Yes, Frank knew Jamie Fraser was alive.
Frank's Knowledge of Jamie's Survival
Frank Randall was indeed aware that Jamie Fraser had survived the Battle of Culloden. This significant piece of information was something Frank chose to keep secret, primarily to protect Claire and, to some extent, himself. He never directly disclosed this truth to Claire during his lifetime.
Instead of a direct revelation, Frank took a subtle and symbolic action to acknowledge Jamie's survival:
- He instructed Reverend Wakefield to arrange for a fake headstone to be placed in the kirkyard at St. This headstone bore Jamie Fraser's full name, serving as a private acknowledgement of his continued existence, rather than his death.
This deliberate act by Frank highlights his complex character and his deep understanding of Claire's past and the emotional ties she held. While he could not bring himself to tell her directly, his actions indicated his profound knowledge of the events and the fate of Jamie Fraser.