It was indeed only an experiment but Davis did instigate the experiment. I found this through the National Park Service website. Its a great article worth the reading.

Source: http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/hh/38/hh38h.htm

"Secretary of War Jefferson Davis believed that the vexing problem of supply and transportation on the western deserts might be solved by the use of camels. At his urging, Congress in 1855 appropriated $30,000 to conduct experiments. By early 1856, 74 camels had been brought from the Levant and corralled at Camp Verde north of San Antonio. The first camels passed by Fort Davis in July 1857 under charge of a naval officer, Lt. Edward F. Beale..."

"Despite their demonstrated value, camels were not again used. Those at Camp Verde fell into the hands of Confederates in 1861...."

I find it odd that a Naval officer was put in charge of camels in Texas. Sounds like an episode of the old F-Troop TV show. Anyway, looks like the Ft. Tejon camels were part of second experiment under Davis's succesor as Secretary of War John B. Floyd. A 3rd "test" was also conducted and Bvt. Col. Robert E. Lee, the acting department commander, wrote... "But for their endurance, docility, and sagacity, the reconnaissance would have failed."

Jim, do you know if any of the officers or men of the 43rd Mississippi had ties to Camp Verde?