality  or political
subdivision thereof, including any agency,  board, authority or commission,  the
interest  on which is  exempt from the Hall  Income Tax imposed  by the State of
Tennessee, ("Tennessee Bonds")  or by  the Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico or  its
political subdivisions (the "Puerto Rico Bonds") (collectively, the "Bonds").
 
    Under  Tennessee law, a unit investment trust taxable as a grantor trust for
federal income tax purposes is entitled to special Tennessee State tax treatment
(as more  fully described  below) with  respect to  its proportionate  share  of
interest  income  received  or  accrued  with  respect  to  Tennessee  Bonds. An
exemption for distributions made by a unit investment trust or mutual fund  that
are  attributable to "bonds or securities of the United States government or any
agency or instrumentality thereof" ("U.S. Government, Agency or  Instrumentality
Bonds").  If it were determined that the  Trust held assets other than Tennessee
Bonds or U.S. Government, Agency or Instrumentality Bonds, a proportionate share
of distributions from the  Trust would be taxable  to Unitholders for  Tennessee
Income  Tax purposes. Further, because Tennessee  law only provides an exemption
for distributions that
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
relate to interest  income, distributions by  the Trust that  relate to  capital
gains  realized  from  the  sale  or  redemption  of  Tennessee  Bonds  or  U.S.
Government, Agency or Instrumentality Bonds are likely to be treated as  taxable
dividends  for purposes of the Hall  Income Tax. However, capital gains realized
directly by a Unitholder when the Unitholder sells or redeems his Unit will  not
be  subject to the Hall Income Tax. The opinion set forth below assumes that the
interest on the Tennessee Bonds, if received directly by a Unitholder, would  be
exempt  from the Hall Income Tax under  State law. This opinion does not address
the taxation  of  persons  other  than  full-time  residents  of  the  State  of
Tennessee.
 
    Because  the recent amendments  only provide an  exemption for distributions
attributable to  interest  on Tennessee  Bonds  or U.S.  Government,  Agency  or
Instrumentality  Bonds,  it  must  be determined  whether  bonds  issued  by the
Government of Puerto Rico qualify as U.S. Government, Agency or  Instrumentality
Bonds.   For  Hall  Income  Tax  purposes,   there  is  currently  no  published
administrative interpretation or  opinion of the  Attorney General of  Tennessee
dealing  with the status of distributions made by unit investment trusts such as
the Tennessee Trust that  are attributable to interest  paid on bonds issued  by
the  Government of Puerto Rico. However, in  a letter dated August 14, 1992 (the
"Commissioner's Letter"), the Commissioner of the State of Tennessee  Department
of  Revenue advised that Puerto  Rico would be an  "Instrumentality" of the U.S.
Government and treated  bonds issued by  the Government of  Puerto Rico as  U.S.
Government,  Agency  or Instrumentality  Bonds.  Based on  this  conclusion, the
Commissioner advised  that  distributions from  a  mutual fund  attributable  to
investments  in Puerto Rico Bonds are exempt  from the Hall Income Tax. Both the
Sponsor and  Chapman and  Cutler, for  purposes  of its  opinion (as  set  forth
below),  have assumed, based on the  Commissioner's Letter, that bonds issued by
the Government of  Puerto Rico  are U.S. Government,  Agency or  Instrumentality
Bonds.  However, it should be noted that the position of the Commissioner is not
binding, and is subject to change, even on a retroactive basis.
 
    The Sponsor cannot predict whether new legislation will be enacted into  law
affecting  the tax status of  Tennessee Trusts. The occurrence  of such an event
could cause distributions of interest income from the Trust to be subject to the
Hall Income Tax.  Additional information regarding  such proposals is  currently
unavailable. Investors should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
 
    In  the opinion  of Chapman  and Cutler,  Special Counsel  to the  Trust for
Tennessee tax matters, under existing law as of the date of this prospectus:
 
        For purposes of the Hall Income Tax, the Tennessee Excise Tax imposed by
    Section 67-4-806  (the  "State Corporate  Income  Tax"), and  the  Tennessee
    Franchise  Tax imposed by Section 67-4-903, the Trust will not be subject to
    such taxes.
 
        For  Hall  Income   Tax  purposes,   a  proportionate   share  of   such
    distributions  from the Trust to Unitholders,  to the extent attributable to
    interest on  the  Tennessee  Bonds  (based on  the  relative  proportion  of
    interest received or accrued attributable to Tennessee Bonds) will be exempt
    from  the Hall Income Tax when distributed to such Unitholders. Based on the
    Commissioner's Letter, distributions from the  Trust to Unitholders, to  the
    extent  attributable  to interest  on the  Puerto Rico  Bonds (based  on the
    relative proportion  of interest  received or  accrued attributable  to  the
    Puerto  Rico Bonds) will be exempt from the Hall Income Tax when distributed
    to such  Unitholders.  A  proportionate  share  of  distributions  from  the
    Tennessee Trust attributable to assets
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    other  than the Bonds would not, under  current law, be exempt from the Hall
    Income Tax when distributed to Unitholders.
 
        For State Corporate Income Tax Purposes, Tennessee law does not  provide
    an  exemption for interest on Tennessee Bonds and requires that all interest
    excludible from Federal gross  income must be  included in calculating  "net
    earnings" subject to the State Corporate Income Tax. No opinion is expressed
    regarding whether such tax would be imposed on the earnings or distributions
    of  the Trust  (including interest  on the Bonds  or gain  realized upon the
    disposition of the Bonds by  the Trust) attributable to Unitholders  subject
    to  the State Corporate Income Tax. However, based upon prior written advice
    from the Tennessee  Department of Revenue,  earnings and distributions  from
    the  Trust (including interest on the  Tennessee Bonds or gain realized upon
    the disposition of  the Tennessee Bonds  by the Trust)  attributable to  the
    Unitholders  should  be  exempt from  the  State Corporate  Income  Tax. The
    position of  the Tennessee  Department of  Revenue is  not binding,  and  is
    subject to change, even on a retroactive basis.
 
        Each  Unitholder will realize  taxable gain or  loss for State Corporate
    Income Tax purposes  when the  Unitholder redeems or  sells his  Units at  a
    price  that  differs from  original cost  as adjusted  for accretion  or any
    discount or  amortization  of  any  premium  and  other  basis  adjustments,
    including any basis reduction that may be required to reflect a Unitholder's
    share of interest, if any, accruing on Bonds during the interval between the
    Unitholder's  settlement date and  the date such Bonds  are delivered to the
    Trust, if later. Tax basis  reduction requirements relating to  amortization
    of  bond  premium  may,  under  some  circumstances,  result  in Unitholders
    realizing taxable gain  when the Units  are sold or  redeemed for an  amount
    equal to or less than their original cost.
 
        For  purposes of  the Tennessee Property  Tax, the Trust  will be exempt
    from taxation with respect to the Bonds it holds. As for the taxation of the
    Units held by the Unitholders, although intangible personal property is  not
    presently subject to Tennessee taxation, no opinion is expressed with regard
    to  potential property taxation of the Unitholders with respect to the Units
    because the determination  of whether property  is exempt from  such tax  is
    made on a county by county basis.
 
        The  Bonds and the Units  held by the Unitholder  will not be subject to
    Tennessee sales and use taxes.
 
        We have not examined any  of the Bonds to be  deposited and held in  the
    Tennessee  Trust or the proceedings for the issuance thereof or the opinions
    of bond counsel with respect thereto, and therefore express no opinion as to
    the exemption from State income taxes  of interest on the Bonds if  received
    directly by a Unitholder.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--TENNESSEE
 
    The following brief summary regarding the economy of Tennessee is based upon
information  drawn  from  publicly available  sources  and is  included  for the
purpose of providing the information about general economic conditions that  may
or  may not  affect issuers  of the Tennessee  obligations. The  Sponsor has not
independently verified  any  of  the  information  contained  in  such  publicly
available documents.
 
    CONSTITUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS.  The State Constitution of Tennessee requires
a  balanced budget. No legal authority exists for deficit spending for operating
purposes beyond the end of a fiscal year. Tennessee law permits tax anticipation
borrowing but any  amount borrowed  must be repaid  during the  fiscal year  for
which the borrowing was done. Tennessee
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
has  not issued  any debt  for operating purposes  during recent  years with the
exception of some advances which were  made from the Federal Unemployment  Trust
Fund  in 1984. No such advances are now outstanding nor is borrowing of any type
for operating purposes contemplated.
 
    The State Constitution of Tennessee forbids the expenditure of the  proceeds
of  any debt obligation  for a purpose other  than the purpose  for which it was
authorized by statute. Under State law, the term of bonds authorized and  issued
cannot exceed the expected life of the projects being financed. Furthermore, the
amount  of a debt obligation cannot exceed  the amount authorized by the General
Assembly.
 
   
    THE STATE AND  ITS ECONOMY.   The recommended State  budget for Fiscal  Year
1994-95  is $12,570,380,800.  State revenues are  scheduled to  be obtained from
taxes, each of which will generate a certain percentage of the total revenues as
follows: sales (54%); franchise and excise (12%); gasoline (11%); gross receipts
and privilege (4%); motor vehicle  (3%); income and inheritance (3%);  insurance
and  banking (3%);  tobacco, beer,  and alcoholic  beverages (2%)  and all other
taxes (8%).
    
 
   
    For Fiscal Year 1994-95, State revenues are scheduled to be allocated in the
following percentages:  education  (44%);  health  and  social  services  (22%);
transportation (11%); law, safety and correction (9%); cities and counties (8%);
general government (3%); resources and regulation (2%) and business and economic
development (1%).
    
 
   
    Overall, the economic indicators were positive for Tennessee for 1993. After
a  slow start, inflation-adjusted personal income  in Tennessee rebounded in the
second quarter, resulting in overall growth  of 4.4% from the second quarter  of
1992  to the second quarter  of 1993. Tennessee's employment  also grew in 1993,
although its  growth  was not  as  impressive as  income  growth.  Third-quarter
statistics  for  1993 show  that Tennessee  nonagricultural employment  was 1.7%
above the same  quarter in  1992. In 1994,  the Tennessee  economy continued  to
expand.  From December, 1993  to December, 1994  Tennessee's seasonally adjusted
employment  grew  from   2,395,100  people  to   2,567,300  people,  while   its
unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% to 3.8% over that same period.
    
 
   
    An  increase in consumer  spending is reflected  in Tennessee taxable sales,
which grew 10.4% from the  third quarter of 1992 to  the third quarter of  1993.
Long-term  average growth for taxable sales is 8.5%, but the distinction between
this figure  and  the  recent  10.4%  figure  is  more  substantial  than  first
appearances  suggest  because the  long-term  average includes  some  periods of
significantly higher  inflation  than the  most  recent quarters.  Adjusted  for
inflation,  taxable sales  grew by 7.5%  from the  third quarter of  1992 to the
third quarter of 1993, which is triple the long-term inflation-adjusted  average
of 2.5%.
    
 
   
    The  largest  contributor  to  Tennessee's  employment  growth  is services,
accounting for  40.9% of  the employment  growth that  occurred from  the  third
quarter  of  1992 to  the third  quarter of  1993.  While it  is still  the most
substantial source of employment growth for Tennessee, services has historically
grown at a higher rate.  Similarly, the large trade  sector is not as  dominant,
contributing  27.8% of employment growth  from the third quarter  of 1992 to the
third quarter of 1993. Another sector that has become less influential on  total
employment  growth  in  Tennessee is  the  finance, insurance,  and  real estate
industry, which contributed nothing to employment growth during the year  ending
in the third quarter of 1993.
    
 
    BOND RATINGS.  Tennessee's general obligation bonds are rated Aaa by Moody's
and  AA+  by Standard  & Poor's.  There can  be no  assurance that  the economic
conditions on which  these ratings are  based will continue  or that  particular
obligations contained in the Portfolio
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
of  the Tennessee  Insured Trust  may not  be adversely  affected by  changes in
economic or political conditions.
 
    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  Tennessee is involved in certain legal proceedings that,
if decided against the State, may  require the State to make significant  future
expenditures  or may substantially impair  revenues. The Tennessee Supreme Court
currently is  reviewing a  case in  which the  lower court  found the  Tennessee
Department of Revenue improperly defined non-business earnings for tax purposes.
Although  this case  involves only $925,000,  its outcome could  affect at least
five other cases  and could  have a  detrimental impact  to Tennessee's  revenue
base.  If the case is affirmed, Tennessee could lose an estimated $80 million to
$100 million a year in corporate income taxes. The Tennessee Supreme Court  also
may  hear a similar case  in which the lower  court found the taxpayer's partial
sale of business holdings resulted in taxable business income. A ruling in favor
of the taxpayer could result in a $10 million tax refund.
 
    Two other  tax  related  cases  could  also  affect  the  State's  financial
condition.  A recently  filed class-action suit  seeks damages in  excess of $25
million for the  allegedly illegal collection  of sales taxes  paid on  extended
warranty  contracts on motor vehicles.  In addition, a coalition  of more than a
dozen hospitals is considering a class-action suit to challenge the legality  of
Tennessee's   Medicaid   service  tax.   Tennessee's  hospitals   currently  pay
approximately $504 million dollars in special taxes.
 
    The foregoing information does  not purport to be  a complete or  exhaustive
description  of all conditions  to which the  issuers of Bonds  in the Tennessee
Insured Trust are subject. Many factors including national economic, social  and
environmental  policies and conditions, which are  not within the control of the
issuers of Bonds, could affect or could have an adverse impact on the  financial
condition  of the State and various  agencies and political subdivisions located
in the State.  Since certain Bonds  in the Tennessee  Insured Trust (other  than
general  obligation bonds issued by the  state) are payable from revenue derived
from a specific source or authority, the  impact of a pronounced decline in  the
national  economy  or difficulties  in significant  industries within  the state
could result in a decrease in the  amount of revenues realized from such  source
or  by such authority  and thus adversely  affect the ability  of the respective
issuers of the  Bonds in the  Tennessee Insured  Trust to pay  the debt  service
requirements  on the Bonds. Similarly,  such adverse economic developments could
result in  a decrease  in tax  revenues realized  by the  state and  thus  could
adversely  affect the ability of the state  to pay the debt service requirements
of any Tennessee general  obligation bonds in the  Tennessee Insured Trust.  The
Sponsor  is unable to  predict whether or  to what extent  such factors or other
factors may affect the  issuers of Bonds, the  market value or marketability  of
the  Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of the Bonds acquired by the
Tennessee Insured Trust to pay interest on or principal of the Bonds.
 
TENNESSEE 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 1995 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
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
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      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      20.0   %     5.31    5.63    5.94    6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      32.5         6.30    6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89
                 114.7-172.1      33.0         6.34    6.72    7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      35.0         6.54    6.92    7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23
                 114.7-172.1      36.0         6.64    7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38
                 172.1-294.6      38.5         6.91    7.32    7.72    8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      41.0         7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
                 172.1-294.6      43.5         7.52    7.96    8.41    8.85    9.29    9.73   10.18   10.62
                  Over 294.6      41.0   2     7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.5         8.10    8.57    9.05    9.52   10.00   10.48   10.95   11.43
                  Over 294.6      44.5   3     7.66    8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81
</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      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      20.0         5.31    5.63    5.94    6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      32.5         6.30    6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      35.0         6.54    6.92    7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23
                 114.7-237.2      36.5         6.69    7.09    7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.5         7.26    7.69    8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26
                  Over 237.2      41.0   2     7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.5   3     7.66    8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81
<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.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 1, 1995
TENNESSEE INSURED TRUST 27
(SERIES 787)
    
 
<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      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2003 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa     $       456,105
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1993 (General
                   Obligation Bonds.), 5.25% Due 7/1/18.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about July 15, 1993 at a price of 93.414%
                   of principal amount.)
    500,000      The Health and Educational Facilities Board of      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             447,505
                   the City of Bristol, Tennessee, Hospital
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993 (Bristol
                   Memorial Hospital), 5.25% Due 9/1/21.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about September 2, 1993 at a price of
                   94.676% of principal amount.)
    500,000      City of Johnson City, Tennessee, School Sales       2006 at 100        AAA         Aaa             536,555
                   Tax Revenue and Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series
                   1994, 6.70% Due 5/1/21. (General Obligation
                   Bonds.)
    500,000      The Health, Educational and Housing Facilities      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             459,235
                   Board of the County of Knox (Tennessee),
                   Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A (Fort
                   Sanders Alliance Obligated Group), 5.25% Due
                   1/1/13.
    500,000      Knox-Chapman Utility District of Knox County,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             505,875
                   Tennessee, Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding
                   Bonds, Series 1994, 6.10% Due 1/1/19.
    500,000      Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority             2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             482,365
                   (Tennessee), Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   Series 1993, 5.65% Due 9/1/15.
    500,000      The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and        2003 at 100        AAA         Aaa             444,125
                   Davidson County (Tennessee), Water and Sewer
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993, 5.10%
                   Due 1/1/16. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about August 4, 1993 at a
                   price of 93.354% of principal amount.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,331,765
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 47.
 
                                       46
<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,  a division  of J.  J.
        Kenny Co., Inc., 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, a division  of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc.,
        have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
 
                                       47
<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 787:
    
 
   
       We  have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and the
     related schedules of investments at  date of deposit (included in  the
     prospectus here-
     in)  of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit  Trust, Series 787 (comprising Virginia
     Traditional Trust 298,  Florida Insured  Trust 206,  New York  Insured
     Trust  232 and Tennessee Insured Trust 27), as of March 1, 1995. 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 787
     as of March 1, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted  accounting
     principles.
    
 
                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     March 1, 1995.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 787
    
   
  (Virginia Traditional Trust 298, Florida Insured Trust 206, New York Insured
                   Trust 232 and Tennessee Insured Trust 27)
    
   
                              AS OF MARCH 1, 1995
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             VIRGINIA             FLORIDA            NEW YORK            TENNESSEE
                                            TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 298           TRUST 206           TRUST 232           TRUST 27
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-
 Exempt Bonds, backed by an irrevocable
 letter of credit(1)(2).................  $     3,354,510     $     3,784,480     $     3,822,229     $     3,331,765
Accrued interest to March 1, 1995 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           52,488              51,021              68,009              26,458
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,406,998     $     3,835,501     $     3,890,238     $     3,358,223
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to March 1, 1995 on
      underlying Bonds(3)...............  $        52,488     $        51,021     $        68,009     $        26,458
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (Virginia
      Traditional Trust 298-- 35,000;
      Florida Insured Trust 206--40,000;
      New York Insured Trust
      232--40,000; Tennessee Insured
      Trust 27-- 35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $     3,527,334     $     3,979,456     $     4,019,150     $     3,503,418
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (172,824)           (194,976)           (196,921)           (171,653)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,354,510     $     3,784,480     $     3,822,229     $     3,331,765
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,406,998     $     3,835,501     $     3,890,238     $     3,358,223
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<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>
 
                                       49
<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 September 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 SEPTEMBER 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......................  $    10,030,200  $     8,275,300   $  1,754,900
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.........................        6,815,775        4,904,534      1,911,241
The Travelers Indemnity Company..........................       10,295,359        8,515,392      1,779,967
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna
  Insurance Company).....................................        5,112,251        4,842,235        270,016
The Continental Insurance Company........................        2,794,536        2,449,805        344,731
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
        Total............................................  $    35,048,121  $    28,987,266   $  6,060,855
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
</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 or secondary offering period or units of any other series of  Nuveen
Tax-Exempt  Unit Trusts in the primary or secondary offering period by executing
and delivering a letter of intent to the Sponsor, which letter of intent must be
in a  form acceptable  to  the Sponsor  and shall  have  a maximum  duration  of
thirteen months, will be eligible to receive a reduced sales charge according to
the  following tables  based on  the amount  of intended  aggregate purchases as
expressed in the  letter of  intent. Due  to administrative  limitations and  in
order to permit adequate tracking, the only secondary market purchases that will
be  permitted to be applied  toward the intended specified  amount and that will
receive the corresponding reduced sales charge are those Units that are acquired
through or from the  Sponsor. By establishing a  letter of intent, a  Unitholder
agrees  that the first purchase of Units  following the execution of such letter
of intent will  be at least  5% of the  total amount of  the intended  aggregate
purchases  expressed in such Unitholder's letter of intent. Further, through the
establishment of  the  letter  of  intent, such  Unitholder  agrees  that  units
representing  5% of the total  amount of the intended  purchases will be held in
escrow by 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
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
Unitholder  does  not pay  the additional  amount within  20 days  after written
request by  the  Sponsor  or the  Unitholder's  securities  representative,  the
Sponsor  will  instruct  the Trustee  to  redeem  an appropriate  number  of the
escrowed units to meet the required payment. By establishing a letter of intent,
a Unitholder irrevocably appoints the  Sponsor as attorney to give  instructions
to  redeem any or  all of such  Unitholder's escrowed units,  with full power of
substitution in the premises. A Unitholder or his securities representative must
notify the Sponsor whenever  such Unitholder makes a  purchase of Units that  he
wishes  to  be counted  towards the  intended amount.  Sales charges  during the
primary offering period are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         NATIONAL AND STATE      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
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
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  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.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    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 (1)  investors who purchase  Units through registered  investment
advisers, certified financial planners and registered broker-dealers who in each
case  either charge periodic fees for financial planning, investment advisory or
asset management  services, or  provide  such services  in connection  with  the
establishment  of an  investment account  for which  a comprehensive  "wrap fee"
charge is imposed, (2)  bank trust departments investing  funds over which  they
exercise  exclusive discretionary  investment authority and  that are  held in a
fiduciary, agency, custodial  or similar  capacity, (3)  any person  who for  at
least  90 days, has been an officer, director  or bona fide employee of any firm
offering Units  for sale  to investors  or their  immediate family  members  (as
defined  above) and  (4) officers and  directors of bank  holding companies that
make Units  available  directly  or through  subsidiaries  or  bank  affiliates.
Notwithstanding  anything to  the contrary  in this  Prospectus, such investors,
bank trust departments,  firm employees  and bank holding  company officers  and
directors  who purchase 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
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
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
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
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
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  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
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
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 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  division of  J. J.  Kenny Co.,  Inc., 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, a  division of J. J.  Kenny Co., Inc., 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.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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.)  A portion of a Unitholder's gain,  to
the extent of accreted market discount, may be treated as ordinary income rather
than capital gain if the Bonds were purchased by a Trust at a market discount or
if  the Unitholder purchased his  or her Units at a  market discount on or after
April 30, 1993. 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
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        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 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
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
$.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 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
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
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  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
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
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  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
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
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.
 
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:
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
 
<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.
 
    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
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
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 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.
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
    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 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.
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    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
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
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.
 
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
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
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  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.
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
    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 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
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
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 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.
 
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in the Trust  to reach their investment  goals, the Trust's  sponsor,
John  Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated, may  advertise and  create specific investment
programs and  systems.  For  example, such  activities  may  include  presenting
information  on how to use  an investment in the  Trust, alone or in combination
with an investment in other mutual funds or unit investment trusts sponsored  by
Nuveen,  to accumulate  assets for future  education needs  or periodic payments
such as  insurance  premiums.  The  Trust's  sponsor  may  produce  software  or
additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the Trust to meet
these and other specific investor needs.
 
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.
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
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 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>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      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
                           150,000 Units
                           Virginia Traditional Trust
                           298
                           Florida Insured Trust 206
                           New York Insured Trust 232
                           Tennessee Insured Trust 27
</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.
 
   
   787
    
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 Virginia
Traditional  Trust 298  which is incorporated  in the Prospectus  dated March 1,
1995 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-28-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,341,055
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,354,510
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        52,488
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,406,998
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            52,488
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  52,488
<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>                                                      3,354,510
<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>                                                 95.84
<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 206 which  is incorporated in the  Prospectus dated March 1,  1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-28-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,765,750
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,784,480
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        51,021
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,835,501
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            51,021
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  51,021
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                40,000
<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>                                                      3,784,480
<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>                                                 94.61
<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 New York
Insured  Trust 232 which is  incorporated in the Prospectus  dated March 1, 1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-28-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,800,179
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,822,229
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        68,009
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,890,238
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            68,009
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  68,009
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                40,000
<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>                                                      3,822,229
<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>                                                 95.56
<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
Tennessee Insured Trust 27 which is  incorporated in the Prospectus dated  March
1, 1995 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-28-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,314,621
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,331,765
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        26,458
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,358,223
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            26,458
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  26,458
<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>                                                      3,331,765
<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>                                                 95.19
<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 787 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 787 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 3/01/95.

 
                                NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 787
                                (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))
                                                      )
                                                      )3/01/95
___________________

*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>

787

                   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
3/01/95


                         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 787                                           March 1, 1995            
                                                                              
Item 1.  This Indenture relates to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust           
         Series 787.                                                          
                                                                              
Item 2.  The date of this Indenture is March 1, 1995.                         
                                                                              
Item 3.  Series 787 shall initially contain Trusts as follows:                
                                                                              
         (a)   Virginia Traditional Trust 298                                 
         (b)   Florida Insured Trust 206                                      
         (c)   New York Insured Trust 232                                     
         (d)   Tennessee Insured Trust 27                                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 4.  Each Trust shall initially consist of the following number of Units: 
                                                                              
         (a)   Virginia Traditional Trust               35,000 Units          
         (b)   Florida Insured Trust                    40,000 Units          
         (c)   New York Insured Trust                   40,000 Units          
         (d)   Tennessee 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)  Virginia Traditional Trust              $ .4686 per Unit       
         ( 2)  Florida Insured Trust                   $ .4488 per Unit       
         ( 3)  New York Insured Trust                  $ .4614 per Unit       
         ( 4)  Tennessee Insured Trust                 $ .4497 per Unit       
                                                                              
         (b) The date of the second distribution from the Interest Account    
             of the respective Trusts will be as follows:                     
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Virginia Traditional Trust              April 15, 1995         
         ( 2)  Florida Insured Trust                   April 15, 1995         
         ( 3)  New York Insured Trust                  April 15, 1995         
         ( 4)  Tennessee Insured Trust                 April 15, 1995         
                                                                              
         (c) The record date for the second distribution from the             
             Interest Account of the respective Trusts will be as             
             follows:                                                         
                                                                              
         ( 1)  Virginia Traditional Trust              April 1, 1995          
         ( 2)  Florida Insured Trust                   April 1, 1995          
         ( 3)  New York Insured Trust                  April 1, 1995          
         ( 4)  Tennessee Insured Trust                 April 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)   Virginia Traditional Trust              April 1, 1995          
         (b)   Florida Insured Trust                   April 1, 1995          
         (c)   New York Insured Trust                  April 1, 1995          
         (d)   Tennessee Insured Trust                 April 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)  Virginia Traditional Trust              $1.6288                
         ( 2)  Florida Insured Trust                   $1.6433                
         ( 3)  New York Insured Trust                  $1.6471                
         ( 4)  Tennessee Insured Trust                 $1.5843                
                                                                              
         (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)  Virginia Traditional Trust                                     
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6288          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3088          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1188          
                                                                              
         ( 2)  Florida Insured Trust                                          
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6433          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3233          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1333          
                                                                              
         ( 3)  New York Insured Trust                                         
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6471          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3271          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1371          
                                                                              
         ( 4)  Tennessee Insured Trust                                        
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.5843          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.2643          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.0743          
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                            ADDITIONAL SCHEDULES                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                         BONDS INITIALLY DEPOSITED                            
                                                                              
                  NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 787                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
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:  Virginia Traditional Trust 298                          
         Schedule C:  Florida Insured Trust 206                               
         Schedule D:  New York Insured Trust 232                              
         Schedule E:  Tennessee Insured Trust 27                              


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.1

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

3/01/95


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

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 787 (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. 33-57539) 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)

3/01/95

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

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 787 (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 787.

    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) subject to a statutory de minimis rule.
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. 33-57539) 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 CHRISTIAN, BARTON, EPPS, BRENT & CHAPPELL LETTERHEAD)

3/01/95

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

Attn:  James J. Wesolowski, Esquire
       General Counsel


United States Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
Series 787,   
Virginia Traditional Trust 298
770 Broadway
New York, New York  10003

Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special Virginia counsel to Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 787 (the "Fund") concerning a Registration Statement (No. 33-57539)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement"),
covering the issuance by the Fund of units of fractional undivided
interest pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated as of the date
hereof between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated and United States Trust Company
of New York.  The Fund will issue units in several State Trusts, one of which
is the Virginia Traditional Trust (the "Virginia Trust" or "Trust", the
units of which are referred to as "the Units").  The Units will be purchased
by various investors (the "Unitholders").  Each Trust will be administered as
a distinct entity with separate certificates, investments, expenses, books
and records.
    The assets of the Virginia Trust will consist of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, its
counties, municipalities, authorities or political subdivisions, and, provided
the interest thereon is exempt from Virginia income taxes by the laws or
treaties of the United States, by or on behalf of United States territories
or possessions, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and the
Northern Mariana Islands, and their political subdivisions and authorities
(the "Bonds").

    You have requested our opinion as to the application of Virginia state and
local taxes to the Trust and the Unitholders.  In rendering our
opinion, we have assumed that the interest on all Bonds in the Trust will be 
exempt from Federal income tax.  Furthermore, in rendering our opinion, we 
have relied on the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, of even date 
herewith, that:
 
    (1)  the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for Federal
income tax purposes and 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 distributed to a Unitholder;

    (2)  each Unitholder of a Trust is considered to be the owner of a
pro rata portion of such Trust under Subpart E, sub-chapter J of Chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and will have a taxable event when the Trust
disposes of a Bond or when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units . . . .
If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment on 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.
 
    Based upon the foregoing, we are of the following opinion:

    The Trust will be treated as a trust for Virginia income tax purposes and
not as an association taxable as a corporation.  As a result, income of the
Trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.

<PAGE>

    The calculation of Virginia taxable income begins with federal adjusted
gross income in the case of an individual or federal taxable income in the 
case of a corporation, estate or trust.  Certain modifications are specified, 
but no such modification would require the addition of interest on the Bonds.
Accordingly, amounts representing tax-exempt interest for federal income tax
purposes received or accrued by the Trust with respect to the Bonds, will not 
be taxed to the Trust or to the Unitholders for Virginia income tax
purposes.  To the extent that interest on obligations of the Commonwealth or
any political subdivision or instrumentality thereof is included in federal
adjusted gross income, Virginia law provides that the income shall be 
subtracted in arriving at Virginia taxable income.  In addition, Virginia 
income tax exemption is independently provided for interest on certain 
obligations, including those issued by industrial development authorities 
created pursuant to the Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, 
by the Virginia Housing Development Authority, by the Virginia Resources 
Authority and by the Virginia Education Loan Authority.  Where such an 
independent exemption is provided, interest on such obligations is exempt 
from Virginia income taxation without regard to any exemption from federal 
income taxes.


    As a general rule, to the extent that gain (whether as a result of the
sale of Bonds by the Trust or as a result of the sale of a Unit by the
Unitholder) is subject to federal income taxation, such gain will be
included in the Unitholder's Virginia taxable income.  Under the
language of certain enabling legislation, however, such as the Virginia 
Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, the Virginia Resources Authority
Act and the Virginia Housing Development Authority Act, profit made on the
sale of obligations issued by authorities created thereunder is expressly
exempt from Virginia income taxation.  Such enabling legislation does not
appear to require a disallowance in the calculation of Virginia taxes of any
loss that may be deductible for federal income tax purposes with respect to
such obligations, although the Virginia Department of Taxation has taken a
contrary view. 

    No income tax is imposed by any political subdivision of the Commonwealth 
of Virginia.  The Commonwealth of Virginia does not impose a gift tax.  The 
Virginia estate tax is equal to the maximum state death tax credit allowable 
against the federal estate tax payable by the estate.

    We have not examined any of the Bonds, nor have we made any review of the
proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or the basis for any 
opinions with respect to their validity or the tax-exempt status thereof for 
federal income tax purposes.  We have made no independent investigation as 
to, or passed on, the operation of the Trust or the sale of the Units in 
Virginia or in any other state.  No opinion was requested, nor is any opinion 
expressed, with respect to any tax consequences to the sponsor of the Trust, 
any underwriters, or any broker-dealers.

    We should point out that to the extent the Trust consists of property of
persons domiciled in Virginia, the Trust will in our opinion be considered a
"resident trust" for Virginia income tax purposes.  While we do not believe 
that the mere ownership by the Trust of the Bonds constitutes sufficient 
nexus to subject the Trust to the tax jurisdiction of Virginia, we express no 
opinion as to whether any activities with respect to the sale of Units in 
Virginia may establish such a nexus.  If a sufficient nexus exists, then if 
the Trust is required to file a federal fiduciary income tax return it will 
also be required to file a Virginia fiduciary income tax return.  Any such 
return would be for information purposes only, since each transaction of the 
Trust should be treated as a transaction of the several Unitholders,
and not as a transaction of the Trust that could give rise to Virginia
taxable income of the Trust.
 
    We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the use of our name and the reference to our firm in the
Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein.

Very truly yours,


CHRISTIAN, BARTON, EPPS, BRENT & CHAPPELL


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3

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




3/01/95


Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787
Florida Insured Trust 206
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 206

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
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 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. 33-57539) 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)

3/01/95

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 787
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 787
770 Broadway
New York, NY  10003

Re:  
    New York Insured Trust 232
     
     

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 787 (the "Fund") concerning a
Registration Statement (No. 33-57539) 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 bonds 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 3.3

(ON CHAPMAN & CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

3/01/95

Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787
c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606

United States Trust Company of New York,
   as trustee for Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
   Trust, Series 787
770 Broadway
New York, New York  10003


          Re:      
                  Tennessee Insured Trust 27
Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787, 
with respect to certain matters preliminary to the issuance and sale of units
of interest therein (the "Units") pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof (the "Indenture"), between John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, as depositor (the "Depositor"), and United States Trust Company
of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee").  The Units represent fractional
undivided interests in the principal of and net income on obligations
deposited in one of several separate trusts, including the above-referenced
trust (the "Trust"), will be evidenced by a certificate (the "Certificate") 
and will be sold to various investors (the "Unitholders").  Each separate 
trust will be administered as a distinct entity with separate
certificates, investments, expenses, books and records.

     The assets of the Trust will consist solely of bonds of the State of
Tennessee, or any agency of the State of Tennessee, bonds of any county or
agency of any county of Tennessee, bonds of any incorporated town, or city or
agency of any incorporated town or city and bonds of housing authorities of
Tennessee, provided such bonds are issued for any public purpose ("Tennessee
Bonds") or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or its political subdivisions
(the " Puerto Rico Bonds") (collectively, the "Bonds").

     Although we express no opinion with respect to the issuance of the 
Bonds, in rendering our opinion expressed herein, we have assumed 
that: (i) the Bonds were validly issued, (ii) the interest thereon is 
excludible from gross income for federal income tax purposes and (iii) interest 
on the Bonds, if received directly by a Unitholder, would be exempt 
from the Hall Income Tax (the "Hall Income Tax") imposed by Section 67-2-102 of 
the Tennessee Code (hereinafter "Section" refers to sections of the Tennessee
Code).  This opinion does not address the taxation of persons other than full 
time residents of Tennessee.

     On May 8, 1992, legislation (the "Legislation") was enacted in Tennessee
which, in part, clarified that with respect to distributions made by a unit
investment trust after December 31, 1991, that a proportionate share of such
distributions that relate to interest income paid with respect to Tennessee
Bonds from a unit investment trust characterized as a grantor trust for
federal income tax purposes will retain its status as tax-exempt for
purposes of the Hall Income Tax when distributed to Unitholders.  The
Legislation also provides an  exemption for distributions made by a unit 
investment trust or mutual fund that are attributable to "bonds or 
securities of the United States government or any agency or 
instrumentality thereof" ("U.S. Government, Agency or Instrumentality
Bonds").  Unlike prior law, it is important to note that the exemption
described above would not apply with respect to a proportionate share
of the distributions of income by a unit investment trust, to the extent
that less than all of the bonds held by the unit investment trust
constitute Tennessee Bonds or U.S. Government, Agency or Instrumentality
Bonds. Further, because the Legislation only provides an exemption for
distributions that relate to interest income, distributions by the
Trust that relate to capital gains realized from the sale or redemption
of Tennessee Bonds or U.S. Government, Agency or Instrumentality Bonds
are likely to be treated as taxable dividends for purposes of the Hall
Income Tax.  However, capital gains realized directly by a Unitholder
when the Unitholder sells or redeems his Unit will not be subject to
the Hall Income Tax. 
     
     Because the Legislation only provides an exemption for distributions
attributable to interest on Tennessee Bonds or U.S. Government, Agency
or Instrumentality Bonds, it must be determined whether bonds issued 
by the Government of Puerto Rico qualify as U.S. Government, Agency or 
Instrumentalality Bonds.  For Hall Income Tax purposes, there is 
currently no published administrative interpretation or opinion of the 
Attorney General of Tennessee dealing with the status of distributions
made by unit investment trusts such as the Tennessee Trust that are 
attributable to interest paid on bonds issued by the Government of
Puerto Rico.  However, in a letter dated August 14, 1992 (the 
"Commissioner's Letter"), the Commissioner of the State of Tennessee
Department of Revenue advised that Puerto Rico would be an
"instrumentality" of the U.S. Government and treated bonds issued by
the Goverment of Puerto Rico as U.S. Government, Agency or
Instrumentality Bonds.  Based on this conclusion, the Commissioner
advised that distributions from a mutual fund attributable to 
investments in Puerto Rico Bonds are exempt from the Hall Income Tax.
Both the Sponsor and Chapman and Cutler, for purposes of its opinion
(as set forth below), have assumed, based on the Commissioner's Letter,
that bonds issued by the Government of Puerto Rico are U.S. Government,
Agency or Instrumentality Bonds.  However, it should be noted that the
position of the Commissioner is not binding, and is subject to change,
even on a retroactive basis. 
 
     The Sponsor cannot predict whether new legislation will be enacted into 
law affecting the tax status of Tennessee Trusts.  The occurrence of such an 
event could cause distributions of interest income from the trust to be 
subject to the Hall Income Tax.  Additional information regarding such
proposals is currently unavailable.  Investors should consult their own
tax advisors in this regard.  

     Based on the foregoing, and based on review and consideration of existing
laws of the State of Tennessee as of this date, it is our opinion, and we
herewith advise you, as follows:

      1.  For purposes of the Hall Income Tax, the Tennessee Excise
   Tax imposed by Section 67-4-806 (the "State Corporate Income Tax"),
   and the Tennessee Franchise Tax imposed by Section 67-4-903, the
   Trust will not be subject to such taxes.

      2.  For Hall Income Tax purposes, a proportionate share of such 
   distributions from the Trust to Unitholders, to the extent attributable to 
   interest on the Tennessee Bonds (based on the relative proportion of 
   interest received or accrued attributable to Tennessee Bonds) will be 
   exempt from the Hall Income Tax when distributed to such Unitholders.
   Based on the Commissioner's Letter, distributions from the Trust to 
   Unitholders, to the extent attributable to interest on the Puerto 
   Rico Bonds (based on the relative proportion of interest received or
   accrued attributable to the Puerto Rico Bonds), will be exempt from
   the Hall Income Tax when distributed to such Unitholders.  To the extent
   the assets of the Trust consist of assets other than the Bonds, a 
   proportionate share of distributions from the Tennessee Trust 
   attributable to the income secured by such assets would not, under
   current law, be exempt from the Hall Income Tax when distributed
   to Unitholders. 

      3.  For State Corporate Income Tax Purposes, Tennessee law does
   not provide an exemption for interest on Tennessee Bonds and
   requires that all interest excludible from Federal gross income
   must be included in calculating "net earnings" subject to the
   State Corporate Income Tax.  We express no opinion herein
   regarding whether such tax would be imposed on the earnings or
   distributions of the Trust (including interest on the Bonds or
   gain realized upon the disposition of the bonds by the Trust)
   attributable to Unitholders subject to the State Corporate
   Income Tax.  However, based upon prior written advice from the
   Tennessee Department of Revenue, earnings and distributions from
   the Trust (including interest on the Tennessee Bonds or gain realized upon
   the disposition of the Tennessee Bonds by the Trust) attributable to the
   Unitholders should be exempt from the State Corporate Income Tax.
   The position of the Tennessee Department of Revenue is not binding,
   and is subject to change, even on a retroactive basis.

PAGE END

<PAGE>

      4.  Each Unitholder will realize taxable gain or loss for State
   Corporate Income Tax purposes when the Unitholder redeems or
   sells his Units at a price that differs from original cost as
   adjusted for accretion of any discount or amortization of any
   premium and other basis adjustments, including any basis reduction
   that may be required to reflect a Unitholder's share of interest,
   if any, accruing on Bonds during the interval between the 
   Unitholder's settlement date and the date such Tennessee Bonds are 
   delivered to the Trust, if later. Tax basis reduction requirements relating 
   to amortization of bond premium may, under some circumstances, result in
   Unitholders realizing taxable gain when the Units are sold or
   redeemed for an amount equal to or less than their original cost.

      5.  For purposes of the Tennessee Poperty Tax imposed by section
   67-5-102, the Trust will be exempt from taxation with respect to the
   Tennessee Bonds it holds.  As for the taxation of the Units held by the 
   Unitholders, although intangible personal property is not presently subject 
   to Tennessee taxation, no opinion is expressed with regard to potential 
   property taxation of the Unitholders with respect to the Units because
   the determination of whether property is exempt from such tax is made
   on a county by county basis.

      6.  The Bonds and the Units held by the Unitholder will not be
   subject to Tennessee sales and use taxes.

     We have not examined any of the Tennessee Bonds to be deposited and held 
in the Tennessee Trust or the proceedings for the issuance thereof or the 
opinions of bond counsel with respect thereto, and therefore express no 
opinion as to the exemption from State income taxes of interest on the 
Tennessee Bonds if received directly by a Unitholder.  

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement (No. 33-57539) filed pursuant to the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), with respect to the registration of the sale of 
the Units by Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787, and to the 
references 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 persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Act, or the
rules and regulations thereunder.
    
Very truly yours,


Chapman and Cutler


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.1

(ON STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION LETTERHEAD)

3/01/95

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

Re:     NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 787

        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 # 33-57539.

        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

                                          
                                          Sanford Bragg



 
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.2

(On J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. Letterhead)

3/01/95

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

Re:  Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787

Gentlemen:

     We have examined the registration statement File No. 33-57539
for the above-captioned trust.  We hereby acknowledge that
Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., 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 J. J. Kenny Co., 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,


Frank A. Ciccotto



<PAGE>

                                   MEMORANDUM

                 Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 787
                               File No. 33-57539


    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 3/01/95,
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 - 5.  Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.

     PAGES 5 - 6.  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 8 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

3/01/95


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