NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 790
487, 1995-03-15
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<PAGE>


                                                      File No. 33-57819
                                                      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 790

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 3/15/95 at 1:30 p.m. pursuant to Rule 487.
______



<PAGE>
   
                                 MARCH 15, 1995
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 790
             March 15, 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 790  consists  of  four  underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts  designated as  National  Insured  Trust 292,
Intermediate Insured  Trust  78,  Florida Insured  Trust  207  and  Pennsylvania
Insured Trust 195. 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.) For Estimated  Cash Flow Tables for  Intermediate Insured Trust 78,
see page 14.
    
 
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
      National Insured Trust 292                              3         8-12
      Intermediate Insured Trust 78                           3        13-19
      Florida Insured Trust 207                               3        20-28
      Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195                          3        29-38
      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         8-38
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-34
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     8-38,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-20
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            5
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-24
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   8-38, A-24
      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-29
      Expenses to Fund                                       12         A-23
      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         8-38
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         8-38
      Legality of Units                                      24         A-38
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee       22        A-35
      Market for Units                                        7         A-17
      Minimum Transaction                                    17         A-31
      Objectives of the Trusts                                2            6
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-24
      Other Information                                      24         A-37
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                        18         A-31
      Public Offering Price of Units                          6         A-13
      Quantity Purchases                                      6         A-13
      Record Dates                                           13         A-24
      Ratings, Description of                                24         A-39
      Redemption of Units by Trustee                         19    A-32,A-34
      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-36
      State Tax Status                                        3         8-38
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                        22         A-35
      Tax Status of Unitholders                              11         A-19
      Trustee, Information About                             22         A-35
      Trust Indenture, Amendment and Termination             24         A-37
      Unit Value                                             16         A-29
</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>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  National Insured Trust 292...............      5.66%         5.69%           5.71%
  Intermediate Insured Trust 78............      5.06%         5.09%           5.11%
  Florida Insured Trust 207................      5.55%         5.58%           5.60%
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195...........      5.59%         5.62%           5.64%
</TABLE>
    
 
                           ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  National Insured Trust 292...............      5.60%         5.63%           5.65%
  Intermediate Insured Trust 78............      4.87%         4.90%           4.92%
  Florida Insured Trust 207................      5.50%         5.53%           5.55%
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195...........      5.57%         5.61%           5.62%
</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
                                MARCH 14, 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>
                                                         NATIONAL          INTERMEDIATE           FLORIDA          PENNSYLVANIA
                                                          INSURED             INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 292           TRUST 78            TRUST 207           TRUST 195
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $   10,000,000      $    7,500,000      $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................         100,000              75,000              35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....       1/100,000            1/75,000            1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    9,604,017      $    7,323,520      $    3,354,635      $    3,390,570
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        96.04      $        97.65      $        95.85      $        96.87
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.95      $         3.96      $         4.94      $         4.99
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $       100.99      $       101.61      $       100.79      $       101.86
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        95.55      $        97.28      $        95.35      $        96.39
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        96.04      $        97.65      $        95.85      $        96.87
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.44      $         4.33      $         5.44      $         5.47
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $         4.95      $         3.96      $         4.94      $         4.99
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.8623      $       5.1471      $       5.7679      $       5.9036
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2074      $        .2036      $        .2247      $        .2250
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.6549      $       4.9435      $       5.5432      $       5.6786
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01570      $       .01373      $       .01539      $       .01577
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           5.60%               4.87%               5.50%               5.57%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           5.66%               5.06%               5.55%               5.59%
BECAUSE CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE TRUSTS WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR A PURCHASE OF
UNITS  MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE  BONDS BETWEEN THE DATE OF DEPOSIT AND SUCH DELIVERY DATE WILL
BE TREATED AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH RETURN OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT  INCLUDED
IN  THE ANNUAL INTEREST INCOME SHOWN ABOVE.  FOR THE VARIOUS TRUSTS, THE FOLLOWING  SETS FORTH THE LATEST SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY
DATE, THE AMOUNT PER UNIT THAT WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN  OF PRINCIPAL TO UNITHOLDERS WHO PURCHASE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT,  AND
THE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT VARY FROM THAT SET
FORTH ABOVE (SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 12 AND THE "SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS"):
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST....    MARCH 30, 1995    $           .01                     4.88        %
 
<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:
    National  Insured  Trust--$.11,  Intermediate  Insured  Trust--$.10, Florida  Insured  Trust--$.11  and  Pennsylvania Insured
    Trust--$.11. (See Section 8.)
(2) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount  on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3)  The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in Section
    3.
(4) Estimated Long Term Return  for each Trust represents  the average of the yields  to maturity (or call)  of the Bonds in  the
    Trust's  portfolio calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices  and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges.
    Estimated Current Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price, and in
    contrast to Estimated Long Term  Return does not reflect the  amortization of premium or accretion  of discount, if any.  For
    more information see page 3 and Section 9.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 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 15, 1995
Settlement Date.........................................................March 22, 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>
  National Insured Trust 292...............          $1.6487          $1.3287         $1.1387
  Intermediate Insured Trust 78............           1.5836           1.2636          1.0736
  Florida Insured Trust 207................           1.6725           1.3525          1.1625
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195...........           1.6759           1.3559          1.1659
  ------------
  *  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>
  National Insured Trust 292...............       6710A3 647       6710A3 654      6710A3 662
  Intermediate Insured Trust 78............       67093H 869       67093H 877      67093H 885
  Florida Insured Trust 207................       6706H3 796       6706H3 804      6706H3 812
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195...........       6706H9 850       6706H9 868      6706H9 876
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 790
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 790?
    
 
   
Series 790 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 National Insured Trust 292, Intermediate Insured Trust 78,
Florida Insured Trust 207 and Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195. 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." THERE
ARE NO TRADITIONAL TRUSTS IN THIS SERIES. This Series was created under the laws
of   the   State   of   New   York   pursuant   to   a   Trust   Indenture   and
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
Agreement  dated  March 15,  1995 (the  "Indenture") between  John Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated (the "Sponsor") and  United States Trust Company  of New York  (the
"Trustee").
    
 
   
    The  Sponsor has deposited with the  Trustee delivery statements relating to
contracts for the  purchase of  municipal debt obligations  together with  funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in  the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or the
obligations themselves) in  the principal amount  of $24,500,000 (the  "Bonds"),
which  initially constitute the  underlying securities of  the Trusts. Bonds may
include fixed rate obligations with regularly scheduled interest payments,  zero
coupon  bonds and stripped  obligations, which represent  evidences of ownership
interests with respect to either a principal payment or a payment of interest on
a tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). See  "SUMMARY OF  PORTFOLIOS"
and  "GENERAL  TRUST INFORMATION"  for  a discussion  of  zero coupon  bonds and
Stripped Obligations. The  following principal  amounts were  deposited in  each
Trust: $10,000,000 in the National Insured Trust, $7,500,000 in the Intermediate
Insured  Trust, $3,500,000  in the Florida  Insured Trust and  $3,500,000 in the
Pennsylvania 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 100,000  Units
of  the National Insured Trust, 75,000  Units of the Intermediate Insured Trust,
35,000 Units of the Florida Insured  Trust and 35,000 Units of the  Pennsylvania
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  National  Insured  Trust  and
Intermediate  Insured  Trust are  offered for  sale  to Virginia  and Washington
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>
   
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 292
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio  of  National Insured  Trust  292  consists of  13  long term
(approximately 15 to 40 year maturities) obligations issued by entities  located
in  8 states. One Bond in the Trust  is a general obligation of the governmental
entity issuing it and is backed by the taxing power thereof. Twelve 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,  3;  Electrical System
Revenue, 2; Health  Care Facility  Revenue, 4;  Water and/or  Sewer Revenue,  1;
Miscellaneous  Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds  in the Trust, as insured, are rated
AAA by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service,  Inc.
Twenty-four  percent of the principal  amount of Bonds in  the Trust consists of
issues of entities  located in  the State  of Illinois;  such concentration  may
involve  more risk than if such Bonds  were issued by issuers located in several
states.
    
 
   
    At the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the  National
Insured  Trust is 28.4  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 10.0% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in  the
Trust  (accounting for approximately 8.5% 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  20% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from the sale of electric energy.
 
    Approximately  33% 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 March  9,
1995  and March 14, 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>
  $9,555,723       $48,294           $586,225      $9,554,642                 .49%
</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.
 
                                       8
<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 National Insured Trust, less estimated  expenses, is estimated to accrue  at
the rate of $.01584 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01579  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01570
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  National 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
NATIONAL 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.............  $   .2512(1)                                              $  5.6549
                                                        --------  $.4710 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .2512(1)   $   .4737(2)   $  1.4211      $  1.4211    $  5.6869
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .2512(1)   $   .4752(3)                  $  2.8512    $  5.7059
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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--NATIONAL INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion  of the  tax status of  income earned  on National Insured
Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(NATIONAL TRADITIONAL TRUST)
 
    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 tax  payers 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 income
and your taxable  income (which  is your adjusted  gross income  reduced by  any
deductions  and  exemptions), then  locate your  tax bracket  based on  joint or
single tax  filing. Read  across  to the  equivalent taxable  estimated  current
return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80    9.15    9.51    9.86
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93   10.29
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0         9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86
</TABLE>
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86
<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.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 15, 1995
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 292
(SERIES 790)
    
 
   
<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>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,000,000      California Statewide Communities Development        2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa     $       813,230
                   Authority, Insured Revenue Certificates of
                   Participation (Childrens Hospital of Los
                   Angeles), Series 1993, 4.75% Due 6/1/21.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about December 23, 1993 at a price of
                   90.749% of principal amount.)
  1,000,000      City of Los Angeles, California, Wastewater         2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             969,380
                   System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994-A, 5.875%
                   Due 6/1/24.
  1,000,000      Hillsborough County Industrial Development          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,000,000
                   Authority (Florida), Pollution Control
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds (Tampa Electric
                   Company Project), Series 1994, 6.25% Due
                   12/1/34.
    425,000      Illinois Educational Facilities Authority,          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             394,073
                   Revenue Bonds, Illinois Wesleyan University,
                   Series 1993, 5.70% Due 9/1/23.
  1,000,000      Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             983,860
                   Bonds, Series 1994A (The University of
                   Chicago Hospitals Project), 6.125% Due
                   8/15/21.
  1,000,000      Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,000,000
                   Bonds, Series 1994 (Ingalls Health System
                   Project), 6.25% Due 5/15/24.
  1,000,000      City of Indianapolis, Indiana, Gas Utility          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             962,790
                   System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994 A, 5.875%
                   Due 6/1/24.
  1,000,000      The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,000,000
                   Obligation Bonds, Consolidated Loan of 1994,
                   Series B, 6.00% Due 8/1/13.
  1,000,000      The Pollution Control Financing Authority of        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,000,000
                   Salem County (New Jersey), Pollution Control
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1994 Series C
                   (Public Service Electric and Gas Company
                   Project), 6.20% Due 8/1/30.
    500,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,    No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             483,485
                   City University System Consolidated Second
                   General Resolution Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1993A, 5.75% Due 7/1/13.
    325,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             278,434
                   Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Insured
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 5.00% Due
                   7/1/21.
    500,000      Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation          2003 at 100        AAA         Aaa             468,140
                   Authority, Special Tax Revenue Bonds (City of
                   Philadelphia Funding Program), Series of
                   1993, 5.625% Due 6/15/23.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 292 (CONTINUED)
    
   
<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>
$                                                                                                           $
    250,000     * Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority    2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             250,625
                   (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), Hospital
                   Revenue Bonds, Series A of 1995 (Allegheny
                   General Hospital Project), 6.25% Due 9/1/20.
                   (When issued.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$10,000,000                                                                                                 $     9,604,017
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 39.
 
   
* These Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the  normal
  settlement  date. Their  expected delivery date  is March  23, 1995. Contracts
  relating to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement  for
  purchase  made  on the  Date  of Deposit  constitute  approximately 3%  of the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 78
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Intermediate Insured Trust  78 consists of 10 intermediate
term (approximately  5 to  15 year  maturities) obligations  issued by  entities
located  in 10  states and  one obligation  issued by  an entity  located in the
Territory of Puerto Rico. Four Bonds in the Trust are general obligations of the
governmental entities issuing them and are backed by the taxing powers  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; Electrical  System  Revenue,  1;
Health  Care Facility Revenue,  2; Water and/or  Sewer Revenue, 1; Miscellaneous
Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard
& Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Thirteen percent
of the principal amount  of Bonds in  the Trust consists  of issues of  entities
located  in the State of Illinois; such concentration may involve more risk than
if such Bonds were issued by issuers located in several states.
    
 
   
    At  the  Date  of  Deposit,  the  average  maturity  of  the  Bonds  in  the
Intermediate Insured Trust is 10.0 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  5.0% of  the aggregate principal  amount of the  Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 2.9% of the aggregate offering price of  the
Bonds)  are original  issue discount  obligations. All  of these  original issue
discount bonds are "zero coupon" 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  between March  7,
1995  and March 13, 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>
  $7,260,474       $63,046           $387,063      $7,295,864                 .37%
</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 10.0% 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  Intermediate Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue
at the rate of $.01387 per
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
Unit per day under  the semi-annual plan of  distribution, $.01382 per Unit  per
day  under the quarterly plan of distribution and $.01373 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 Intermediate 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
INTERMEDIATE 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.............  $   .2203(1)                                              $  4.9572
                                                        --------  $.4131 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .2203(1)   $   .4155(2)   $  1.2465      $  1.2465    $  4.9892
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .2203(1)   $   .4173(3)                  $  2.5038    $  5.0082
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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--INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion of the tax status of income earned on Intermediate Insured
Trust Units, See Section 11.
 
   
ESTIMATED MONTHLY CASH FLOW TABLE FOR INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 78
    
 
    Following is an Estimated  Monthly Cash Flow  Table for the  above-captioned
Trust.  As discussed below, the Table assumes  that the Bonds will remain in the
Trust until the date to which each bond is priced under accepted bond  practice.
The  Table is based on data and assumptions as to maturity and redemption dates,
bond pricing dates and  call dates, if any,  as of the date  of deposit, and  is
thus  subject to  change. Accordingly, Unitholders  should not  assume that they
will in fact receive cash in the amounts and on the dates specified in the Table
and the Table cannot be used to predict the exact amount of distributions by the
Trust.
 
    The  Table  shows  the  amount  of  each  month's  interest  and   principal
distributions  on one Unit  of the Trust if  every bond in the  Trust were to be
redeemed on the  date to which  it is priced  (the " 'priced  to' date").  Under
accepted  bond  pricing practice,  tax-exempt bonds  are customarily  offered to
investors on a "yield price" basis,  which involves computation of yield  either
to  maturity or to an  earlier call date, whichever  produces the lower yield. A
bond whose market value exceeds its par value (a "premium bond") will  generally
be  priced to its call date, if any; in other words, its "priced to" date is its
call date. In contrast, the "priced  to" date for discount bonds will  generally
be the maturity date. This Table, upon application
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
of  accepted Bond practice,  illustrates a pricing to  maturity date despite the
existence of optional redemption features for some of the Bonds. There can be no
assurance that every Bond will in fact remain in the Trust until maturity.  Some
Bonds  may be sold by the Trustee before maturity, either to pay Unitholders who
have redeemed their  Units or pursuant  to the Sponsor's  continuing program  of
credit surveillance. Certain Bonds may be subject to sinking fund redemptions or
extraordinary  redemptions,  as more  fully described  below at  "Composition of
Trusts--Sale, maturity and redemption of bonds", as well as optional redemptions
set forth in the Schedule of Investments on page 19.
 
    The Trust's actual cash flow will  depend on (1) the actual call  experience
of  the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio, which in turn will depend on the factors
described above, (2)  the extent  to which  Bonds are sold  as a  result of  the
Sponsor's continuing program of credit surveillence, and (3) the extent to which
Bonds  are sold or the proceeds of Bond calls or sales are used to pay for units
redeemed. For the reasons above, it is unlikely that interest and principal will
be distributed in the amounts and on the dates indicated in the Table.
 
            ESTIMATED PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Month                     Monthly
  /Year                     Option
- ---------                 -----------
<S>        <C>            <C>
                           $
 Apr 95                       0.2203
 May 95                       0.4131
 Jun 95                       0.4131
 Jul 95                       0.4131
 Aug 95                       0.4131
 Sep 95                       0.4131
 Oct 95                       0.4131
 Nov 95                       0.4131
 Dec 95                       0.4131
 Jan 96                       0.4131
 Feb 96                       0.4131
 Mar 96                       0.4131
 Apr 96                       0.4131
 May 96                       0.4131
 Jun 96                       0.4131
 Jul 96                       0.4131
 Aug 96                       0.4131
 Sep 96                       0.4131
 Oct 96                       0.4131
 Nov 96                       0.4131
 Dec 96                       0.4131
 Jan 97                       0.4131
 Feb 97                       0.4131
 Mar 97                       0.4131
 Apr 97                       0.4131
 May 97                       0.4131
 Jun 97                       0.4131
 Jul 97                       0.4131
 Aug 97                       0.4131
 Sep 97                       0.4131
 Oct 97                       0.4131
 Nov 97                       0.4131
 Dec 97                       0.4131
 Jan 98                       0.4131
 Feb 98                       0.4131
 Mar 98                       0.4131
 Apr 98                       0.4131
 May 98                       0.4131
 Jun 98                       0.4131
 
<CAPTION>
  Month                     Monthly
  /Year                     Option
- ---------                 -----------
<S>        <C>            <C>
                           $
 Jul 98                       0.4131
 Aug 98                       0.4131
 Sep 98                       0.4131
 Oct 98                       0.4131
 Nov 98                       0.4131
 Dec 98                       0.4131
 Jan 99                       0.4131
 Feb 99                       0.4131
 Mar 99                       0.4131
 Apr 99                       0.4131
 May 99                       0.4131
 Jun 99                       0.4131
 Jul 99                       0.4131
 Aug 99                       0.4131
 Sep 99                       0.4131
 Oct 99                       0.4131
 Nov 99                       0.4131
 Dec 99                       0.4131
 Jan 00                       0.4131
 Feb 00                       0.4131
 Mar 00                       0.4131
 Apr 00                       0.4131
 May 00                       0.4131
 Jun 00                       0.4131
 Jul 00                       0.4131
 Aug 00                       0.4131
 Sep 00                       0.4131
 Oct 00                       0.4131
 Nov 00                       0.4131
 Dec 00                       0.4131
 Jan 01                       0.4131
 Feb 01                       0.4131
 Mar 01                       0.4131
 Apr 01                       0.4131
 May 01                       0.4131
 Jun 01                       0.4131
 Jul 01                       0.4131
 Aug 01                       0.4131
 Sep 01                       0.4131
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Month                     Monthly
  /Year                     Option
- ---------                 -----------
                           $
<S>        <C>            <C>
 Oct 01                       0.4131
 Nov 01                       0.4131
 Dec 01                       0.4131
 Jan 02                       0.4131
 Feb 02                       0.4131
 Mar 02                       0.4131
 Apr 02                       0.4131
 May 02                       0.4131
 Jun 02                       0.4131
 Jul 02                       0.4131
 Aug 02                       0.4131
 Sep 02                       0.4131
 Oct 02                       0.4131
 Nov 02                       0.4131
 Dec 02                       0.4131
 Jan 03                       0.4131
 Feb 03                       0.4131
 Mar 03                       0.4131
 Apr 03                       0.4131
 May 03                       0.4131
 Jun 03                       0.4131
 Jul 03                       0.4131
 Aug 03                       0.4131
 Sep 03                       0.4131
 Oct 03                       0.4131
<CAPTION>
  Month                     Monthly
  /Year                     Option
- ---------                 -----------
<S>        <C>            <C>
                           $
 Nov 03                       0.4131
 Dec 03                       0.4131
 Jan 04                       0.4131
 Feb 04                       0.4131
 Mar 04                       0.4131
 Apr 04                       0.4131
 May 04                       0.4131
 Jun 04                      10.4131
 Jul 04                      10.3720
 Aug 04                       0.3296
 Sep 04                       0.3296
 Oct 04                       7.9962
 Nov 04                       0.2976
 Dec 04                      13.6310
 Jan 05                       0.2360
 Feb 05                       6.9027
 Mar 05                       5.2097
 Apr 05                       0.2105
 May 05                       0.2105
 Jun 05                       0.2105
 Jul 05                      27.5438
 Aug 05                       0.0895
 Sep 05                      10.0895
 Oct 05                      10.0449
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST)
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under  published  1995  marginal  Federal  tax  rates.  The  tables  incorporate
increased  tax  rates for  higher-income tax  payers 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 income
and your taxable  income (which  is your adjusted  gross income  reduced by  any
deductions  and  exemptions), then  locate your  tax bracket  based on  joint or
single tax  filing. Read  across  to the  equivalent taxable  estimated  current
return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         6.34    6.69    7.04    7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         6.62    6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         6.87    7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         7.50    7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0         8.04    8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59
</TABLE>
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59
<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>
 
                                       17
<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.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 15, 1995
INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 78
(SERIES 790)
    
 
   
<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      City of Walnut Creek, California, Certificates      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       473,675
                   of Participation, Refunding Series 1994 (John
                   Muir Medical Center), 4.95% Due 2/15/05.
    750,000      State of Connecticut, Special Tax Obligation        2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             761,910
                   Bonds, Transportation Infrastructure
                   Purposes, 1994 Series B, 5.60% Due 10/1/05.
    575,000      City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, General     No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             570,716
                   Obligation Bonds, Refunding and Improvement
                   Series, 1993B, 5.20% Due 10/1/04.
  1,000,000      Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of       No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa           1,026,080
                   Greater Chicago, Cook County, Illinois,
                   General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series of
                   August, 1992, 5.75% Due 12/1/04.
    375,000      Clark County School District, Las Vegas,         No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             215,276
                   Nevada, General Obligation Refunding Bonds,
                   Series 1991B, 0.00% Due 3/1/05. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   December 26, 1991 at a price of 41.158% of
                   principal amount.)
    550,000      New Jersey Economic Development Authority,          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             560,670
                   Market Transition Facility Senior Lien
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 5.70% Due
                   7/1/05.
    750,000      New York City (New York), Municipal Water        No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             737,745
                   Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
                   Revenue Bonds, Fixed Rate Fiscal 1994 Series
                   B, 5.125% Due 6/15/04.
    750,000     * Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             750,000
                   (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), Hospital
                   Revenue Bonds, Series A of 1995 (Allegheny
                   General Hospital Project), 5.55% Due 9/1/05.
                   (When issued.)
    750,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement  No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             739,133
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1993 (General
                   Obligation Bonds.), 5.30% Due 7/1/04.
    750,000     * Riverside Regional Jail Authority (Virginia),   No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             750,000
                   Jail Facility Revenue Bonds, Series 1995,
                   5.50% Due 7/1/05. (When issued.)
    750,000      Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear   No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             738,315
                   Project No. 1 Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1993B, 5.40% Due 7/1/05.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 7,500,000                                                                                                 $     7,323,520
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 39.
 
   
* These Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the  normal
  settlement  date. Their expected  delivery dates range from  March 23, 1995 to
  March 30, 1995. Contracts relating to Bonds with delivery dates after the date
  of  settlement  for  purchase   made  on  the   Date  of  Deposit   constitute
  approximately 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section
  4.)
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
   
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 207
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Florida Insured Trust 207 consists of 6 obligations issued
by entities located in Florida 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: Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue, 1; College and University  Revenue,
1;  Electrical System Revenue,  1; Health Care  Facility Revenue, 2.  All of the
Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are  rated AAA by Standard & Poor's  Corporation
and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Florida
Insured Trust is 28.0  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  28.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 26.6% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  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 March  13,
1995  and March 14, 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>
  $3,342,942       $11,693           $201,875      $3,337,135                 .50%
</TABLE>
    
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the Florida Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue  at
the rate of $.01553 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01548  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01539
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.
    
 
                                       20
<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.............  $   .2462(1)                                              $  5.5432
                                                        --------  $.4617 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .2462(1)   $   .4644(2)   $  1.3932      $  1.3932    $  5.5752
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .2462(1)   $   .4659(3)                  $  2.7954    $  5.5942
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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.
 
                                       21
<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,
 
                                       22
<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.
 
                                       23
<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
 
                                       24
<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.
 
                                       25
<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.
 
                                       26
<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.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 15, 1995
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 207
(SERIES 790)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      State of Florida, State Board of Education,         2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       498,750
                   Public Education Capital Outlay Bonds, 1993
                   Series F, 6.00% Due 6/1/20. (General
                   Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Dade County Educational Facilities Authority,       2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             448,850
                   Florida International University Project,
                   Revenue and Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series
                   1993, 5.125% Due 10/1/13.
    500,000      Dade County Health Facilities Authority             2003 at 101        AAA         Aaa             447,735
                   (Florida), Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   Series 1993A (Baptist Hospital of Miami
                   Project), 5.25% Due 5/15/21. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about March
                   17, 1993 at a price of 94.118% of principal
                   amount.)
    500,000      Dade County, Florida, Public Facilities Revenue     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             446,140
                   Bonds (Jackson Memorial Hospital), Series
                   1993, 5.25% Due 6/1/23. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about June 15,
                   1993 at a price of 92.625% of principal
                   amount.)
    500,000      Hillsborough County Industrial Development          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             500,000
                   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             495,000
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, 6.00% Due
                   10/1/24.
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             518,160
                   Bonds of 1994 (General Obligation Bonds),
                   6.50% Due 7/1/23.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,354,635
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 39.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 195
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Pennsylvania  Insured Trust 195  consists of 6 obligations
issued by  entities located  in Pennsylvania  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. 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;  Electrical
System  Revenue, 2; Health Care Facility Revenue, 2; Municipal Lease 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
Pennsylvania Insured Trust is 25.5 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 12.9% 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 electric energy.
 
    Approximately 29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered  into contracts to  acquire the Bonds  between March 9,
1995 and March 14, 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>
  $3,359,924       $30,646           $206,625      $3,373,695                 .48%
</TABLE>
    
 
    Neither   cost  to  Sponsor  nor  profit   (or  loss)  to  Sponsor  reflects
underwriting profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through  its
participation   in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as  a
manager  or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Pennsylvania Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue
at the rate of $.01591 per
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
Unit per day under  the semi-annual plan of  distribution, $.01586 per Unit  per
day  under the quarterly plan of distribution and $.01577 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 Pennsylvania 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
PENNSYLVANIA 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.............  $   .2523(1)                                              $  5.6786
                                                        --------  $.4731 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .2523(1)   $   .4758(2)   $  1.4274      $  1.4274    $  5.7106
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .2523(1)   $   .4773(3)                  $  2.8638    $  5.7296
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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--PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Pennsylvania
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In the opinion of  Dechert Price & Rhoads,  special Pennsylvania counsel  to
the Series, under existing law:
 
        Units  evidencing  fractional  undivided interests  in  the Pennsylvania
    Insured Trust  are  not  subject  to any  of  the  personal  property  taxes
    presently  in effect in Pennsylvania to the extent of that proportion of the
    Trust represented by Bonds issued  by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  its
    agencies  and  instrumentalities, or  by  any county,  city,  borough, town,
    township,  school  district,  municipality  and  local  housing  or  parking
    authority  in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or issued by Puerto Rico, the
    Virgin Islands, Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands ("Pennsylvania Bonds").
    The taxes referred to  above include the County  Personal Property Tax,  the
    additional  personal property taxes  imposed on Pittsburgh  residents by the
    School District of  Pittsburgh and by  the City of  Pittsburgh. The City  of
    Pittsburgh,  the School District  of Pittsburgh and  Allegheny County cannot
    impose personal property taxes as  of January 1, 1995. Pennsylvania  Insured
    Trust  Units may  be taxable under  the Pennsylvania  inheritance and estate
    taxes.
 
        The proportion  of interest  income  representing interest  income  from
    Pennsylvania  Bonds distributed  to Unitholders of  the Pennsylvania Insured
    Trust is not taxable under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax or under the
    Corporate Net Income Tax  imposed on corporations by  Article IV of the  Tax
    Reform Code. Nor will such interest be taxable
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    under  the  Philadelphia School  District Investment  Income Tax  imposed on
    Philadelphia resident individuals.
 
        The disposition by the Pennsylvania Insured Trust of a Pennsylvania Bond
    (whether by  sale, exchange,  redemption or  payment at  maturity) will  not
    constitute  a taxable event to a  Unitholder under the Pennsylvania Personal
    Income Tax if the  Pennsylvania Bond was issued  prior to February 1,  1994.
    Further, although there is no published authority on the subject, counsel is
    of  the opinion that (i) a Unitholder of the Pennsylvania Insured Trust will
    not have a taxable event under the Pennsylvania state and local income taxes
    referred to in the preceding paragraph (other than the Corporate Net  Income
    Tax)  upon  the  redemption or  sale  of his  Unit  to the  extent  that the
    Pennsylvania Insured Trust  is then comprised  of Pennsylvania Bonds  issued
    prior  to February  1, 1994  and (ii)  the dispositions  by the Pennsylvania
    Insured Trust of a Pennsylvania Bond (whether by sale, exchange,  redemption
    or  payment at maturity) will not constitute a taxable event to a Unitholder
    under the  Corporate Net  Income  Tax or  the Philadelphia  School  District
    Investment  Income Tax if the Pennsylvania Bond was issued prior to February
    1, 1994.  (The  School  District tax  has  no  application to  gain  on  the
    disposition of property held by the taxpayer for more than six months.)
 
        Gains  on the  sale, exchange, redemption,  or payment at  maturity of a
    Pennsylvania Bond issued on or after February 1, 1994, will be taxable under
    all of these taxes, as will gains on the redemption or sale of a unit to the
    extent that the Trust is comprised of Pennsylvania Bonds issued on or  after
    February 1, 1994.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--PENNSYLVANIA
 
    RISK   FACTORS--Prospective   investors   should   consider   the  financial
difficulties and pressures which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and certain of
its municipal subdivisions have undergone. Both the Commonwealth and the City of
Philadelphia have historically experienced significant revenue shortfalls. There
can be no assurance that the  Commonwealth will not experience further  declines
in  economic conditions or that portions  of the municipal obligations purchased
by the Fund  will not  be affected  by such  declines. Without  intending to  be
complete,  the following briefly  summarizes some of  these difficulties and the
current financial situation, as  well as some of  the complex factors  affecting
the financial situation in the Commonwealth. It is derived from sources that are
generally  available to investors  and is based in  part on information obtained
from various agencies in the Commonwealth. No independent verification has  been
made of the following information.
 
    STATE  ECONOMY--Pennsylvania  has been  historically  identified as  a heavy
industry state although that reputation  has changed recently as the  industrial
composition  of the Commonwealth  diversified when the  coal, steel and railroad
industries began to decline. The major new sources of growth in the Commonwealth
are in the  service sector, including  trade, medical and  the health  services,
education and financial institutions. The Commonwealth's agricultural industries
are  also an important component of  its economic structure, accounting for more
than $3.6 billion in crop and livestock products annually while agribusiness and
food related industries support $39 billion in economic activity annually.
 
    Employment within the  Commonwealth increased  steadily from  1984 to  1990.
From  1991 to  1994, employment  in the  Commonwealth declined  1.2 percent. The
growth in  employment experienced  in  the Commonwealth  during such  period  is
comparable  to the  growth in  employment in the  Middle Atlantic  region of the
United States. Non-manufacturing  employment in the  Commonwealth has  increased
steadily  since 1980  to its  1993 level of  81.6 percent  of total Commonwealth
employment. Manufacturing, which
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
contributed 18.4 percent of 1993 non-agricultural employment, has fallen  behind
both  the services sector and  the trade sector as  the largest single source of
employment within the Commonwealth. In  1993, the services sector accounted  for
29.9  percent of all  non-agricultural employment in  the Commonwealth while the
trade sector accounted for 22.4 percent.
 
   
    The Commonwealth recently experienced a  slowdown in its economy.  Moreover,
economic  strengths and weaknesses vary in  different parts of the Commonwealth.
In general,  heavy  industry  and  manufacturing  have  been  facing  increasing
competition from foreign producers. During 1993, the annual average unemployment
rate  in the Commonwealth was 7.0 percent compared to 6.8 percent for the United
States. For February 1995  the unadjusted unemployment rate  was 6.4 percent  in
the  Commonwealth and  5.9 percent  in the  United States,  while the seasonally
adjusted unemployment rate  for the  Commonwealth was  5.6 percent  and for  the
United States was 5.4 percent.
    
 
    STATE  BUDGET--The  Commonwealth operates  under  an annual  budget  that is
formulated and submitted for legislative approval by the Governor each February.
The Pennsylvania  Constitution  requires  that the  Governor's  budget  proposal
consist  of three parts: (i) a  balanced operating budget setting forth proposed
expenditures and estimated revenues from all sources and, if estimated  revenues
and available surplus are less than proposed expenditures, recommending specific
additional  sources of revenue sufficient to  pay the deficiency; (ii) a capital
budget setting forth proposed expenditures to  be financed from the proceeds  of
obligations  of the  Commonwealth or its  agencies or from  operating funds; and
(iii) a financial plan for not less than the succeeding five fiscal years,  that
includes  for each year projected  operating expenditures and estimated revenues
and projected expenditures for capital  projects. The General Assembly may  add,
change  or delete  any items  in the  budget prepared  by the  Governor, but the
Governor retains veto  power over  the individual appropriations  passed by  the
legislature.  The Commonwealth's fiscal year  begins on July 1  and ends on June
30.
 
    All funds  received by  the  Commonwealth are  subject to  appropriation  in
specific  amounts by the  General Assembly or by  executive authorization by the
Governor. Total appropriations enacted  by the General  Assembly may not  exceed
the  ensuing  year's estimated  revenues,  plus (less)  the  unappropriated fund
balance (deficit) of the preceding year, except for constitutionally  authorized
debt  service payments. Appropriations from the principal operating funds of the
Commonwealth (the General  Fund, the Motor  License Fund and  the State  Lottery
Fund)  are  generally  made  for  one  fiscal  year  and  are  returned  to  the
unappropriated surplus of the fund if not spent or encumbered by the end of  the
fiscal year. The Constitution specifies that a surplus of operating funds at the
end of a fiscal year must be appropriated for the ensuing year.
 
    Pennsylvania   uses  the  "fund"  method  of  accounting  for  receipts  and
disbursements. For purposes of government accounting, a "fund" is an independent
fiscal and accounting entity  with a self-balancing  set of accounts,  recording
cash  and/or other resources together with  all related liabilities and equities
that are  segregated for  the  purpose of  carrying  on specific  activities  or
attaining  certain objectives in accordance with the fund's special regulations,
restrictions or  limitations. In  the  Commonwealth, over  150 funds  have  been
established  by  legislative enactment  or  in certain  cases  by administrative
action for the  purpose of  recording the  receipts and  disbursement of  moneys
received  by the Commonwealth.  Annual budgets are adopted  each fiscal year for
the principal  operating funds  of the  Commonwealth and  several other  special
revenue  funds. Expenditures  and encumbrances against  these funds  may only be
made pursuant  to appropriation  measures enacted  by the  General Assembly  and
approved    by   the   Governor.   The    General   Fund,   the   Commonwealth's
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
largest fund, receives all tax revenues, non-tax revenues and federal grants and
entitlements that  are not  specified  by law  to  be deposited  elsewhere.  The
majority of the Commonwealth's operating and administrative expenses are payable
from   the  General  Fund.  Debt  service   on  all  bond  indebtedness  of  the
Commonwealth, except that  issued for  highway purposes  or for  the benefit  of
other special revenue funds, is payable from the General Fund.
 
    Financial  information for the principal operating funds of the Commonwealth
are maintained on a budgetary basis of accounting, which is used for the purpose
of ensuring compliance with the enacted operating budget. The Commonwealth  also
prepares  annual  financial  statements in  accordance  with  generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"). Budgetary basis financial reports are based on a
modified cash basis  of accounting  as opposed to  a modified  accrual basis  of
accounting  prescribed  by GAAP.  Financial  information is  adjusted  at fiscal
year-end to reflect appropriate accruals  for financial reporting in  conformity
with GAAP.
 
    RECENT  FINANCIAL  RESULTS--From fiscal  1984,  when the  Commonwealth first
prepared its financial  statements on  a GAAP  basis, through  fiscal 1989,  the
Commonwealth  reported a  positive unreserved-undesignated fund  balance for its
governmental fund types at each fiscal year end. Slowing economic growth  during
1990, leading to a national economic recession beginning in fiscal 1991, reduced
revenue   growth  and   increased  expenditures  and   contributed  to  negative
unreserved-undesignated fund balances  at the end  of the 1990  and 1991  fiscal
years.  The  negative unreserved-undesignated  fund balance  was due  largely to
operating deficits in the General Fund  and the State Lottery Fund during  those
fiscal  years. Actions taken during  fiscal 1992 to bring  the General Fund back
into balance, including tax increases and expenditure restraints, resulted in  a
$1.1  billion reduction to the unreserved-undesignated fund deficit for combined
governmental fund  types at  June 30,  1993, as  a result  of a  $420.4  million
increase  in  the balance.  These gains  were produced  by continued  efforts to
control expenditure growth.  The Combined  Balance Sheet  as of  June 30,  1993,
showed  total fund  balance and  other credits  for the  total governmental fund
types of $1,959.9 million,  a $732.1 million increase  from the balance at  June
30,  1992. During  fiscal 1993,  total assets  increased by  $1,296.7 million to
$7,096.4  million,  while  liabilities  increased  $564.6  million  to  $5,136.5
million.
 
    FISCAL 1991 FINANCIAL RESULTS--The Commonwealth experienced a $453.6 million
general  fund  deficit  as of  the  end of  its  1991 fiscal  year.  The deficit
reflected higher than  budgeted expenditures,  below-estimate economic  activity
and  growth rates of economic indicators  and total tax revenue shortfalls below
those assumed in the enacted budget.
 
    Rising  demands  on  state  programs  caused  by  the  economic   recession,
particularly  for  medical  assistance  and cash  assistance  programs,  and the
increased costs  of special  education programs  and correction  facilities  and
programs,  contributed  to  increased  expenditures in  fiscal  1991,  while tax
revenues for  the  1991 fiscal  year  were  severely affected  by  the  economic
recession.  Total corporation tax receipts and sales and use tax receipts during
fiscal 1991  were,  respectively, 7.3  percent  and 0.9  percent  below  amounts
collected during fiscal 1990. Personal income tax receipts also were affected by
the  recession but  not to  the extent  of the  other major  General Fund taxes,
increasing only 2.0 percent over fiscal 1990 collections.
 
    A  number  of  actions  were  taken  throughout  the  fiscal  year  by   the
Commonwealth  to mitigate  the effects of  the recession on  budget revenues and
expenditures. The  Commonwealth  initiated  a number  of  cost-saving  measures,
including  the  firing  of  2,000 state  employees,  deferral  of  paychecks and
reduction of funds to state  universities, which resulted in approximately  $871
million cost savings.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    FISCAL 1992 FINANCIAL RESULTS--Actions taken during fiscal 1992 to bring the
General  Fund budget back into balance,  including tax increases and expenditure
restraints resulted in a $1.1 billion reduction for the  unreserved-undesignated
fund  deficit for combined  governmental fund types  and a return  to a positive
fund balance.  Total  General  Fund  revenues for  fiscal  1992  were  $14,516.8
million,  which is approximately 22 percent  higher than fiscal 1991 revenues of
$11,877.3 million due  in large part  to tax increases.  The increased  revenues
funded  substantial  increases  in education,  social  services  and corrections
programs. As a  result of the  tax increases and  certain appropriation  lapses,
fiscal  1992 ended with  an $8.8 million  surplus after having  started the year
with an unappropriated General Fund balance deficit of $453.6 million.
 
    FISCAL 1993 FINANCIAL RESULTS--Fiscal 1993 closed with revenues higher  than
anticipated  and expenditures approximately as projected, resulting in an ending
unappropriated balance surplus of  $242.3 million. A  deduction in the  personal
income  tax  rate  in  July  1992 and  the  one-time  receipt  of  revenues from
retroactive corporate tax increases  in fiscal 1992  were responsible, in  part,
for the low growth in fiscal 1993.
 
    FISCAL  1994 FINANCIAL RESULTS--Commonwealth revenues during the 1994 fiscal
year totaled $15,210.7 million,  $38.6 million above  the fiscal year  estimate,
and  3.9 percent  over commonwealth  revenues during  the 1993  fiscal year. The
sales tax was an  important contributor to the  higher than estimated  revenues.
The  strength of collections from  the sales tax offset  the lower than budgeted
performance of the  personal income tax  that ended the  1994 fiscal year  $74.4
million below estimate. The shortfall in the personal income tax was largely due
to  shortfalls in income not subject  to withholding such as interest, dividends
and other income. Expenditures, excluding pooled financing expenditures and  net
of  all fiscal 1994 appropriation lapses, totaled $14,934.4 million representing
a 7.2 percent  increase over  fiscal 1993 expenditures.  Medical assistance  and
prisons  spending contributed to the rate of spending growth for the 1994 fiscal
year. The Commonwealth maintained an operating balance on a budgetary basis  for
fiscal  1994 producing  a fiscal  year ending  unappropriated surplus  of $335.8
million.
 
    FISCAL 1995 BUDGET--On June  16, 1994, the Governor  signed a $15.7  billion
general  fund budget, an  increase of over  3.9% from the  Fiscal 1994 budget. A
substantial  amount  of  the  increase   is  targeted  for  medical   assistance
expenditures, reform of the state-funded public assistance program and education
subsidies  to local  school districts. The  budget also  includes tax reductions
totaling an estimated $166.4 million benefiting principally low income  families
and  corporations. The fiscal 1995 budget  projects a $4 million fiscal year-end
unappropriated surplus.
 
   
    FISCAL 1996 BUDGET--For the fiscal year  ending June 30, 1996, the  Governor
proposed  a $16.1 billion general fund  budget, an increase of approximately 2.7
percent from the fiscal  1995 budget. Areas targeted  for the largest  budgetary
increases  are medical assistance and basic education. In addition, the Governor
proposed accelerating corporate net income tax rate reductions, eliminating  the
inheritance tax paid by a surviving spouse on jointly owned property, and making
other business tax reductions.
    
 
    DEBT  LIMITS AND OUTSTANDING DEBT--The Pennsylvania Constitution permits the
issuance of the following  types of debt: (i)  debt to suppress insurrection  or
rehabilitate  areas affected by  disaster; (ii) electorate  approved debt; (iii)
debt for capital projects subject to an aggregate outstanding debt limit of 1.75
times the annual average  tax revenues of the  preceding five fiscal years;  and
(iv) tax anticipation notes payable in the fiscal year of issuance.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    Under the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code, the Auditor General is required annually
to  certify  to  the  Governor  and  the  General  Assembly  certain information
regarding the  Commonwealth's indebtedness.  According to  the August  31,  1994
Auditor  General certificate, the  average annual tax  revenues deposited in all
funds in  the five  fiscal years  ended June  30, 1994  was approximately  $16.5
billion,  and therefore,  the net  debt limitation for  the 1995  fiscal year is
$28.8 billion.  Outstanding net  debt totaled  $4.0 billion  at June  30,  1994,
approximately  equal to the net  debt at June 30, 1993.  At August 31, 1994, the
amount of debt authorized by  law to be issued, but  not yet incurred was  $15.0
billion.
 
    DEBT  RATINGS--All outstanding general obligation  bonds of the Commonwealth
are rated AA- by S&P and A1 by Moody's.
 
    CITY  OF   PHILADELPHIA--The   City   of   Philadelphia   (the   "City"   or
"Philadelphia")   is  the   largest  city  in   the  Commonwealth.  Philadelphia
experienced a series of general fund deficits for fiscal years 1988 through 1992
which have culminated in the  City's present serious financial difficulties.  In
its   1992  Comprehensive  Annual  Financial  Report,  Philadelphia  reported  a
cumulative general fund deficit of $71.4 million for fiscal year 1992.
 
   
    In June  1991, the  Pennsylvania  legislature established  the  Pennsylvania
Intergovernmental  Cooperation  Authority  ("PICA"), a  five-member  board which
oversees the  fiscal  affairs  of  the City  of  Philadelphia.  The  legislation
empowers  PICA to  issue notes  and bonds  on behalf  of Philadelphia,  and also
authorizes Philadelphia to levy  a one-percent sales tax  the proceeds of  which
would  be used  to pay off  the bonds.  In return for  PICA's fiscal assistance,
Philadelphia is required, among other things, to establish a five-year financial
plans  that  include  balanced  annual   budgets.  Under  the  legislation,   if
Philadelphia  does not  comply with  such requirements,  PICA may  withhold bond
revenues and certain state funding.
    
 
    At this time, the City is  operating under a five-year fiscal plan  approved
by  PICA on April 6, 1992. Full implementation of the five-year plan was delayed
due to labor  negotiations that  were not  completed until  October 1992,  three
months  after the expiration  of the old  labor contracts. The  terms of the new
labor contracts are  estimated to  cost approximately $144.4  million more  than
what  was budgeted in the original five-year plan. An amended five-year plan was
approved by  PICA  in May  1993.  The Mayor's  latest  update of  the  five-year
financial plan was approved by PICA on May 2, 1994.
 
    As of November 17, 1994, PICA has issued $1,296.7 million of its Special Tax
Revenue  Bonds. In accordance with the enabling legislation, PICA was guaranteed
a percentage of the wage tax revenue expected to be collected from  Philadelphia
residents to permit repayment of the bonds.
 
   
    In  January 1993, Philadelphia anticipated  a cumulative general fund budget
deficit of $57 million for the 1993 fiscal year. In response to the  anticipated
deficit,  the Mayor unveiled a financial plan eliminating the budget deficit for
the 1993 budget year  through significant service cuts  that included a plan  to
privatize  certain city  provided services. Due  to an upsurge  in tax receipts,
cost-cutting and  additional PICA  borrowings, Philadelphia  completed the  1993
fiscal  year with a balanced general fund  budget. The audit findings for fiscal
1993 show a cumulative general fund surplus of approximately $3 million for  the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1993.
    
 
   
    In  January 1994, the Mayor proposed a $2.3 billion city general fund budget
that included no  tax increases,  no significant service  cuts and  a series  of
modest  health  and welfare  program  increases. At  that  time, the  Mayor also
unveiled a $2.2 billion program  (the "Philadelphia Economic Stimulus  Program")
designed  to stimulate Philadelphia's economy and stop  the loss of 1,000 jobs a
month. In its 1994 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
   
Philadelphia reported a cumulative general  fund surplus of approximately  $15.4
million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994.
    
 
    The  Standard & Poor's Corporation rating on Philadelphia general obligation
bonds is "BB." The Moody's Investors Service rating is currently "Ba."
 
    LITIGATION--The Commonwealth is  a party  to numerous lawsuits  in which  an
adverse  final decision could materially  affect the Commonwealth's governmental
operations and consequently its ability to pay debt service on its  obligations.
The  Commonwealth also faces tort claims made  possible by the limited waiver of
sovereign immunity effected by Act 152, approved September 28, 1978.
 
PENNSYLVANIA 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.
 
                                       36
<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      17.5   %     6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88    8.18
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      30.0         7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29    9.64
                 114.7-172.1      31.0         7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      33.0         7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07
                 114.7-172.1      34.0         7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23
                 172.1-294.6      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      39.0         8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66   11.07
                 172.1-294.6      41.5         8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11   11.54
                  Over 294.6      39.0   2     8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66   11.07
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      45.5         9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
                  Over 294.6      42.5   3     8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
</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      17.5         6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88    8.18
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      30.0         7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29    9.64
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      33.0         7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07
                 114.7-237.2      34.5         7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      39.5         8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
                  Over 237.2      39.0   2     8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66   11.07
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      42.5   3     8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
<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.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
MARCH 15, 1995
PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 195
(SERIES 790)
    
 
   
<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 Pennsylvania, Certificates of       2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       436,420
                   Participation, Series 1993A, 5.00% Due
                   7/1/15. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about July 21, 1993 at a
                   price of 92.174% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation          2003 at 100        AAA         Aaa             468,140
                   Authority, Special Tax Revenue Bonds (City of
                   Philadelphia Funding Program), Series of
                   1993, 5.625% Due 6/15/23.
    500,000      Berks County Municipal Authority                    2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             497,500
                   (Pennsylvania), Hospital Revenue Bonds (The
                   Reading Hospital and Medical Center Project),
                   Series B of 1994, 6.00% Due 10/1/14.
    500,000      Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority,     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             454,770
                   Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   1994 Series A (Pennsylvania Power & Light
                   Company Project), 5.50% Due 2/15/27.
    500,000     * Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority    2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             501,250
                   (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), Hospital
                   Revenue Bonds, Series A of 1995 (Allegheny
                   General Hospital Project), 6.25% Due 9/1/20.
                   (When issued.)
    500,000      York County Industrial Development Authority        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             514,330
                   (Pennsylvania), Pollution Control Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, 1994 Series A (Public
                   Service Electric and Gas Company Peach Bottom
                   Project), 6.45% Due 10/1/19.
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             518,160
                   Bonds of 1994 (General Obligation Bonds),
                   6.50% Due 7/1/23.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,390,570
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 39.
 
   
* These Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the  normal
  settlement  date. Their  expected delivery date  is March  23, 1995. Contracts
  relating to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement  for
  purchase  made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 14%  of the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       38
<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.
 
                                       39
<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 790:
    
 
   
       We  have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and the
     related schedules of investments at  date of deposit (included in  the
     prospectus  herein)  of  Nuveen  Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust,  Series  790
     (comprising National Insured Trust 292, Intermediate Insured Trust 78,
     Florida Insured Trust 207 and  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195), as  of
     March  15, 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  790
     as of March 15, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
     principles.
    
 
                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     March 15, 1995.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 790
    
   
  (National Insured Trust 292, Intermediate Insured Trust 78, Florida Insured
                 Trust 207 and Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195)
    
   
                              AS OF MARCH 15, 1995
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             NATIONAL          INTERMEDIATE           FLORIDA          PENNSYLVANIA
                                              INSURED             INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 292           TRUST 78            TRUST 207           TRUST 195
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-
 Exempt Bonds, backed by an irrevocable
 letter of credit(1)(2).................  $     9,604,017     $     7,323,520     $     3,354,635     $     3,390,570
Accrued interest to March 15, 1995 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................          124,402              89,067              58,549              50,716
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     9,728,419     $     7,412,587     $     3,413,184     $     3,441,286
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to March 15, 1995
      on underlying Bonds(3)............  $       124,402     $        89,067     $        58,549     $        50,716
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (National
      Insured Trust 292--100,000;
      Intermediate Insured Trust 78
      --75,000; Florida Insured Trust
      207--35,000; Pennsylvania Insured
      Trust 195--35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $    10,098,816     $     7,620,708     $     3,527,466     $     3,565,252
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (494,799)           (297,188)           (172,831)           (174,682)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     9,604,017     $     7,323,520     $     3,354,635     $     3,390,570
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     9,728,419     $     7,412,587     $     3,413,184     $     3,441,286
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<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>
    
 
                                       41
<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>
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                                      A-42
<PAGE>
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                                      A-43
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-44
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                <S>        <C>
           NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
                           PROSPECTUS
                           245,000 Units
                           National Insured Trust 292
                           Intermediate Insured Trust
                           78
                           Florida Insured Trust 207
                           Pennsylvania Insured Trust
                           195
</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.
 
   
   790
    
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 National
Insured  Trust 292 which is incorporated in  the Prospectus dated March 15, 1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             9,555,723
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            9,604,017
<RECEIVABLES>                                                       124,402
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    9,728,419
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                           124,402
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                 124,402
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                               100,000
<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>                                                      9,604,017
<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>                                                 96.04
<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
Intermediate Insured  Trust 78  which is  incorporated in  the Prospectus  dated
March  15,  1995  and  is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by  reference  to  such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             7,260,474
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            7,323,520
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        89,067
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    7,412,587
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            89,067
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  89,067
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                75,000
<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>                                                      7,323,520
<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>                                                 97.65
<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 207 which is incorporated  in the Prospectus dated March 15,  1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,342,942
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,354,635
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        58,549
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,413,184
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            58,549
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  58,549
<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>                                                      3,354,635
<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>                                                 95.85
<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
Pennsylvania Insured Trust  195 which  is incorporated in  the Prospectus  dated
March  15,  1995  and  is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by  reference  to  such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Feb-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Feb-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,359,924
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,390,570
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        50,716
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,441,286
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            50,716
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  50,716
<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>                                                      3,390,570
<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>                                                 96.87
<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 790 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 790 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 3/15/95.

 
                                NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 790
                                (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))
                                                      )
                                                      )3/15/95
___________________

*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>

790

                   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
3/15/95


                         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 790                                           March 15, 1995           
                                                                              
Item 1.  This Indenture relates to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust           
         Series 790.                                                          
                                                                              
Item 2.  The date of this Indenture is March 15, 1995.                        
                                                                              
Item 3.  Series 790 shall initially contain Trusts as follows:                
                                                                              
         (a)   National Insured Trust 292                                     
         (b)   Intermediate Insured Trust 78                                  
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust 207                                      
         (d)   Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195                                 
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 4.  Each Trust shall initially consist of the following number of Units: 
                                                                              
         (a)   National Insured Trust                  100,000 Units          
         (b)   Intermediate Insured Trust               75,000 Units          
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust                    35,000 Units          
         (d)   Pennsylvania 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)  National Insured Trust                  $ .2512 per Unit       
         ( 2)  Intermediate Insured Trust              $ .2203 per Unit       
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   $ .2462 per Unit       
         ( 4)  Pennsylvania Insured Trust              $ .2523 per Unit       
                                                                              
         (b) The date of the second distribution from the Interest Account    
             of the respective Trusts will be as follows:                     
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                  April 15, 1995         
         ( 2)  Intermediate Insured Trust              April 15, 1995         
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   April 15, 1995         
         ( 4)  Pennsylvania 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)  National Insured Trust                  April 1, 1995          
         ( 2)  Intermediate Insured Trust              April 1, 1995          
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   April 1, 1995          
         ( 4)  Pennsylvania 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)   National Insured Trust                  April 1, 1995          
         (b)   Intermediate Insured Trust              April 1, 1995          
         (c)   Florida Insured Trust                   April 1, 1995          
         (d)   Pennsylvania 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)  National Insured Trust                  $1.6487                
         ( 2)  Intermediate Insured Trust              $1.5836                
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                   $1.6725                
         ( 4)  Pennsylvania Insured Trust              $1.6759                
                                                                              
         (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)  National Insured Trust                                         
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6487          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3287          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1387          
                                                                              
         ( 2)  Intermediate Insured Trust                                     
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.5836          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.2636          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.0736          
                                                                              
         ( 3)  Florida Insured Trust                                          
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6725          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3525          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1625          
                                                                              
         ( 4)  Pennsylvania Insured Trust                                     
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6759          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3559          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1659          
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                            ADDITIONAL SCHEDULES                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                         BONDS INITIALLY DEPOSITED                            
                                                                              
                  NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 790                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
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:  National Insured Trust 292                              
         Schedule C:  Intermediate Insured Trust 78                           
         Schedule D:  Florida Insured Trust 207                               
         Schedule E:  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195                          


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.1

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

3/15/95


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

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 790 (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. 33-57819) 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)

3/15/95

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

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 790 (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 790.

    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. 33-57819) 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 Carlton, Fields, Ward, Emmanuel, Smith & Cutler, P.A. LETTERHEAD)




3/15/95


Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790
Florida Insured Trust 207
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 207

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. 33-57819) 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 Dechert Price & Rhoads Letterhead)

3/15/95


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

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790
      
     Pennsylvania Insured Trust 195

Gentlemen:

    You have requested our opinion as to the Pennsylvania tax aspects of the
above-captioned Trust(s) (the "Pennsylvania Trust(s)") which is (are) a part
of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust Series 790 ("Fund").  The Fund is
organized under the Trust Indenture and Agreement, of even date, between John
Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, as Depositor, and United States Trust Company of
New York, as Trustee.  The Fund will contain several trusts, including the
Pennsylvania Trust(s), which will issue Units of fractional undivided
interests.  The Units will be purchased by various investors ("Unit Holder").
Each Unit of the Pennsylvania Trust(s) represents a fractional undivided
interest in the principal and net income of such Trust(s) in the ratio of ten
Units for each $1,000 of value of the obligations initially acquired by such
Trust(s).  Each Pennsylvania Trust will be administered as a distinct entity
with separate certificates, investments, expenses, books and records.
 
    The proceeds of the sale of the Units will be invested primarily in
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, its agencies and instrumentalities, or political subdivisions
thereof, including any county, city, borough, town, township, school disrict,
municipality, and local housing or parking authority in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or issued by Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam or the
Northern Mariana Islands ("Bonds").  Distributions of the interest received by
the Trust will be made semi-annually unless the Unit Holder elects otherwise.
In the opinion of bond counsel to each issuer, the interest on all bonds in
the Trust is exempt fromn federal income tax under existing law.

    You have advised us that for federal income tax purposes each Pennsylvania
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.  Each Unit Holder will be considered the owner of a pro
rata portion of the Unit Holder's respective Pennsylvania Trust and will be
subject to tax on the income therefrom under the provisions of Subpart E of
Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. A Pennsylvania
Trust itself will not be subject to federal income taxes. For federal income
tax purposes, each item of trust income will have the same character in the
hands of a Unit Holder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee.
Accordingly, to the extent that the income of a Pennsylvania Trust consists of
interest excludable from gross income under Section 103 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, such income will be excludable from federal gross income
of the Unit Holder.

    Based upon the above facts, it is our opinion that for Pennsylvania state
and local tax purposes, a Pennsylvania Trust will be recognized as a trust not
taxable as a corporation.  It will, therefore, not be subject to the 
Pennsylvania Capital Stock/Franchise Tax or the Pennsylvania Corporate Net
Income Tax.  Since all of the income of a Trust is either itself income exempt
from Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax, as described below, or is required by 
the terms of the Trust to be distributed to the holders of Units, a Trust 
should not be subject to Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax.  The Philadelphia
School District Investment Income Tax described below, is not imposed on 
trusts.

    Various personal property taxes are in effect in Pennsylvania, however, 
each of them exempts, inter alia, Bonds, cash, checking and savings accounts 
in and certificates of deposit issued by commercial banks, savings 
institutions or trust companies and United States Treasury obligations.  In
general, these taxes apply to a specified list of items of intangible 
personal property including, inter alia, mortgages and other evidences of
indebtedness and shares of stock issued by business corporations not doing
business in Pennsylvania.  The taxes referred to above include the County 
Personal Property Tax imposed on residents of Pennsylvania by the Act of 
June 17, 1913, P.L. 507, as amended, the additional personal property taxes 
imposed on Pittsburgh residents by the School District of Pittsburgh under 
the Act of June 20, 1947, P.L. 733, as amended, and by the City of Pittsburgh 
by Ordinance No. 599 of December 28, 1967, under the Act of December 31, 1965,
P.L. 1257, and any additional personal property taxes that the School District
of Philadelphia may reimpose on Philadelphia residents under the authority 
contained in the Act of May 23, 1949, P.L. 1676, as amended.  Units evidencing 
fractional undivided interests in a Pennsylvania Trust will not be subject to 
any of these personal property taxes to the extent of that proportion of a 
Pennsylvania Trust represented by Bonds and other exempt assets. Only that 
proportion of the Units represented by taxable assets will be subject to the 
personal property taxes.  Pennsylvania Trust Units may be taxable under the 
Pennsylvania inheritance and estate taxes.
 
    The interest and gain from obligations issued by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or by its political subdivisions or by any public authority of
either are exempt from tax under the Act of August 31, 1971, P.L. 395, 
Act No. 94.  However, that Act was repealed by the Act of December 3, 1993,
P.L. 473, Act No. 68 ("Act 68 of 1993") with respect to obligations issued
on or after February 1, 1994.  Pursuant to Act 68 of 1993, profits, gains or
income derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of exempt 
government obligations issued after February 1, 1994 will be subject to
state or local taxation although interest and "income" derived from the
exempt obligations will continue to be exempt from all state and local 
taxation.  Therefore, the proportion of income representing interest from 
Bonds distributable to Unit Holders is not taxable under the Pennsylvania
Personal Income Tax imposed by Article III of the Pennsylvania "Tax Reform
Code of 1971", as amended by the Act of August 31, 1971, P.L. 362, Act No. 93,
or under the Corporate Net Income Tax imposed on corporations by Article IV of
the Tax Reform Code.  Similarly, such interest will not be taxable under the 
Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax imposed on

<PAGE>

Philadelphia resident individuals under the authority of the Act of August 9,
1963, P.L. 640, as implemented by Section 19-1804 of the Philadelphia Code,
as amended, and resolutions of the Board of Education of the School District
of Philadelphia made pursuant to the ordinances, and such interest will not be
subject to any of the taxes on net income from business activities in 
Philadelphia under Philadelphia Code Sections 19-1500 and 19-2600, imposing
a Net Profits Tax and a Business Privilege Tax respectively.  The City and
School District of Pittsburgh do not impose any taxes on unearned income.
 
    Under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Law, personal income tax is
imposed upon the following specified classes of income:  (1) compensation for
services, (2) net profits from the operation of a business, profession, or 
other activity, (3) net gains or income from the disposition of property, (4) 
net gains or income in the form of rents and royalties, (5) dividends, (6) 
interest from obligations not otherwise exempt, (7) gambling and lottery
winnings, (8) net gains or income from estates or trusts which fall under any 
of the preceding classifications.  Although there is no published authority
on the question, it is our opinion that any insurance proceeds paid in lieu of
interest on defaulted tax-exempt obligations will be exempt from Pennsylvania 
Personal Income Tax either as payment in lieu of tax-exempt interest or as 
payments of insurance proceeds which are not included in any of the classes 
of income specified as taxable under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax 
Law.  Since Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax is imposed upon the 
corporation's net income for federal income tax purposes, because such
insurance proceeds will be excluded from the federal income tax base, such
proceeds will not be subject to the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax.
Finally, since proceeds from insurance policies are expressly excluded from
the Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax, insurance proceeds
paid to replace defaulted payments under any Bonds held by the Pennsylvania
Trust(s) will not be subject to this tax.

    Under Act 68 of 1993, a Unit Holder's share of gain upon disposition of a 
Bond issued on or after February 1, 1994 by the Pennsylvania Trust, whether 
by sale, exchange, redemption or payment at maturity, will be taxable 
under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax.  Gains on the disposition of Bonds
issued before February 1, 1994 will continue to be exempt.  See 72 P.S. Section
7303(a)(3) and 61 Pa. Code Section. 121.9(b)(3).  While there is no published 
authority with respect to the treatment of such gains for purposes of the 
Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax, it is our opinion that
gains upon dispositions of Bonds issued before February 1, 1994 are exempt from 
this tax under Act of August 31, 1971, P.L. 395, Act No. 94, and, if the 
question were litigated, the Pennsylvania courts should so hold.  Gains on the 
disposition of Bonds issued on or after February 1, 1994 will be taxable.  
In any event, the Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax has no
application to any gain on the disposition of property held for more than
six months. 

    In C.C. Collings & Co., Inc. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 514 A.2d 1373
(1986), and two related cases, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held that 
gains or losses from the sale of obligations of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, its political subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies are 
not subject to the Corporate Net Income Tax.  Profits, gains or income
derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of those exempt 
obligations issued on or after February 1, 1994, however, will be subject
to tax pursuant to Act 68 of 1993.  

    There is no published authority under any of the Pennsylvania state and
local income taxes described above with respect to gain from the redemption
or sale of a Unit.  To the extent that such gain represents the
Unit Holder's share of any unrealized gain on the Bonds issued before 
February 1, 1994 and held by the Trust, it is our opinion that such gain is 
exempt from the above-described Pennsylvania state and local income taxes and, 
if the question were litigated, the Pennsylvania courts should so hold.  To the
extent that such gain is attributable to unrealized gain on Bonds issued on 
or after February 1, 1994, such gain will be taxable under such taxes.  In any
event, the Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax has no 
application to any gain on the disposition of property held for more than six 
months.
 
    Interest on obligations of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, or the
Northern Mariana Islands is, under federal law, exempt from taxation by states
and municipalities.  Federal law does not expressly exclude from taxation gain
realized upon the disposition of such obligations.  Therefore, a disposition
of such obligations by a Pennsylvania Trust could be a taxable event to a
Holder under each of the Pennsylvania state and local income taxes discussed
in the preceding paragraphs.  See Willcuts v. Bunn, 282 U.S. 216 (1931); U.S.
v. Stewart, 311 U.S. 60 (1940).  Similarly, to the extent that gain on the
redemption or sale of a Unit represents unrealized gain on such obligations
held by a Pennsylvania Trust, such gain could be taxable. 

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (No. 33-57819) relating to the Units referred to
above, and to the reference to our firm as special Pennsylvania tax counsel in
said Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.

Very truly yours,


DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.1

(ON STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION LETTERHEAD)

3/15/95

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

RE: Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790

Gentlemen:

    This is in response to your requests regarding the above-
captioned fund which consists of separate underlying unit investment trusts
(the "trusts"), SEC file # 33-57819.

    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 solely 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 attached 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' rating to
the units of each insured trust and a 'AAA' rating to the securities contained
in each insured 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 trust's purchase price
will reduce payment to the unit holders of the interest and 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 the name of Standard & 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
amount of time after the closing or should they not conform to the
certification received by us, we reserve the right to nullify the ratings.

Very truly yours,

STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION


 By Sanford Bragg



<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.2

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

3/15/95

John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-1286

RE:  Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Series 790

Gentlemen:

      We have examined Registration Statement File No. 33-57819 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 790
                               File No. 33-57819


    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 3/15/95,
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

3/15/95


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